AshMap
Overview
The Siglo II is the quiet intellectual of the Cohiba lineup—a cigar that doesn't announce itself with brawn but with a whisper of cedar and cream that lingers like a half-remembered melody. In a portfolio where the Esplendido and Siglo VI command attention with sheer physical presence, this Mareva-sized corona is the connoisseur's retort to the age of excess: proof that the most profound expressions of Vuelta Abajo tobacco come not from size, but from the precision of the blender's hand. At 5.1 x 42, it is a study in restraint, a cigar that forces you to lean in, to listen, to pay attention—and rewards that attention with a narrative arc that unfolds like a well-worn leather-bound novel.
From the first cold draw, the Siglo II signals its pedigree: fresh hay, cream, and a white pepper that tingles rather than bites. Once lit, the opening third is a masterclass in El Laguito elegance—roasted coffee bean, sweet cedar, and a citrus note on the retrohale that dances like sunlight on a Havana morning. The smoke is medium-bodied, but its texture is almost velvety, coating the palate with a creaminess that never feels heavy. This is not a cigar that shouts; it murmurs, and the murmuring is hypnotic.
By the second third, the triple-fermented ligero begins to assert itself, not with force but with depth. Dark chocolate emerges, bittersweet and rich, followed by toasted almonds and a honeyed creaminess that binds the elements together. A subtle leather note threads through the profile, adding a savory counterpoint, while floral undertones—jasmine, perhaps, or orange blossom—linger in the background, a reminder of the high-grade Vuelta Abajo leaf at the core. The balance is impeccable; each flavor takes its turn, none overstaying its welcome.
The final third is where the Siglo II reveals its true ambition. Espresso, aged cedar, and a sophisticated earthiness converge, yet the hallmark Cohiba creaminess persists, carrying the smoke to the nub with a warmth and gentle spice that lingers long after the final draw. There is no harshness, no bitterness—just a quiet, satisfying conclusion to a narrative that has been building since the first puff. The burn is flawless, the ash a firm, pale gray that holds for over an inch, a testament to the construction that has made El Laguito the gold standard of Habanos S.A.
This is a cigar that rewards patience and attention. It is not for the restless or the distracted; it is for those who understand that the finest things in life are not the loudest, but the ones that require you to listen closely. The Siglo II is a meditation in smoke, a reminder that true elegance is never about size—it is about the precision of every detail, the harmony of every note, and the quiet confidence of a cigar that knows exactly what it is.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo — Corojo-derivative from San Juan y Martínez — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo ligero, seco, and volado leaves; fermented three times including a secondary fermentation reserved ex |
| Country of Origin | Cuba — El Laguito factory, Havana |
| Vitola / Shape | Mareva (Corona) |
| Size | 5.1 x 42 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $25–$35 per cigar (LCDH / authorized retailer; prices vary significantly by market) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Triple-fermented tobaccos; minimum 18 months in-factory aging recommended before release; benefits from 3–5 years of hum |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with fresh hay, cream, and white pepper. Once lit, the Siglo II greets with roasted coffee bean, sweet cedar, and a gentle citrus note on the retrohale — classic El Laguito elegance from the first draw.
Second Third
Complexity deepens as the triple-fermented ligero begins to express itself: dark chocolate, toasted almonds, and a honeyed creaminess emerge. A subtle leather note threads through, balanced by lingering floral undertones characteristic of high-grade Vuelta Abajo leaf.
Final Third
The final third intensifies into espresso, aged cedar, and a sophisticated earthiness without ever turning harsh. The hallmark Cohiba creaminess persists to the nub, finishing with a long, warm, slightly spiced aftertaste.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction at El Laguito is among the most consistent in Habanos S.A.'s portfolio — the Siglo II delivers an effortless, cool draw and a straight, even burn producing a firm, pale gray ash that holds 1–1.5 inches comfortably. A textbook example of how a well-made 42-ring cigar should perform.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged rum is the quintessential pairing — Zacapa 23, Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, or a 12-year Havana Club. Alternatively, a light-to-medium single malt Scotch (Glenfarclas 15, Dalwhinnie 15) will harmonize without overwhelming the cigar's elegance.
Wine
A medium-bodied Spanish Rioja Reserva (Marqués de Riscal, La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904) or a restrained Burgundy Pinot Noir complements the cedar, cream, and dark chocolate notes without clashing.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Colombian or Ethiopian light-roast pour-over coffee mirrors the cigar's inherent creaminess and citrus-floral notes beautifully. A high-quality Earl Grey with a touch of honey also works elegantly.
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a mid-career architect, someone who has spent years designing minimalist spaces that speak through negative space and light. It is a Tuesday afternoon, and they have just finished a client presentation that went well—not spectacularly, but well enough. They step onto the balcony of their apartment overlooking a city park, the autumn sun low and golden. They have a 45-minute window before their next call, and they reach for the Siglo II because they want something that matches their mood: contemplative, refined, not demanding. They have smoked through the Partagás D4s and the Montecristo No. 2s, and they are looking for something that rewards a slower, more deliberate pace. This cigar will give them that—a quiet hour of cedar, cream, and dark chocolate that mirrors the satisfaction of a well-executed detail, the kind that only they notice. It is not a celebration cigar; it is a reflection cigar, for the moments when you want to savor the process, not just the outcome.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II is a masterclass in understatement—a cigar that proves the most profound expressions of Cuban tobacco come not from size, but from precision. It is the connoisseur's choice, a quiet triumph that rewards patience with a symphony of flavor. If you have the palate and the pocketbook, this is a cigar you owe yourself.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Cohiba Siglo VI cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. This means it offers a satisfying nicotine presence that is noticeable but never overwhelming, making it suitable for midday or post-lunch smoking without causing dizziness or fatigue. The strength builds gradually through the thirds, peaking in the final third with a warm, spiced finish, but it never crosses into full-bodied territory.
What does Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II taste like?
The flavor profile evolves through three distinct phases. First third: roasted coffee bean, sweet cedar, and a gentle citrus note on the retrohale. Second third: dark chocolate, toasted almonds, honeyed creaminess, and a subtle leather thread with floral undertones. Final third: espresso, aged cedar, sophisticated earthiness, and a persistent creaminess that carries to a warm, slightly spiced finish.
How long does Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II take to smoke?
As a Mareva (Corona) vitola measuring 5.1 x 42, the Siglo II typically provides a 50-minute to 1-hour smoking experience. The moderate ring gauge and medium strength allow for a leisurely pace without the time commitment of larger vitolas like the Siglo VI, making it ideal for a lunch break or a focused afternoon session.
What is the best pairing for Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II?
A well-aged rum is the quintessential pairing—try Zacapa 23 or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva. The rum's natural sweetness and oak notes complement the cigar's cedar, cream, and dark chocolate flavors, while its moderate proof cleanses the palate without overwhelming the cigar's elegance. For a non-alcoholic option, a single-origin Colombian or Ethiopian light-roast pour-over coffee mirrors the cigar's creaminess and citrus-floral notes beautifully.
Is Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II good for beginners?
While the strength is Medium (3/5) and approachable, the price point of $25–$35 per cigar (LCDH / authorized retailer; prices vary significantly by market) makes it a significant investment for a novice. Beginners who are still developing their palate may not fully appreciate the subtle transitions and nuanced flavor profile, and they might be better served by a more affordable cigar to hone their tasting skills before exploring this prestige tier.
Where can I buy Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II?
The Siglo II is available at La Casa del Habano (LCDH) stores and authorized Habanos S.A. retailers worldwide. Due to its prestige status and Cuban origin, it is not sold through general tobacco shops or online marketplaces that are not officially licensed. For authenticity and to avoid counterfeits, always purchase from an authorized dealer, especially when traveling in Cuba or other countries with official Habanos distribution.
What is the price of Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II?
The price ranges from $25 to $35 per cigar at LCDH or authorized retailers, but prices vary significantly by market due to import taxes, local demand, and availability. In some regions, such as Europe or Asia, prices may be higher, while in Cuba itself, they may be lower. Always check with an authorized dealer for current local pricing.
Is Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobacco is triple-fermented and has a minimum of 18 months in-factory aging before release, but the cigar benefits significantly from 3–5 years of humidor aging. Over time, the citrus and floral notes in the first third mellow into deeper honey and leather nuances, while the final third's espresso and earthiness become more integrated and less sharp. The Colorado wrapper from San Juan y Martínez also develops additional sweetness with age, making the Siglo II a rewarding cigar for those with patience.
What wrapper does Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II use?
The wrapper is a Cuban Vuelta Abajo leaf, specifically a Corojo-derivative grown in San Juan y Martínez. It is a Colorado shade, meaning it has a warm medium-brown color with a subtle satin sheen and tight seams. This wrapper contributes notes of sweet cedar, cream, and a gentle citrus brightness, while its moderate oil content ensures an even burn and a firm, pale gray ash.
Where is Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II made?
It is hand-rolled at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba, the prestige factory established for Cohiba in 1966. The production is 'totalmente a mano, tripa larga' (fully hand-rolled, long-filler), and the factory is known for its consistent construction and meticulous quality control, which is why the Siglo II delivers an effortless draw and an even burn.