AshMap
Overview
The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 is a study in quiet confidence—a cigar that doesn't announce itself with thunder but instead seduces through texture, restraint, and a slow-blooming aromatic palette. Where the original Diamond Crown line whispers elegance, the Maximus amplifies the voice without ever shouting. This torpedo, dressed in a golden caramel Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper with a faint toothy grip, feels like a handcrafted object of purpose: the cap clips cleanly, the pre-light draw offers sweet hay and a hint of almond paste, and the cold aroma hints at the vanilla-laced creaminess to come. It is a cigar that knows exactly what it is—a Dominican masterpiece from General Cigar's Santiago facilities—and it asks only for your unhurried attention.
Lighting the foot, the first third unfolds with a refined creaminess that coats the palate like silk, backed by fresh cedar and toasted almond. The retrohale is a gentle revelation—light honey sweetness that never cloys, inviting you to lean in closer. There's a whisper of vanilla bean that lingers on the finish, but the profile remains grounded, never perfumy. This is approachable complexity, the kind that rewards mindfulness without demanding it. The smoke is medium-bodied, silky, and the draw is effortless, pulling in cool, flavorful air that fills the mouth with a soft, satisfying weight.
As the burn line marches past the midpoint, the cigar shifts into a more contemplative register. White pepper emerges—not sharp, but warm and tingling on the tongue—alongside dried hay and a mild leather that adds a savory counterpoint to the creamy cedar backbone. A subtle floral note, reminiscent of dried chamomile, weaves through the smoke, keeping the palate engaged and the experience ethereal. The strength remains firmly in the mild-medium range, but the flavor depth belies its gentle touch. This is where the Maximus No. 2 reveals its true character: a cigar that builds complexity through layering, not volume.
In the final third, the cigar arrives at a warming richness that feels like a quiet crescendo. Baking spice—think cinnamon and nutmeg—intertwines with toasted bread and cashew nut, while the wrapper's inherent sweetness integrates beautifully with a lingering woodiness on the finish. The ash holds in substantial light grey columns past the inch mark, a testament to meticulous construction. The strength stays controlled, never harsh, and the smoke remains silky to the last puff. This is a 90-to-100-minute journey that ends with a satisfied exhale, not a desperate search for a drink to quell the burn. The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 is not a cigar of extremes; it is a cigar of exquisite balance, and that is its ultimate luxury.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican |
| Filler | Dominican long-fillers, aged tobaccos from the Cibao Valley region |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — General Cigar facilities |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.5 x 54 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos undergo extended aging prior to rolling; specific vintage not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The torpedo opens with a refined creaminess and fresh cedar, underscored by toasted almond and a whisper of vanilla bean. There is a gentle sweetness on the retrohale reminiscent of light honey — approachable and inviting without being simple.
Second Third
Complexity builds as notes of white pepper, dried hay, and a mild leather emerge alongside the persistent creamy cedar backbone. A subtle floral quality — think dried chamomile — weaves through, keeping the palate engaged and the smoke silky smooth.
Final Third
The final third brings a warming richness with baking spice, toasted bread, and cashew nut. The sweetness from the wrapper integrates beautifully with a lingering woodiness on the finish; strength remains controlled and never harsh.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is meticulous, consistent with General Cigar's Dominican pedigree — the draw is effortless with medium smoke volume, the burn line is razor even, and the ash holds firm in substantial light grey columns past the inch mark.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — particularly Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva or Brugal 1888 — whose caramel and vanilla notes mirror the wrapper's sweetness; alternatively a lightly peated single malt like Glenfarclas 15 Year
Wine
White Burgundy (Meursault or a premier cru Puligny-Montrachet) for textural harmony, or a light-to-medium Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley to complement the cedar and spice without overwhelming
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast single-origin Colombian pour-over coffee — Huila or Nariño region — whose brightness and natural sweetness echo the cigar's almond and vanilla character
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a collector who has spent years chasing power—who owns boxes of OpusX and Liga Privada, who respects a full-bodied wallop but secretly misses the nuance of a well-aged Connecticut. It's a Tuesday evening in late autumn, and he's just finished a long week of meetings that left him wired and weary. He pours a glass of Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, clips the torpedo, and settles into a leather armchair on his porch. This cigar is his palate-cleansing counterargument, a reminder that complexity doesn't require a rafter-hanging body. He wants to slow down, to savor the floral whispers and the honeyed retrohale, to remember why he fell in love with cigars in the first place. The Maximus No. 2 gives him that—a quiet, luxurious hour and a half that recalibrates his senses and leaves him feeling like a connoisseur, not just a collector.
Bottom Line
The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 is a masterclass in finesse—a Dominican gem that proves elegance can be just as memorable as brute strength. If you value silky texture, layered sweetness, and impeccable construction, this torpedo is an essential addition to your rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Diamond Crown Maximus cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. This means it delivers a gentle, approachable nicotine kick that is more about flavor than power—ideal for those who prefer a smooth, contemplative smoke without the heavy body or intensity of a full-strength cigar.
What does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 taste like?
The flavor progression is a journey: the first third offers refined creaminess, fresh cedar, toasted almond, and a whisper of vanilla bean with light honey on the retrohale. The second third introduces white pepper, dried hay, mild leather, and a subtle dried chamomile floral note. The final third brings warming baking spice, toasted bread, and cashew nut, with a lingering woodiness on the finish.
How long does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 take to smoke?
Given its Torpedo vitola and 6.5 x 54 size, expect a 90-to-100-minute smoking session. The tapered head and generous ring gauge allow for a slow, even burn that rewards a relaxed pace—perfect for an afternoon or early evening ritual.
What is the best pairing for Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2?
Aged rum is the standout pairing—Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva or Brugal 1888 are excellent choices. Their caramel and vanilla notes mirror the wrapper's natural sweetness, creating a harmonious interplay that elevates both the cigar and the spirit. For a non-alcoholic option, a medium-roast single-origin Colombian pour-over (Huila or Nariño) echoes the almond and vanilla character beautifully.
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 good for beginners?
Yes, in terms of strength, it is very approachable at Mild-Medium (2/5), with a smooth, creamy profile that won't overwhelm a new palate. However, the $18–$24 price point is a significant investment for a novice. If you're willing to spend for a premium experience, it's a gentle introduction to high-quality Dominican craftsmanship—but a beginner might want to start with a more budget-friendly option before committing.
Where can I buy Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2?
This premium cigar is available at high-end tobacconists, specialty cigar lounges, and reputable online retailers that carry Diamond Crown products. Look for authorized General Cigar dealers to ensure authenticity. It's often stocked in humidors alongside other top-tier Dominican lines, so check with your local shop or trusted e-commerce site.
What is the price of Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2?
The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 typically retails for $18–$24 per cigar. This places it in the premium tier, reflecting its extended-aged Dominican tobaccos, meticulous hand-rolling, and the brand's reputation for luxury.
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 worth aging?
Yes, but with nuance. The tobaccos already undergo extended aging prior to rolling, so the cigar is enjoyable right out of the box. However, the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper and Dominican fillers have the structure to evolve further with 1–3 years of humidor rest, which can deepen the creamy sweetness and integrate the spice notes even more. It's not a cigar that needs aging, but it will reward patience.
What wrapper does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which is a golden caramel-colored leaf with a silky, slightly toothy texture. This wrapper is prized for its mild, creamy character and subtle sweetness, contributing significantly to the cigar's approachable profile and its ability to showcase the Dominican fillers without overpowering them.
Where is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 2 made?
It is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at General Cigar's facilities. This production location is central to the cigar's identity, as it allows for precise control over the Dominican long-fillers sourced from the Cibao Valley region, ensuring the consistent quality and craftsmanship that Diamond Crown is known for.