AshMap
Overview
The Cohiba Siglo II is not merely a cigar; it is a distillation of Cuban cigar-making philosophy at its most refined. Introduced in 1992 as part of the Línea 1492 — a series created to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas — the Siglo II represents a deliberate departure from the bold, ligero-forward profiles that dominate many modern portfolios. Instead, it champions balance, nuance, and the singular terroir of the Vuelta Abajo region. At 5.2 inches with a 42-ring gauge, this Corona vitola is an exercise in proportion: the slender diameter forces the smoker to draw slowly and deliberately, allowing the interplay of seco, volado, and ligero — elevated by Cohiba’s signature fermented medio tiempo leaf — to unfold with almost architectural precision. The wrapper, a shade-grown Tapado from Vuelta Abajo, exhibits a Colorado-colored sheen that is silky and lightly oily, telegraphing the elegance within. Rolled at the legendary El Laguito factory by Havana’s most accomplished roleras, each Siglo II undergoes a minimum of two years of post-rolling aging before release, and aficionados routinely add three to five more years of box age to unlock the cigar’s full potential. This commitment to time — to patience — is what separates the Siglo II from the transient pleasures of lesser smokes. The flavor arc is a masterclass in progression. In the first third, a cold draw of hay and dried flowers gives way to refined cedar, white pepper, and toasted bread — the smoke silky and dense from the first puff. The second third introduces roasted coffee, dark honey, and subtle leather, with a citrus zest undercurrent that keeps the palate alert. The medio tiempo leaf makes its presence known here: a refined, persistent spice that evolves into warm nuttiness, while the retrohale offers floral and herbaceous notes that only Havana leaf can deliver. The final third deepens into cocoa, dark wood, and a mild earthiness, without a trace of harshness — a testament to the quality of the tobacco and the aging regimen. The spice intensifies but never overwhelms, and a pleasant sweetness lingers on the palate long after the nub is set down. Construction is consistently precise: a razor-sharp burn line, ideal draw resistance, and a firm ash that holds for over an inch. For those who dismiss Habanos as over-hyped or inconsistent, the Siglo II — properly aged, legitimately sourced — is the definitive rebuttal. It is, in the truest sense, the argument for why Cuba still matters.
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?
The Siglo II is for the smoker who values precision over volume, nuance over brute strength. It rewards the experienced palate — those who can discern the gentle evolution from cedar to cocoa, who appreciate the role of time in softening spice into warmth. This is not a cigar for the hurried or the distracted; it demands a 45-to-55-minute sit-down ritual, ideally after a lunch or during a contemplative afternoon. Beginners may find its medium body approachable, but its complexity will be best appreciated by those who have already navigated stronger profiles and now seek the subtlety that only properly aged Havana leaf can provide. If you have ever wondered what makes Cuban cigars worth the pursuit, this is your answer.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Siglo II is a perfectly proportioned expression of Vuelta Abajo terroir, elevated by the rare medio tiempo leaf and the unrivaled skill of El Laguito’s roleras. It is not merely a cigar — it is a masterclass in balance, aging, and restraint. For the discerning smoker, it is indispensable.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Cohiba cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Siglo II a strong cigar?
No. The Siglo II is classified as medium strength (3/5). Its nicotine delivery is measured and refined, allowing the smoker to appreciate the full flavor arc without being overwhelmed. The medio tiempo leaf adds complexity and spice rather than raw power.
What does Cohiba Siglo II taste like?
The flavor profile evolves from refined cedar, white pepper, and toasted bread in the first third, to roasted coffee, dark honey, leather, and citrus zest in the second third, and finishes with cocoa, dark wood, and mild earthiness. A consistent creaminess and floral-herbaceous notes via the retrohale are signatures of the blend.
How long does Cohiba Siglo II take to smoke?
Expect a 45-to-55-minute smoke. The slender 42-ring gauge encourages a slow, deliberate pace. This is not a cigar for a quick smoke; it is meant to be savored in a seated, focused setting.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Siglo II?
An aged Cuban rum such as Havana Club 15 Año or Ron Zacapa 23 is the classic pairing. A lightly peated Speyside Scotch (e.g., Balvenie DoubleWood 17) complements the cedar and honey notes. For wine, a white Burgundy (Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet) mirrors the cigar’s creaminess, while a Pinot Noir from Côte de Nuits suits red-wine drinkers. Non-alcoholic options include a single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee or a high-grade Darjeeling first flush tea.
Is Cohiba Siglo II good for beginners?
The medium body and smooth profile make it physically accessible for beginners, but its complexity — particularly the subtle transitions and the influence of medio tiempo — is best appreciated by those with some smoking experience. A beginner may enjoy it, but will likely miss the cigar’s deeper nuances. We recommend it as an aspirational smoke for those developing their palate.
Where can I buy Cohiba Siglo II?
Authorized sources include La Casa del Habano (LCDH) retailers and official Habanos distributors in Cuba and select global markets. Gray-market purchases carry significant risk of counterfeits. For authentication, verify the holographic warranty seal, box code, and triple-cap construction.
What is the price of Cohiba Siglo II?
Authorized pricing at LCDH retailers ranges from $25 to $35 per cigar. Gray-market prices vary wildly and may be significantly higher or lower, but authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Always purchase from a trusted, verified source.
Is Cohiba Siglo II worth aging?
Absolutely. The Siglo II already undergoes a minimum of two years of post-rolling aging at El Laguito. Additional box aging of three to five years further mellows the spice, deepens the cocoa and earth notes, and integrates the medio tiempo character into a more seamless, elegant smoke. Patience is richly rewarded.
What wrapper does Cohiba Siglo II use?
The wrapper is a Cuban Vuelta Abajo Tapado — shade-grown under cheesecloth to produce a silky, delicate leaf. It presents a Colorado color (medium brown) with a lightly oily sheen. This wrapper is integral to the cigar’s refined aromatic profile.
Where is Cohiba Siglo II made?
It is hand-rolled (totalmente a mano, tripa larga) at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba, by the island’s most skilled roleras. All tobacco — wrapper, binder, and filler — is sourced from the Vuelta Abajo region.