Description
Why the Diplomaticos No. 2 Deserves a Spot in Your Humidor
Ever feel like you’ve stumbled onto something that’s been hiding in plain sight? That’s exactly how I felt the first time I smoked a Diplomaticos No. 2. Here’s the thing: while everyone’s chasing after Montecristo No. 2s (and don’t get me wrong – they’re fantastic), the Diplomaticos No. 2 sits there quietly, offering pretty much the same experience at a fraction of the attention. Same factory, same basic blend profile, but with its own subtle personality that I’ve come to really appreciate over the years.
I remember sitting at my buddy Carlos’s place in Miami – must’ve been around 2015 – when he handed me one of these. “Trust me on this,” he said. And man, was he right. That cigar opened my eyes to what might be one of Cuba’s best-kept secrets. You’re about to discover why this Piramide deserves way more respect than it gets.
What Makes the Diplomaticos No. 2 Special
The Diplomaticos brand? It’s got history. Launched back in the 1960s for the French market (the French have always had good taste in Cuban cigars, gotta give them that), it was created to offer something similar to Montecristo but with its own identity. And the No. 2 vitola – a classic Piramide – has been the flagship of the line ever since.
What really stands out is how approachable these cigars are. They’re not gonna knock you on your ass with strength – we’re talking medium body here – but they’ve got this elegant, refined quality that makes them perfect for so many situations. Morning smoke with coffee? Works beautifully. After dinner with a single malt? Absolutely. The versatility is honestly impressive.
This cigar’s made for the smoker who appreciates subtlety and doesn’t need every cigar to be a flavor bomb. If you’re someone who values construction, consistency, and that classic Cuban tobacco character without too much intensity, you’re gonna love this. I’ve recommended it to countless people transitioning from medium-bodied Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars into the Cuban world – it’s like the perfect bridge.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Piramide (Torpedo) |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 156 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – What You’re In For
Now, let’s talk about what actually happens when you light one of these up. Because that’s what matters, right?
First Third: The cold draw on a properly stored Diplomaticos No. 2 gives you cedar and cream right away. Light toasted notes too. When you toast the foot and take those first few puffs, there’s this immediate sweetness – kind of like honey mixed with hay – that I’ve found really consistent across different boxes and years. The smoke production? Generous. Really generous. That Piramide shape means you’re getting a concentrated stream of smoke that coats your palate beautifully.
What I love about this opening is how clean everything tastes. No harshness whatsoever. Just smooth, creamy smoke with hints of almonds and white pepper on the retrohale. Not too much pepper though – it’s more of a gentle tingle than a punch. The burn line usually starts perfectly even (Cuban construction has come a long way in the last decade, not gonna lie).
Second Third: This is where things get interesting. As the ring gauge opens up, you start getting more complexity. The sweetness evolves into more of a coffee-with-cream flavor, and there’s this earthy undertone that develops. Leather comes into play too – that classic Cuban leather note that’s hard to describe but you know it when you taste it.
I’ve noticed the strength picks up just a touch here. Nothing dramatic – you’re still firmly in medium territory – but there’s more body to the smoke. The ash? Usually holds for a solid inch and a half before dropping, and it’s that light gray color that tells you the tobacco’s been aged properly. The draw stays perfect throughout, assuming you’ve cut it properly (I always use a punch or sharp cutter on these – don’t massacre that beautiful cap).
Final Third: Here’s where the Diplomaticos No. 2 really shows its quality. While some cigars get hot or bitter in the final stretch, this one stays smooth and refined. The flavors intensify – more cocoa, more earth, maybe some dried fruit notes if you’re paying attention – but it never gets harsh or unpleasant.
The last inch is still enjoyable, which honestly isn’t always the case even with premium cigars. I’ve smoked these down to the nub more times than I can count, and I’m never disappointed. That retrohale becomes richer, creamier, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. You know that feeling when you don’t want a cigar to end? That’s the Diplomaticos No. 2 for you.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplomaticos No. 2 | Medium | 60-90 minutes | All-day smoke, versatile pairing options |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 60-90 minutes | Special occasions, experienced palates |
| Bolivar Belicosos Finos | Full | 60-75 minutes | Evening smoke, stronger flavor seekers |
Perfect Pairings – What to Drink With It
Look, you can smoke this cigar with just about anything and it’ll work, but here are my go-to pairings that really make it sing:
Coffee: A proper Cuban coffee or a smooth Colombian roast in the morning with this cigar? Chef’s kiss. The cream notes in the cigar complement the coffee beautifully, and it’s not too strong for a morning smoke.
Whisky: My personal favorite is a Highland Scotch – something like Glenmorangie or Dalwhinnie. The light, floral notes don’t overpower the cigar, and there’s this beautiful interplay between the honey notes in both. A smooth bourbon works too – I’ve had great experiences with Maker’s Mark alongside these.
Rum: Obviously. It’s a Cuban cigar, after all. A good añejo rum like Havana Club 7 Year or Ron Zacapa brings out those sweet, woody notes perfectly. The rum’s caramel and vanilla play off the cigar’s natural sweetness in a way that just works.
Timing-wise? I reach for these most often in the late afternoon or early evening. They’re light enough that they won’t ruin your appetite before dinner, but substantial enough that they feel like a proper smoking experience. Weekend mornings on the patio? Also perfect. That’s the beauty of a medium-bodied smoke – it fits pretty much anywhere in your day.
How does the Diplomaticos No. 2 compare to the Montecristo No. 2?
In my experience, they’re close relatives but not twins. Both are made at the same factory and share similar construction, but the Diplomaticos tends to be a touch lighter and creamier, while the Montecristo has more punch and complexity. The Diplomaticos is smoother and more approachable – think of it as the more laid-back cousin. If you love Monte No. 2s but sometimes find them a bit intense, the Diplomaticos is definitely worth trying.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing Diplomaticos No. 2?
I keep mine at 65-67% relative humidity, which seems to be the sweet spot for most Cuban cigars. Too high (above 70%) and you risk the draw getting too tight and the flavors becoming muted. Too low and they burn hot and lose that creamy character. Temperature-wise, aim for around 65-68°F. These cigars really benefit from at least 6 months of rest in your humidor after purchase – patience pays off with Cuban tobacco.
Is the Diplomaticos No. 2 suitable for beginners?
Absolutely – it’s actually one of the better Cuban cigars for someone new to the Cuban tobacco experience. The medium strength means it won’t overwhelm you, and the smooth, refined flavors give you a great introduction to what quality Cuban cigars are all about. That said, the hour-plus smoking time can be a commitment if you’re not used to longer smokes. Just make sure you’ve eaten something beforehand and have a drink handy. Stay hydrated!
Do Diplomaticos No. 2 cigars age well?
They age beautifully. I’ve smoked these fresh (well, as fresh as Cuban cigars get after their journey) and with 5+ years on them, and the difference is remarkable. With age, they become smoother, creamier, and develop more nuanced flavors – more honey, more cocoa, deeper earth tones. The sweet spot seems to be around 3-5 years, but I’ve had 10-year-old specimens that were absolutely sublime. If you can resist the temptation, buy a box and stash some away for later. Your future self will thank you.
What’s the best way to cut a Diplomaticos No. 2?
With that tapered Piramide head, you’ve got options. Personally, I prefer a sharp straight cut just above where the cap meets the shoulder – gives you a nice opening without cutting too much. A punch cut works too and gives you a more concentrated draw, though you might need to open it up more as you smoke. Whatever you do, use a sharp cutter – dull cuts will tear the wrapper, and that’s just asking for construction problems. Some folks like to V-cut these, and that works fine too. Experiment and see what you prefer.
Are Diplomaticos No. 2 cigars consistent in quality?
Pretty consistent, yeah, especially in recent years. Cuban quality control has improved significantly over the last decade. That said – and this is true for all Cuban cigars – you’ll occasionally get a dud. Maybe one in twenty has draw issues or construction problems. But overall? The consistency is solid. Box codes matter though – some factories and years are better than others. If you’re serious about these, learn to read box codes and do a bit of research on which ones are smoking well. Online cigar forums are great for this kind of intel.
Can I smoke a Diplomaticos No. 2 right out of the box?
You can, but you probably shouldn’t. Cuban cigars go through a lot during shipping – temperature swings, humidity changes, all that fun stuff. I always recommend at least a month of rest in your humidor, preferably longer. The difference between a freshly arrived cigar and one that’s rested for 2-3 months is night and day. The flavors integrate better, the burn improves, and that harsh edge (if there is one) smooths out completely. I know it’s hard to wait when you’ve just got a fresh box, but trust me on this one. Patience really does pay off.
Final Thoughts on the Diplomaticos No. 2
Thing is, the Diplomaticos No. 2 doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s not gonna blow your mind with complexity like some limited editions, and it’s not gonna challenge you with full-bodied strength. What it does do – and does really well – is deliver a consistently excellent, smooth, refined smoking experience that works in so many different situations.
If you’re building a collection and want a reliable medium-bodied Cuban Piramide that you won’t be afraid to smoke (because let’s be honest, some cigars are too special to actually light up), this is it. It’s approachable, versatile, ages wonderfully, and honestly? It’s kind of a steal compared to what you’re getting.
Don’t sleep on this one. Grab a box, let them rest a bit, and discover what you’ve been missing. You might just find your new regular smoke.
