Cohiba Siglo II

Cohiba Siglo II

There are moments when forty-five minutes of solitude matter more than an entire evening. The Cohiba Siglo II understands this implicitly. Wrapped in protective aluminum and dressed in the iconic black-and-gold band that has signaled excellence for over five decades, this petit corona offers a concentrated expression of everything that makes its marque legendary—no commitments required beyond a brief retreat from the world.

A Lineage Forged in Celebration

The Siglo line was never meant to replace the original Cohiba expression—it was conceived as tribute. When Habanos commemorated the quincentenary of Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the New World in 1992, they needed something that honored five centuries of Cuban tobacco mastery while acknowledging contemporary tastes. The result was Siglo: five vitolas that dialed back the formidable strength of the original Cohiba blend in favor of elegance, nuance, and approachability.

The Siglo II represents the heart of this collection. Rolled at the legendary El Laguito factory—where Cohiba has been produced since its creation as a diplomatic gift in 1966—this Marevas format showcases the same wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos that have defined the brand's prestige, but with a refined hand. It is Cohiba without the weight of ceremony, a cigar that invites rather than demands.

The tubos presentation serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. Each aluminum tube preserves humidity and protects the delicate wrapper from the inevitable indignities of travel, while the trio packaging offers the perfect sampler for those unready to commit to a full box, or the ideal companion for a weekend away.

The Tasting Experience

First Light

The cold draw offers a preview of what follows: a faint sweetness, dried grass, and the characteristic "Cohiba twang"—that elusive citrus-medicinal note unique to the brand's El Laguito production. Upon lighting, the opening delivers immediate sophistication. Creamy smoke carries notes of sweet hay and honey, underscored by a gentle grassiness that feels almost like walking through a sun-warmed field. A whisper of butterscotch emerges on the retrohale, while the burn—characteristically even for Cohiba—proves razor-sharp from the first puff.

The Journey

As the ash builds and the second third unfolds, the profile deepens considerably. The grassy brightness recedes, making room for cedar and vanilla to take the lead. Roasted nuttiness joins the chorus, accompanied by a cocoa powder dustiness that coats the palate. The leather note that Cohiba is known for begins its slow emergence here—supple, well-tanned, suggesting a well-worn briefcase rather than a saddle. Spice begins to assert itself, a white pepper warmth that builds at the back of the throat without overwhelming the underlying sweetness.

The Finale

The final third rewards patience. The spice intensifies, now leaning toward black pepper, while the leather and earth notes ground the experience in something primal and satisfying. What began as bright and pastoral concludes with gravitas. The retrohale delivers a remarkable interplay of cream and spice, and the finish extends well beyond the final draw—cedar, leather, and that persistent honeyed sweetness lingering for minutes after the cigar is gone. It is a complete narrative arc in miniature.

Who It's For

The Siglo II is the cigar for the smoker who understands that Cohiba's reputation is not mere marketing, but earned through decades of consistent excellence. It suits the professional who needs a meaningful smoke within the confines of a lunch break, the traveler who refuses to compromise on quality simply because space is limited, or the curious aficionado ready to understand what separates Cuba's flagship brand from its imitators. This is not a training-wheel cigar—it demands attention and rewards it generously—but neither does it require the hours-long commitment of its larger siblings.

Pairing Suggestion

A well-aged Havana Club Selección de Maestros rum mirrors the cigar's vanilla and honey notes while its oak-barrel influence echoes the cedar running throughout the smoke. For those preferring non-spiritous pairings, a Cuban espresso with a teaspoon of raw sugar creates a complementary bitterness-sweetness dialogue.