Description
Why the Diplomaticos No. 2 Deserves More Attention
I’ll be blunt: the Diplomaticos No. 2 is one of the most underrated premium sticks stay fresh coming out of Cuba right now. And honestly? I think that’s exactly what makes it special. While everyone’s fighting over Montecristo No. 2s and throwing their names on wait lists, you can usually snag a box of these without the drama. But – and this is important – don’t mistake availability for inferiority. This pyramid is legitimately excellent, and I’m probably biased here, but I think the Diplomaticos line as a whole gets overlooked because it lacks the flashy marketing of its bigger siblings.
What you’re when I first started exploring Cuban cigars to read comes from someone who’s spent way too much time (and money) exploring traditional Cuban production methods over the past three decades. The Diplomaticos No. 2 caught me by surprise during a trip to Mexico when I first started exploring Cuban cigars five years ago – maybe six? The timeline’s fuzzy, but the experience isn’t. This torpedo-shaped beauty delivers a smoking experience that punches well above its reputation, with complexity that evolves through all three acts. If you’re the type who appreciates nuance over power, and craftsmanship over hype, stick around. We’re going deep on this one.
What Makes the Diplomaticos No. 2 Stand Out
The Diplomaticos brand has been around since 1966, originally created as an export-only marca for the French market. Thing is, it was always positioned as a “budget-friendly alternative” to Montecristo – and that reputation stuck, even though it’s not really accurate anymore. These premium sticks stay fresh come from the same Habanos factories, use tobacco from the same legendary Vuelta Abajo region, and are rolled with the same exacting standards. So why the price difference? Honestly, it’s mostly branding and perception at this point.
The No. 2 vitola specifically is a torpedo – or pyramid, depending on who you ask – and it’s the flagship format for this marca. What drew me to this cigar initially was the wrapper. That Cuban smoking traditions wrapper leaf from Vuelta Abajo has this gorgeous oily sheen to it, with just enough tooth to catch the light. When you handle one fresh from a properly maintained humidor, you can feel the density. Not rock-hard, but substantial. The construction is consistently excellent, which wasn’t always the case with traditional Cuban production methods in the early 2000s. Quality control has improved dramatically.
Who should smoke this? I’d say intermediate to advanced cigar enthusiasts who appreciate medium-bodied profiles with complexity. This isn’t a beginner’s cigar – not because it’s too strong, but because the subtle flavor transitions might be lost on someone who’s still developing their palate. And if you’re the type who only smokes full-bodied Nicaraguan bombs, you might find this too refined for your taste. But for those of us who love that classic Cuban smoking traditions elegance – the earthy, leathery, slightly sweet profile that Habanos does so well – this is going to hit all the right notes.
Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Torpedo (Pyramid) |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 156 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban long filler blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: How This Cigar Actually Tastes
Right, so let me walk you through what happens when you light one of these up. I smoked my most recent Diplomaticos No. 2 last Tuesday evening – had about two hours to kill before dinner, perfect timing for this vitola. The cold draw was firm but not tight, with subtle hints of hay and a very gentle spice. Nothing aggressive. Actually, scratch that – there was also this faint cocoa sweetness I picked up, almost like dark chocolate that’s been sitting in a cedar box.
First third starts surprisingly creamy. That tapered head gives you this concentrated draw that really showcases the initial flavors. I got smooth leather right away – and I know that sounds generic, but hear me out. It’s specifically like a leather wallet that’s been broken in for years, not new shoe leather. There’s an earthiness underneath, kind of mushroom-y, with touches of cedar and this background sweetness that keeps it from being austere. The burn line was razor-sharp from the start, which isn’t always a given even with premium Cubans. White ash, held for about an inch before I tapped it off.
The transition into the second third is where this cigar really shows its pedigree. The creaminess recedes a bit, and you start getting more complexity. Roasted coffee beans – espresso, not drip coffee – and the earth notes become more pronounced. There’s a spicy component that builds gradually, more pepper on the retrohale, but it’s never overwhelming. I remember thinking this is the section where the cigar “wakes up” and reminds you it’s Cuban. That distinctive terroir comes through – minerals, wet soil after rain, tobacco barn aromas. The leather note persists throughout, which I really appreciate. Some cigars jump around too much; this one maintains a through-line.
Final third can get a bit strong if you’re not careful with your pace. Hmm, how do I explain this… the spice kicks up another notch, and there’s this pleasant bitterness that joins the party – like dark roast coffee or baker’s chocolate. The smooth character from the first third is mostly gone now; you’re in full-bodied territory. But it never turns harsh or acrid on me, which is the sign of quality tobacco and good construction. I smoked it down to about an inch remaining, and even at that point, it was flavorful without being hot. The finish lingers on your palate – leather, earth, and a touch of black pepper that stays with you for a good ten minutes after you set it down.
Construction notes, since these matter: the draw remained consistent throughout, the burn never required correction, and the ash was solid and pale gray. I’ve had maybe a dozen of these over the years, and the consistency is impressive. No complaints on the technical front whatsoever.
How Does It Compare to Similar Cigars?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplomaticos No. 2 | Medium to Medium-Full | 75-90 minutes | Evening smoke, requires attention to appreciate complexity |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 80-100 minutes | Special occasions, more robust and powerful profile |
| Bolivar Belicosos Finos | Full | 60-75 minutes | Experienced smokers who want intensity |
The Montecristo comparison is inevitable since that’s the benchmark everyone uses. Real talk: the Diplomaticos No. 2 is more approachable and less aggressive. The Montecristo hits harder, with more strength and a bolder flavor profile. If you want elegance over power, go with the Diplomaticos. If you want to make a statement, Montecristo’s your horse. The Bolivar’s limited edition release is a completely different animal – much fuller, earthier, more rustic. I love all three, but they serve different purposes in my humidor.
What to Drink and When to Smoke This
Pairing-wise, I’ve had great success with aged rum. Specifically, something like Flor de Caña 12-year or Ron Zacapa 23. The smooth sweetness complements the leather and earth notes without competing. Coffee works brilliantly too – a Cuban espresso if you can get it, or any quality dark roast. And actually, one of my favorite pairings was accidental: I was drinking a Spanish Tempranillo, medium-bodied red wine, and it matched beautifully with the second third of this cigar. The tannins and earthy character played really well together.
When to smoke it? This is an evening cigar for me. Not a morning smoke – it’s too contemplative and complex for that. I like it after a good meal, or during those long summer evenings when you’ve got time to sit and really pay attention. It’s not a “work cigar” that you can smoke while doing something else. You need to be present for this one, if that makes sense. Weekend afternoons work too, especially if you’re settling in with a good book or conversation.
Common Questions About the Diplomaticos No. 2
How does the Diplomaticos No. 2 compare in strength to other Cuban cigars?
It sits comfortably in the medium to medium-full range, which makes it more accessible than powerhouses like Partagás Serie D No. 4 or Bolivar’s limited edition release Royal Coronas. It’s got enough body to satisfy experienced smokers but won’t overwhelm someone stepping up from milder options like H. Upmann or Romeo y Julieta. The strength builds gradually through the smoke, so pace yourself in the final third.
What’s the ideal aging time for these cigars?
Honestly, they’re quite good fresh – within six months of production date – but they really bloom with 2-3 years of proper humidor time. I’ve smoked some with five years on them, and the harshness completely mellows out while the complexity deepens. That said, don’t feel like you need to wait years. If you’ve got a well-constructed example at proper humidity, smoke it whenever you’re ready.
How should I cut a torpedo like this?
I use a straight cut about 1/8 inch from the tip – just enough to open it up without cutting into the shoulder. Some people prefer a V-cut or punch for torpedoes, but I find a straight cut gives the best draw on this particular vitola. Just don’t cut too much off; you want to maintain some of that tapered shape to concentrate the smoke.
Are Diplomaticos cigars considered limited edition or regular production?
The core Diplomaticos line, including the No. 2, is regular production, not limited edition. This is actually a good thing – it means consistent quality and availability without the insane markup you see on limited releases. Habanos occasionally releases special editions in this marca, but the standard lineup is always available through authorized dealers.
What humidity level is best for storing these?
I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, which is on the drier side of the traditional 70% recommendation. Cuban cigars in general perform better slightly drier in my experience – better burn, more concentrated flavor. If you’re storing at 70%, you might want to let one dry-box for a day before smoking. Temperature-wise, keep them around 65-68°F if possible.
Is this a good cigar for special occasions or everyday smoking?
Depends on your budget and how often you smoke, I guess. For me, it’s an “everyday special occasion” cigar – not so precious that I’m saving it for years, but nice enough that I want to be in the right mood and have proper time. It’s not a yardwork cigar, put it differently. But it’s also not so rare that you should feel bad about lighting one up on a random Thursday.
How does the ring gauge affect the smoking experience?
The 52 ring gauge is substantial without being a baseball bat. It gives you enough filler tobacco to create complexity and depth, but the tapered head concentrates the smoke nicely. Thicker ring gauges can sometimes feel muddy or one-dimensional; this size hits a sweet spot where you get definition and nuance without sacrificing body or smoking time.
Final Thoughts on This Underrated Cuban
If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: don’t sleep on the Diplomaticos No. 2 just because it doesn’t have the name recognition of its more famous cousins. This is a legitimately excellent Cuban cigar with classic flavors, solid construction, and enough complexity to keep things interesting for an hour and a half. The medium body makes it versatile, and the build quality is consistently reliable.
For anyone looking to explore Cuban torpedoes beyond the obvious choices, or for seasoned smokers who want something refined without the hype tax, add a few of these to your next order. Give them some time in your humidor if you can resist, pair them with something that won’t overpower the delicate flavors, and set aside proper time to appreciate what you’re smoking. You won’t regret it.
