AshMap
Overview
In the lexicon of premium cigars, the Diamond Crown name has long signified the apotheosis of Dominican craftsmanship. When J.C. Newman and General Cigar collaborated to extend that legacy, they did not merely release a stronger version of an existing blend; they created a meditation on complexity, restraint, and the rewards of patient aging. The Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2 is that meditation rendered in a 6 x 54 torpedo. Its vitola alone—a triple-cap masterpiece rolled at La Romana—announces intentions of sophistication. But the true story of this cigar begins years before it ever touches flame: in the aging rooms where Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers, each with a minimum of five years of rest, are married to a binder from the Dominican Republic and wrapped in a Connecticut Broadleaf shade grown to a deep Colorado Maduro hue. That wrapper, silken with a subtle oily sheen, is not a mere cosmetic flourish; its reddish-brown depth promises the complexity of earth and sweetness that follows. It is a cigar built on the conviction that time is the only irreplaceable ingredient.
The character of the Maximus No. 2 is one of elegant evolution. From the first cold draw, which offers cream, toasted almond, and a whisper of dried apricot, through a first third of smooth cedar and vanilla-kissed milk chocolate, it establishes itself as a study in balance. There is no aggression here—only a generous creaminess that gently builds into the second third, where roasted espresso, worn leather, and dried fig arrive. The Dominican terroir asserts itself with mild earthiness and a white-pepper retrohale that speaks to the Nicaraguan backbone without overwhelming it. This is the hallmark of a blend designed not for the novice chasing power, but for the connoisseur who understands that the deepest pleasures often arrive in middle notes—the transition from sweet to savory, from bright to leathery. The final third deepens into toasted walnut and dark caramel, with a cedar structure that adds dryness and a long, clean finish devoid of bitterness. The torpedo’s taper ensures that spice builds at the final inch, a gentle crescendo that rewards the patient smoker.
In the broader context of the premium cigar world, the Maximus No. 2 occupies a rarefied space. It is the flagship extension of a brand that set the standard for aged Dominican tobacco, and it competes with the upper echelons of Cuban and non-Cuban offerings—not through strength or rarity, but through the sheer integrity of its construction and flavor architecture. The burn is arrow-straight; the silver-white ash holds past an inch; the draw is impeccable. This is no happy accident; it is the result of small-batch production and a rolling culture at General Cigar’s La Romana facility that tolerates no compromise. Pricing between $18 and $24 per cigar places it firmly in the premium tier, yet its value lies not in exclusivity but in the consistency of its experience. For those who find it discounted, the advice is simple: buy a box. The Maximus No. 2 is a cigar that will never be accused of trying too hard—it simply exists at its own elevated altitude, waiting for the smoker who has grown past the need for brute force and now chases depth.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade (on select blends) — Note: Diamond Crown Maximus is primarily known for a Connecticut Broad — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic aged long-fillers, blended with aged Nicaraguan leaf for backbone — tobaccos aged a minimum of five y |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — General Cigar's La Romana facility |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 54 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Minimum five years of tobacco aging on filler and binder leaves; wrapper aged separately; cigars box-rested post-rolling |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with rich cream, toasted almond, and a whisper of dried apricot. Once lit, the first third delivers a generous wave of smooth creaminess layered over medium-bodied cedar and light oak. A subtle sweetness reminiscent of vanilla bean and light milk chocolate rounds out the initial profile with impressive elegance.
Second Third
The midsection introduces a pleasing transition as the creaminess yields to more developed notes of roasted espresso, worn leather, and a hint of dried fig. The Dominican terroir asserts itself with a mild earthiness and a touch of white pepper on the retrohale. Construction remains exemplary, and complexity builds steadily without aggression.
Final Third
The final third deepens with toasted walnut, dark caramel, and a sustained cedar note that adds dryness and structure. A mild spice develops at the taper of the torpedo, complementing the lingering sweetness. The finish is long, clean, and satisfying — no bitterness, a hallmark of properly aged Dominican tobacco.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exceptional — a hallmark of General Cigar's La Romana production; the torpedo draws effortlessly with just the right resistance, burns arrow-straight with a firm, silver-white ash that holds well past an inch. An extremely well-built cigar with consistent draw throughout.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A aged rhum agricole (Rhum Clement XO or Appleton Estate 21 Year) or a well-aged single malt Scotch from the Speyside region (Glenfarclas 21 or Balvenie 17 Doublewood) — the sweetness and oak of both complement the cigar's creamy, cedar-driven profile without overwhelming it.
Wine
A Dominican tobacco classic pairing — aged Rioja Reserva (López de Heredia Viña Tondonia) or a Burgundian Pinot Noir with moderate tannin; the earthiness and red fruit harmonize beautifully with the cigar's leather and dried fruit notes.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Colombian pour-over coffee with medium roast — light acidity and caramel sweetness mirror the second-third flavor evolution; alternatively a cold brew with cream to echo the cigar's dominant creamy character.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2 is designed for the experienced aficionado who prizes sophistication over strength. It suits the smoker who has graduated from seeking bold pepper bombs and now values the nuance of aged tobaccos—the interplay of cedar, dried fruit, leather, and cream. This cigar rewards a relaxed afternoon or evening of unhurried attention; a 90-minute window is ideal. It is not an everyday smoke given its price and layered profile, but it is hardly a ceremonial rarity—it belongs in the rotation of anyone who respects the craft of blending. Enthusiasts of Dominican heritage, fans of the Diamond Crown portfolio, and collectors of limited-production torpedoes will find it an essential addition.
Bottom Line
The Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2 is a masterclass in aged Dominican blending—refined, balanced, and impeccably constructed. It won't intimidate with raw power, but it commands respect through its depth and consistency. This is a cigar for the connoisseur who knows that true luxury is measured in complexity, not nicotine.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Diamond Crown Vintage cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2 a strong cigar?
No. It is rated at a medium strength (3 out of 5) on the AshMap scale. The cigar prioritizes complexity and depth over raw power; it will not overwhelm even a moderately experienced smoker. The strength is present as a supporting note, not a dominant force.
What does Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2 taste like?
The flavor evolves through three distinct phases. Initially, rich cream, cedar, and vanilla bean with light milk chocolate. The middle third introduces roasted espresso, worn leather, dried fig, and mild earthiness with white pepper on the retrohale. The final third deepens to toasted walnut, dark caramel, and sustained cedar with a clean, long finish.
How long does Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2 take to smoke?
Plan for approximately 90 minutes. The 6.0 x 54 torpedo format burns evenly but deliberately, and the cigar’s evolving profile is best enjoyed without rushing. It is an ideal companion for a relaxed afternoon or evening session.
What is the best pairing for Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2?
An aged rhum agricole (such as Rhum Clement XO or Appleton Estate 21 Year) or a Speyside single malt Scotch (Glenfarclas 21 or Balvenie 17 Doublewood) complements the cigar’s creamy and cedar-driven profile. For wine, an aged Rioja Reserva or a Burgundian Pinot Noir with moderate tannin harmonizes with the leather and dried fruit notes. Non-alcoholically, a single-origin Colombian pour-over coffee with medium roast or a cold brew with cream mirrors the cigar’s character.
Is Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2 good for beginners?
It is not recommended for beginners. The cigar’s medium strength is approachable, but its flavor profile is nuanced and layered, requiring a palate experienced enough to appreciate transitions from cream to espresso to dark caramel. Beginners may miss the subtleties that make this cigar exceptional. A milder, simpler blend would be a better starting point.
Where can I buy Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2?
The cigar is available through premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists that carry the Diamond Crown portfolio, as well as authorized online retailers. Due to its small-batch, limited production, availability may vary. Checking with J.C. Newman’s official distributor list or specialty cigar merchants is recommended.
What is the price of Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2?
The price ranges from $18 to $24 per cigar, depending on retailer and local market conditions. This places it solidly in the premium tier, reflecting the cost of minimum five-year-aged tobaccos and the hand-rolled, triple-cap torpedo construction.
Is Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2 worth aging?
The tobacco components—filler and binder—are already aged a minimum of five years prior to rolling, and the cigars are then box-rested post-rolling. Further aging in a proper humidor may soften the white pepper and integrate the flavors even more, but it is already a mature blend. Additional aging is a matter of personal preference rather than necessity; the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase.
What wrapper does Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2 use?
The wrapper is a Connecticut Broadleaf shade grown to a Colorado Maduro finish. It is deep reddish-brown, silky in texture, with a subtle oily sheen. This is distinct from the Connecticut Shade wrapper used on some other Diamond Crown blends; the Maximus line is defined by this richer, more complex Broadleaf leaf.
Where is Diamond Crown Vintage Maximus No. 2 made?
It is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at General Cigar's La Romana facility. The blend is a collaboration between General Cigar and J.C. Newman, combining Dominican and Nicaraguan aged long-fillers with a Dominican binder and the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper sourced from the United States.