The Contenders
1. Classic Cuban: Montecristo No. 2
2. Non-Cuban Challenger #1: Merchant Cigars by Don Palomon
3. Non-Cuban Challenger #2: Rocky Patel 60 Robusto
1. Montecristo No. 2 (Cuba)
Historical Standing
Montecristo No. 2 has long been regarded as the gold standard for a classic Cuban torpedo. Its pedigree dates back decades, and for many connoisseurs, it remains a nostalgic gateway to the mystique of Cuban tobacco.
Recent Rating
In 2020, Cigar Aficionado awarded the Montecristo No. 2 an 89 rating, indicating a solid performance but not the same lofty heights it once ruled.
Flavor Profile & Construction
• Wrapper/Binder/Filler: Cuban Pinar del Río region
• Tasting Notes: Traditionally offers medium-to-full body with a soft cedar aroma, hints of café mocha, and a mellow pepper undertone.
• Overall Impression: Smooth and refined, but critics have noted some inconsistency in draw and burn, especially in more recent batches.
2. Merchant Cigars by Don Palomon (Nicaragua/Dominican Republic)
Small-Batch Excellence
Don Palomon’s Merchant Cigars have garnered a cult following among aficionados seeking meticulously curated tobacco without the premium markup of more famous brands. This line spotlights a Habano 2000 wrapper and a balanced blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers.
Wrapper & Blend
• Wrapper: Habano 2000 (Ecuador or Nicaragua grown, depending on the batch)
• Binder: Dominican Criollo 98 (often), adding a subtle spice
• Filler: A combination of Nicaraguan Estelí and Dominican leaf for complexity
Flavor Profile
• First Third: An immediate warm spice overlaid with cocoa notes—a nod to the Estelí influence.
• Midpoint: Transition into a smooth coffee-and-nutty sweetness, rounding out the spice.
• Final Third: Gently intensifies with hints of pepper and leather, finishing clean.
Why It Surpasses the Cuban
• Consistency & Construction: Each Merchant cigar is small-batch, with rigorous quality checks that minimize draw or burn issues often lamented in some Cubans.
• Flavor Complexity: The interplay of Dominican sweetness and Nicaraguan spice results in a robust yet balanced profile.
• Growing Fan Base: Although Cigar Aficionado hasn’t formally ranked Merchant Cigars yet, the brand’s reputation among boutique enthusiasts continues to climb, with ex-Cuban devotees praising its consistency.
3. Rocky Patel 60 Robusto (Nicaragua)
Top-Rated Upstart
Rocky Patel has multiple cigars in the 90+ club, but the Rocky Patel 60 Robusto caused a stir when it landed the #2 spot in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 of 2021 with an impressive 96 rating. This line commemorates Rocky Patel’s 60th birthday—a milestone that translates into a celebratory, carefully aged blend.
Wrapper & Blend
• Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan (carefully aged)
Flavor Profile
• First Third: A dense chocolatey sweetness with undertones of espresso.
• Midpoint: Layers of earth, subtle leather, and a refined spice that fans of Nicaraguan tobacco will find irresistible.
• Final Third: Deepens into cocoa, roasted coffee beans, and a lingering peppery finish.
Why It Surpasses the Cuban
• Rating & Recognition: A 96 rating in Cigar Aficionado is no small feat, and outranks many venerable Cuban releases from the same timeframe.
• Depth of Flavor: While still smooth, it delivers a complexity and richness that the Montecristo No. 2 has arguably lacked in recent years.
• Modern Blending Techniques: Combining a San Andrés wrapper with carefully aged Nicaraguan leaves leverages global tobacco innovation, unencumbered by Cuba’s restrictive farming and aging processes.
The Verdict
• Montecristo No. 2 remains a charming piece of cigar history, especially for those seeking a classic Cuban profile. However, its 89 rating and reported inconsistencies indicate that it may no longer command the top tiers of global rankings.
• Merchant Cigars by Don Palomon demonstrate the power of small-batch craftsmanship and meticulous blending, delivering a flavor profile that resonates with connoisseurs who value precision and depth. It’s a boutique label on the rise—one that often outshines its Cuban counterparts in terms of reliability and nuanced taste.
• Rocky Patel 60 Robusto underscores why the non-Cuban category has seized so much of the spotlight. With a standout 96 rating and a masterful balance of bold flavors, it showcases how innovative blending and free-market creativity can result in world-class cigars that rival or surpass iconic Cubans.
Final Thoughts
While the allure of a legendary Cuban name endures, cigar lovers seeking full-bodied complexity, construction consistency, and top-shelf ratings would do well to look beyond the island’s storied shores. Whether it’s the quiet craft of Merchant Cigars by Don Palomon or the tried-and-tested excellence of Rocky Patel, the modern cigar landscape offers a wealth of options that continue to rival—and frequently eclipse—the classics. In a world where innovation knows no borders, the ultimate winner is the open-minded aficionado, free to explore an ever-broadening horizon of remarkable smokes.
