Cohiba Siglo II Cigar Review: A Memorable Experience?
I recently had the pleasure of revisiting the Cohiba Siglo II, a 5-year-old cigar that I picked up during a trip to Italy. After hearing about the decline in Cohiba’s quality over the past few years, I approached this cigar with a mixture of anticipation and caution. However, I’m happy to report that this Siglo II did not disappoint. Paired with a strong black coffee, the experience was nothing short of memorable.
The Siglo II, part of Cohiba’s Linea 1492 range, is a petit corona that has long been admired for its smoothness and complexity. Despite the recent issues with Cohiba's consistency, this aged Siglo II seemed to have retained the quality that originally made the brand so iconic. From the first puff, I could tell this was a special cigar, likely owing to the five years of aging that allowed its flavors to meld and mature beautifully.
The construction was flawless. The cigar had an even burn and a solid ash that held on for a good length of time, demonstrating the expert craftsmanship that Cohiba is known for. The draw was perfect—not too tight, but with enough resistance to savor each puff.
Flavor-wise, this Siglo II delivered a delightful balance of creamy and earthy notes, with a hint of spice on the retrohale. The first third opened with a smooth, honeyed sweetness, accompanied by subtle grassy undertones typical of Cohibas. As the cigar progressed, notes of cedar and roasted coffee beans emerged, making it an excellent complement to the black coffee I was sipping alongside it. The pairing enhanced the overall experience, with the coffee bringing out the deeper, more robust flavors in the cigar without overpowering its more delicate notes.
In the final third, the flavors intensified slightly, introducing hints of leather and a touch of cocoa. The complexity remained throughout the smoke, never becoming too heavy or overwhelming, making this a perfect medium-bodied cigar for those who appreciate nuanced, refined flavors.
In conclusion, despite the reported decline in Cohiba's quality over the last few years, this 5-year-old Siglo II proved that the brand is still capable of delivering a world-class experience when you find the right cigar. The aging process seemed to have done wonders for this particular stick, mellowing out any harshness and allowing its flavors to truly shine. If you’re a fan of Cohiba or looking to try one for the first time, I’d highly recommend seeking out an aged Siglo II and pairing it with a rich black coffee. It’s a match made in cigar heaven.
