AshMap
Overview
The Cohiba Línea 1492 Siglo II is a cigar of quiet authority, a masterclass in restraint and nuance from the most storied factory in Havana. Introduced in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the New World, the Línea 1492—colloquially known as the Siglo line—was conceived to expand Cohiba’s portfolio beyond the original three vitolas (Lancero, Corona Especial, Panetela) that had defined the brand since its inception in 1966. The Siglo II, dressed in the Mareva vitola (a Corona measuring 5.1 inches with a 42-ring gauge), is the smallest expression of the line after the Siglo I, yet it embodies the very essence of El Laguito’s blending philosophy: precision, balance, and a patient unfolding of flavor that rewards the attentive smoker.
From the first cold draw, the Siglo II announces its pedigree. The wrapper—a Colorado-hued Corojo-derivative grown in the prized San Juan y Martínez region of Vuelta Abajo—presents a warm, medium-brown complexion with a subtle satin sheen and seams so tight they are nearly invisible. This is a cigar built not for spectacle, but for performance. The construction, executed “totalmente a mano, tripa larga” by the rollers of El Laguito, is among the most reliable in Habanos S.A.’s entire portfolio. The draw is effortless, the burn straight and even, yielding a firm pale gray ash that holds confidently for over an inch—a textbook demonstration of how a 42-ring vitola should behave.
Flavor development in the Siglo II is a carefully orchestrated arc. The first third introduces roasted coffee bean, sweet cedar, and a gentle citrus note on the retrohale, with the creaminess that is the hallmark of Cohiba’s triple-fermented tobaccos. As the cigar progresses into the second third, the ligero begins to assert itself: dark chocolate, toasted almonds, and a honeyed creaminess emerge, layered over a subtle leather note and persistent floral undertones. The final third intensifies into espresso, aged cedar, and a sophisticated earthiness, yet the finish never turns harsh—the signature Cohiba creaminess persists to the very nub, leaving a long, warm, slightly spiced aftertaste.
Among the Línea 1492, the Siglo II is arguably the most underrated vitola. Its modest ring gauge demands precision in blending and rolling, and when given three to five years of proper humidor aging, it rivals any cigar in the El Laguito portfolio for sheer nuance and complexity. It is the connoisseur’s choice—a cigar that asks nothing of the smoker except patience and attention, and rewards with an experience that is both elegant and deeply satisfying. For those who understand that power does not require a thick ring gauge, the Siglo II is a revelation.
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?
The Cohiba Siglo II is for the experienced aficionado who understands that subtlety is a greater virtue than brute strength. It will appeal to smokers who appreciate the nuanced interplay of cedar, cream, and citrus over a more forward, full-bodied profile. This cigar is ideal as a midday or post-lunch smoke—roughly 50 minutes to an hour—long enough to deliver a complete arc of flavor, yet compact enough to fit comfortably into a busy schedule. It is also an excellent choice for those new to Cohiba who want to experience the brand’s character without committing to a larger vitola like the Esplendido. Patience is required; it rewards those who take their time.
Bottom Line
The Cohiba Siglo II is a masterpiece of restraint—a cigar that proves elegance need not be overshadowed by intensity. If you seek a thoughtfully constructed, nuanced smoke from the most prestigious factory in Cuba, this is your vitola. It is the connoisseur’s choice in the Línea 1492.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Cohiba Siglo VI cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cohiba Siglo II a strong cigar?
No, the Cohiba Siglo II is rated medium strength (3/5). It is not a full-bodied cigar; rather, it delivers a balanced, refined profile with plenty of complexity but no overpowering nicotine punch.
What does the Cohiba Siglo II taste like?
The flavor profile evolves from roasted coffee bean, sweet cedar, and citrus in the first third to dark chocolate, toasted almonds, and honeyed creaminess in the second third. The final third offers espresso, aged cedar, and a sophisticated earthiness, all wrapped in Cohiba’s hallmark creaminess.
How long does the Cohiba Siglo II take to smoke?
The Siglo II typically provides a smoking time of 50 minutes to one hour, depending on your pace. Its compact Mareva vitola makes it ideal for a focused session that fits comfortably into a midday break.
What is the best pairing for the Cohiba Siglo II?
A well-aged rum such as Zacapa 23 or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is the quintessential spirit pairing. For wine lovers, a medium-bodied Spanish Rioja Reserva or a restrained Burgundy Pinot Noir complements the cigar’s cedar, cream, and dark chocolate notes. A light-roast Colombian or Ethiopian pour-over coffee also mirrors the cigar’s creaminess beautifully.
Is the Cohiba Siglo II good for beginners?
The Siglo II is approachable for a beginner due to its medium strength and smooth profile, but its nuanced flavors and higher price point make it better suited to those with some experience. Novices may appreciate it as an introduction to premium Cuban craftsmanship, but they should be prepared to smoke slowly and attentively to fully appreciate its subtleties.
Where can I buy the Cohiba Siglo II?
The Cohiba Siglo II is available exclusively through authorized La Casa del Habano (LCDH) retailers and other official Habanos S.A. distributors. Because of its prestige status and high demand, it is not always in stock; purchasing from a verified source is essential to avoid counterfeits.
What is the price of the Cohiba Siglo II?
The retail price for a single Siglo II generally ranges from $25 to $35, though prices vary significantly by market and availability. In some regions, particularly outside Cuba, the cost can be substantially higher due to import duties and limited supply.
Is the Cohiba Siglo II worth aging?
Absolutely. While the Siglo II is enjoyable upon release, its triple-fermented tobaccos benefit greatly from three to five years of humidor aging. Proper aging softens any remaining edges, deepens the creamy texture, and unlocks additional layers of complexity in the cedar, floral, and spice notes.
What wrapper does the Cohiba Siglo II use?
The Siglo II uses a Cuban Vuelta Abajo wrapper—a Corojo-derivative grown in the San Juan y Martínez region. The wrapper is in the Colorado shade, displaying a warm medium-brown color with a subtle satin sheen and tight seams.
Where is the Cohiba Siglo II made?
The Cohiba Siglo II is hand-rolled at the El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba. This is the historic factory established in 1966 specifically for Cohiba production, and it remains the brand’s exclusive manufacturing home.