AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about twenty minutes into the Cohiba Siglo II, when the smoke seems to rearrange the air around it. What began as a disciplined exercise in restraint—a corona of perfect proportion, a draw of silk—becomes a conversation. This is not the loud, leather-clad bravado of a robusto; it is the quiet confidence of a perfectly tailored suit. The Siglo II is the Línea 1492’s poet, not its orator, and in its 5.2-inch frame it delivers a narrative that heavier ring gauges can only shout over. From the first cold draw, which offers a whisper of dried hay and the faintest cream, you sense you are in the presence of a cigar that understands the value of a pause. The pre-light aroma is a bouquet of pressed wildflowers and cedar shavings, a promise of the elegance to come. Upon ignition, the opening salvo is a study in refined tension: a core of toasted brioche is immediately wrapped in a bright, citrus-kissed cedar, while a fine-grained white pepper dances on the mid-palate. The smoke itself is a marvel—dense, creamy, and impossibly silky, a testament to the roleras at El Laguito who have elevated the roll to a craft of near-architectural precision. There is no harshness, no raw edge, only a seamless, luxurious mouthfeel that coats the tongue and invites the next draw. As the first third yields to the second, the cigar’s true character emerges. The cedar deepens into a rich, aromatic sandalwood, while a spoonful of dark, wildflower honey begins to sweeten the profile. This is where the signature medio tiempo leaf makes its presence known—not as a hammer, but as a subtle, persistent warmth. The white pepper evolves, losing its sharpness and gaining a roasted, almost nutty complexity, like a freshly cracked Brazil nut. A gentle undercurrent of saddle leather and a zesty orange peel add savory and bright counterpoints, creating a beautiful tension. The retrohale is the star here, revealing a floral, herbaceous character—think chamomile and fresh thyme—that is the unmistakable signature of the Vuelta Abajo wrapper, a leaf grown under shade that imparts a delicacy no sun-grown tobacco can replicate. The final third is a masterclass in graceful resolution. The sweetness recedes, making way for a deeper, more contemplative profile of dark cocoa, damp earth, and aged oak. The spice, which had been building, now settles into a warm, comforting glow on the roof of the mouth, never tipping into aggression. The signature creaminess persists, carrying the flavors to a long, satisfying finish that leaves a pleasant, almost vanilla-like sweetness on the lips. The ash, a firm, light-grey pillar, holds for over an inch, a testament to the impeccable construction. By the time you set the nub down, you are not left with the feeling of having smoked a cigar, but of having shared a quiet, profound moment with a piece of Cuban history. This is the Siglo II’s genius: it is not just a smoke, but a meditation on balance, a reminder that true power lies not in volume, but in precision.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo, Tapado (shade-grown) — Havana leaf — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo — a blend of seco, ligero, and volado leaves, with the signature Cohiba addition of fermented medio t |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — El Laguito factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.2 x 42 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $25–$35 per cigar (LCDH/authorized pricing); significant gray market variance |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two additional years of aging post-rolling at El Laguito; box aging of 3–5 years further develops complexity and |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw reveals hay, dried flowers, and mild creaminess. Upon lighting, expect a refined cedar note underpinned by white pepper and toasted bread. The smoke is silky from the outset with excellent density — a hallmark of the El Laguito roll.
Second Third
Complexity builds noticeably: roasted coffee and dark honey emerge, balanced by subtle leather and a citrus zest undercurrent. The medio tiempo influence becomes apparent here with a refined but persistent spice — white pepper evolving toward a warm nuttiness. The retrohale reveals elegant floral and herbaceous notes unique to Havana leaf.
Final Third
The finish deepens toward cocoa, dark wood, and a mild earthiness without harshness — a testament to quality aging. The spice intensifies moderately but never overwhelms, and a pleasant sweetness lingers on the palate post-smoke. Cohiba's signature creaminess persists to the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction at El Laguito is consistently precise — expect a razor-sharp, even burn line, a firm draw with ideal resistance, and a firm, slightly flaky ash holding 1–1.5 inches without incident. One of the most consistently constructed Habanos on the market.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban rum (Havana Club 15 Año or Ron Zacapa 23) is the quintessential pairing; a lightly peated Speyside Scotch such as Balvenie DoubleWood 17 also complements the cedar and honey notes beautifully
Wine
A white Burgundy — Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet — mirrors the cigar's creaminess and floral elegance; alternatively a Pinot Noir from Côte de Nuits for those preferring red
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee, light-to-medium roast, echoes the floral and citrus undertones; alternatively a high-grade Darjeeling first flush tea
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a humidor full of bold, high-octane Nicaraguans but finds himself, on a quiet Sunday afternoon, craving something with a lighter touch and a longer memory. He is not a novice, but he is weary of being challenged; he wants to be seduced. He has a glass of 15-year-old rum at his side, a stack of unread essays, and a quiet patio where the only interruption is the occasional bird. He has smoked enough to know that the Cohiba name carries weight, but he is here for the experience, not the label. He wants a cigar that will not demand his full attention, but will reward it richly when given. The Siglo II will give him that—a 50-minute interlude of creamy cedar and honeyed spice that feels less like a habit and more like a ritual, a chance to recalibrate his palate and remember why he fell in love with Havana in the first place.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Siglo II is a flawless expression of the corona format, a cigar of such refined balance and sensory poetry that it redefines the standard for Cuban elegance. It is not just a great Cohiba; it is a benchmark for the entire habano genre, a quiet masterpiece that demands to be savored.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Cohiba cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Siglo II a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means you will experience a satisfying, warming presence on the palate and a gentle, building nicotine hum, but it will not overwhelm you with heaviness or cause any light-headedness. It is a cigar of aromatic complexity and flavor depth, not raw power, making it suitable for a focused afternoon session.
What does Cohiba Siglo II taste like?
The flavor journey begins with refined cedar, white pepper, and toasted bread. It evolves into a complex core of roasted coffee, dark honey, subtle leather, and a citrus zest undercurrent. The finale deepens into dark cocoa, dark wood, and mild earthiness, all wrapped in Cohiba's signature persistent creaminess.
How long does Cohiba Siglo II take to smoke?
As a Corona vitola measuring 5.2 inches with a 42 ring gauge, you should budget for a 45 to 55 minute smoke. The relatively narrow ring gauge ensures a slow, even burn that encourages a contemplative pace, making it an ideal length for a purposeful break rather than a long evening session.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Siglo II?
An aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15 Año is the quintessential pairing. Its rich, oaky vanilla and dried fruit notes create a harmonious echo of the cigar's cedar and dark honey flavors, while its smoothness complements the creamy smoke without overpowering the delicate Havana leaf profile.
Is Cohiba Siglo II good for beginners?
While its Medium strength is approachable, the $25–$35 per cigar price point (LCDH/authorized pricing) makes it a significant investment for a palate still in development. A beginner might not fully appreciate the subtle interplay of flavors that makes this cigar exceptional. It is better suited for someone with enough experience to recognize and savor its refined character, rather than a first or second cigar.
Where can I buy Cohiba Siglo II?
For guaranteed authenticity, you must purchase from a licensed La Casa del Habano (LCDH) franchise or an authorized Habanos S.A. specialist retailer. These are the only official channels that can ensure the cigar's provenance and proper storage. Avoid gray market sources, as the risk of counterfeit or improperly aged product is significant.
What is the price of Cohiba Siglo II?
The official pricing at LCDH or authorized retailers is between $25 and $35 per cigar. However, be aware that there is significant gray market variance; you may see prices far outside this range from unofficial sources, which should be a red flag for authenticity and quality.
Is Cohiba Siglo II worth aging?
Absolutely. While it is excellent fresh after its minimum two years of post-rolling aging at El Laguito, further box aging of 3–5 years will allow the flavors to meld and mellow, softening the white pepper and deepening the honey and cocoa notes into a more integrated, creamy whole. The delicate wrapper and medium body make it an ideal candidate for this kind of careful maturation.
What wrapper does Cohiba Siglo II use?
It uses a Cuban Vuelta Abajo, Tapado (shade-grown) — Havana leaf wrapper. This specific leaf, grown under gauze to filter sunlight, is prized for its delicate texture, silky sheen, and the ability to impart a refined floral and herbaceous character that is the hallmark of the Cohiba brand's elegance.
Where is Cohiba Siglo II made?
It is made in Havana, Cuba, at the legendary El Laguito factory. This is where Cohiba's most skilled roleras hand-roll each cigar (totalmente a mano — tripa larga), using only the finest Vuelta Abajo fillers, including the signature medio tiempo leaf, ensuring the highest level of construction precision and consistency.