Description
The Cohiba Siglo II stands as the quintessential expression of the Mareva vitola, a format often regarded by connoisseurs as the gold standard for measuring a blender’s skill. As a cornerstone of the celebrated Línea 1492, this medium-bodied Petit Corona offers a sophisticated smoking experience that balances traditional Cuban power with a refined, contemporary elegance. From the moment the gold-and-black band catches the light, the Siglo II promises a journey of remarkable consistency and layered complexity. Its profile is defined by a harmonious blend of soft cedar, rich cocoa, and intense creamy vanilla, making it an indispensable staple for the discerning collector’s humidor. Whether enjoyed as a refined mid-day retreat or a preamble to a grand evening, the Siglo II delivers the legendary Cohiba prestige in a format that is both accessible and profoundly rewarding.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Hand-Rolled Cigars | 10 Hand-Rolled Cigars |
| Packaging Type | Classic Varnished Slide Lid Box (SLB) | Compact Varnished Slide Lid Box (SLB) |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and serious collectors | Gifting or sampling the Siglo series |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar lining for optimal moisture retention | Travel-friendly cedar-lined protection |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Mareva (Petit Corona) |
| Length | 129mm (5⅛ inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Wrapper | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) – Silky and oil-rich |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) – Triple fermented |
| Strength | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Smoking Time | Approximately 45 to 60 minutes |
| Factory | El Laguito, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Cohiba is inextricably linked to the history of modern Cuba itself. Originally created in 1966 as a private blend for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials, Cohiba remained a “diplomatic gift” only for decades. It wasn’t until 1982 that the brand was released to the commercial market, instantly becoming the flagship of the Habanos S.A. portfolio. The name “Cohiba” itself is an ancient Taino Indian word for the bundles of tobacco leaves that Christopher Columbus first saw being smoked by the indigenous people of Cuba.
The Siglo II was introduced in 1992 as part of the Línea 1492 collection. This series was launched to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. Each “Siglo” (meaning “Century”) represents one of the five centuries that had passed since that historic voyage. While the original Línea Clásica is known for its robust strength, the Siglo line was blended to be slightly more approachable and aromatic, catering to a global palate while maintaining the exclusive third fermentation in wooden barrels that gives Cohiba its signature smoothness.
Every Cohiba Siglo II is birthed in the legendary El Laguito factory, a converted mansion in Havana where the world’s most talented torcedores (rollers) apply their craft. The tobacco is sourced exclusively from the “Selection of Selections”—the five finest vegas de primera in the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis districts of the Vuelta Abajo zone. This pedigree ensures that the Siglo II is not merely a cigar, but a piece of living Cuban heritage.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon ignition, the Siglo II greets the palate with an immediate sense of refinement. The initial draws are characterized by soft, light notes of cedar and the sophisticated bitterness of freshly roasted coffee. Unlike larger vitolas that may take time to warm up, this Petit Corona enters its stride quickly, offering glimpses of dark chocolate and cocoa that provide a velvet-like texture to the smoke. The retrohale is exceptionally clean, revealing a delicate floral sweetness that is a hallmark of well-aged Vuelta Abajo tobacco.
Second Third – The Heart
As the burn progresses into the middle stage, the body of the cigar rounds out beautifully. The cedar notes become more pronounced, accompanied by a gentle white pepper spice upon exhalation. The most striking development in the second third is the intensity of the creamy vanilla smoke. By the halfway point, the smoke becomes remarkably dense and chewy, coating the mouth in a blend of creamy spice and chocolate. The balance here is impeccable; no single note overpowers the other, demonstrating the masterful blending of the Línea 1492.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final act of the Siglo II is where its true “dessert-like” character shines. The profile transitions toward vanilla bean and rich caramel, while the spice notes begin to take a back seat. The smoke remains cool and dense, avoiding the harshness often found in smaller cigars toward the end. In the final inches, the palate is hit with a powerful combination of cedar, vanilla, and cocoa. The nub remains smooth until the very end, leaving a lingering impression of buttery espresso and toasted nuts.
Finish
The finish is long and incredibly clean. It leaves a sophisticated aromatic trail of sweet earth and aged wood. The lack of bitterness in the aftertaste is a testament to the superior fermentation process utilized by the El Laguito factory, ensuring that the last memory of the smoke is as pleasant as the first.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Creamy Vanilla, Aged Cedar, Roasted Coffee |
| Secondary Notes | Dark Cocoa, White Pepper, Sweet Caramel |
| Tertiary Notes | Floral Honey, Toasted Almond, Earthy Musk |
| Finish | Clean, buttery, and lingering with espresso undertones |
| Aroma | Rich, toasted tobacco with a sweet, spicy bouquet |
Aging and Collector Value
The Cohiba Siglo II is a prime candidate for long-term humidification. While it is undeniably enjoyable “fresh” (within 1-2 years of its box date), the triple-fermented leaves possess an extraordinary ability to evolve over time. Collectors often find that the “sweet spot” for a Siglo II begins at the 5-year mark. During this period, the initial spice mellows, allowing the vanilla and caramel sweetness to become the dominant characteristics. The oils in the wrapper will continue to rise to the surface, giving the cigar a silky, “toothier” appearance.
For those looking to build a serious collection, purchasing the Box of 25 is highly recommended. Keeping a significant stock—often cited as at least 50 cigars—allows the aficionado to track the evolution of the blend year by year. Because the Siglo II is one of the most sought-after Petit Coronas in the world, its value consistently appreciates, making it as much a financial investment as a sensory one. To preserve this value, ensure storage at a steady 65-70% RH and 18-20°C (64-68°F).
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness of an Añejo rum perfectly complements the vanilla and caramel notes of the Siglo II. |
| Double Espresso | The cigar’s coffee and cocoa profile echoes the intensity of a dark roast, creating a classic morning pairing. |
| Speyside Single Malt | The honeyed, floral character of a Speyside scotch enhances the cigar’s delicate cedar and floral aromas. |
| Cognac (VSOP or XO) | The dried fruit and oak notes of a fine Cognac bridge the gap between the cigar’s earthy spice and creamy finish. |
| Vintage Port | The rich, dark fruit sweetness of Port provides a stunning contrast to the salty, savory cedar notes of the tobacco. |
| Spiced Chai Tea | For a non-alcoholic option, the creamy texture and cinnamon notes of Chai elevate the cigar’s natural spice. |
Authenticity Verification
As the world’s most prestigious cigar brand, Cohiba is frequently targeted by counterfeiters. We ensure that every Cohiba Siglo II we ship is 100% authentic, sourced directly through official Habanos S.A. channels.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official Habanos holographic label with a unique barcode and a hidden image visible only under UV light.
- Box Code Verification – The bottom of each box is hot-stamped with the factory code and the month/year of production, which can be verified against the Habanos registry.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, ensuring traditional construction.
- Triple Cap – A hallmark of Cuban craftsmanship, the Siglo II features a perfectly applied triple cap, a technique mastered by only the most skilled torcedores.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we take the integrity of your collection seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Siglo II compare to the Siglo I or Siglo VI?
The Siglo II is often considered the “sweet spot” of the line. While the Siglo I is a shorter smoke for quick breaks and the Siglo VI is a massive, high-impact cigar, the Siglo II (Mareva vitola) offers the perfect balance of smoking time and flavor development. It is slightly more mellow than the larger vitolas but offers more complexity than the smaller ones, making it the most versatile choice in the Línea 1492.
Is the Cohiba Siglo II suitable for a beginner?
Yes, the Siglo II is an excellent introduction to the world of luxury Cuban cigars. Its medium strength ensures it is not overwhelming for a novice palate, while its high-quality construction guarantees a frustration-free burn. However, its nuanced flavors are best appreciated when smoked slowly, allowing the creamy and floral notes to emerge without the cigar getting too hot.
What is the typical smoking time for a Siglo II?
Given its 129mm length and 42 ring gauge, you can expect a smoking time of approximately 45 to 60 minutes. This makes it the ideal companion for a lunch break, a post-work decompression, or a sophisticated “short” smoke during a formal event. The burn rate is famously consistent, owing to the expert construction at El Laguito.
Why is the Siglo II often called the “Mareva” benchmark?
The Mareva is the technical name for the Petit Corona size (5 x 42). It is widely considered the most “honest” vitola because the ratio of wrapper to filler is perfectly balanced. In a Siglo II, you taste the premium wrapper leaf and the complex filler blend in equal measure. Many aficionados believe that if a brand can master the Mareva, they have mastered the art of cigar making—and the Siglo II is arguably the finest Mareva in existence.
