Description
Why the Diplomaticos No. 2 Deserves More Attention Than It Gets
Here’s the thing – walk into any serious cigar lounge and mention Diplomaticos, and you’ll get knowing nods from maybe three people in the room. Everyone else? They’re still chasing Cohibas and Montecristo like it’s 2005. And look, I get it. Those are legendary brands for good reasons. But between you and me, the Diplomaticos No. 2 is one of those cigars that reminds me why I fell in love with Cuban tobacco in the first place. No joke, this Torpedo vitola has been sitting in my humidor rotation since I stumbled across a box at a casa del habano during a trip to Havana back in – I think it was 2008? Maybe 2009. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that first smoke on the Malecon, watching the sunset, realizing I’d been sleeping on this marca for way too long.
In this deep dive – and yeah, it’s going to be thorough because this cigar deserves it – I’m going to walk you through everything that makes the Diplomaticos No. 2 special. We’ll talk about the flavor evolution from first light to final puff, how it compares to similar vitolas you might already love, and why this particular smoke deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. Thing is, most aficionados overlook Diplomaticos entirely, and that’s their loss.
The Diplomaticos Story: Habanos SA’s Best-Kept Secret
Okay, so quick history lesson because it actually matters here. Diplomaticos launched way back in 1966, originally hand-rolled at the H. Upmann factory – and if you know anything about that factory, you know the pedigree we’re talking about. The brand was initially created for the French market, which explains why it never got the same marketing push in other countries. Fast forward to today, and production moved to the La Corona factory alongside brands like Bolivar and Ramon Allones.
But here’s what gets me: Diplomaticos uses virtually the same blend profile as Montecristo. I’m talking similar wrapper selection from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region, comparable filler tobacco, the whole deal. Yet somehow it flies under the radar, which means – and this is just my take – you’re getting essentially Montecristo-level quality without the hype tax. The No. 2 vitola specifically mirrors the iconic Torpedo format, that beautiful 6.1-inch length with a tapered head that concentrates the smoke beautifully.
Who’s this cigar for? Real talk: if you’re smoking full-throttle Nicaraguan powerhouses exclusively, this might not be your speed. The Diplomaticos No. 2 targets the medium-bodied smoker who appreciates complexity over raw strength. It’s for that person – maybe it’s you – who wants an after-dinner smoke that won’t knock them sideways but still delivers that unmistakable Cuban terroir. The smooth, refined character makes it perfect for both seasoned aficionados and someone graduating from milder Connecticut-wrapped cigars.
Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Torpedo (Piramide) |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 156 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo region) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 70-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: From First Draw to Final Inch
Look, I could give you some generic tasting notes about “notes of coffee and chocolate” like every other review out there. But that doesn’t tell you anything, does it? Let me walk you through what actually happens when you light up a Diplomaticos No. 2, based on probably fifty of these I’ve smoked over the years.
The cold draw – before you even toast the foot – gives you this promising preview. There’s a sweetness there, almost honey-like, mixed with that unmistakable Cuban hay aroma. The wrapper itself, when it’s been properly aged (and honestly, don’t smoke these fresh – give them at least six months in your humidor), has this silky texture that just feels right between your fingers. The construction is typically flawless. I mean, we’re talking Habanos SA at their best here – triple cap, minimal veins, a wrapper that’s got this gorgeous Colorado claro color with a slight oily sheen.
First third? Here’s where the cigar introduces itself properly. That initial light brings forward cedar notes immediately – and I’m talking that exact smell of opening a Spanish cedar drawer, not some abstract “woody” flavor. There’s earth underneath, that characteristic Cuban soil taste that I genuinely can’t find in any other tobacco-growing region. Some leather comes through too, but it’s subtle at this point. The spicy element is there but restrained – think white pepper more than cayenne. And the smoke production? Dense, creamy clouds that just hang in the air. The burn line stays razor-sharp if you’re not rushing it.
As you transition into the second third – and this usually hits around the 30-minute mark for me – the complexity really opens up. This is where the cigar earns its place in the rotation. The cedar mellows slightly, and you start getting these waves of what I can only describe as roasted nuts. Almonds maybe? There’s also this emerging sweetness that wasn’t prominent before, almost caramel-like. The leather notes become more pronounced, richer. The medium body creeps toward medium-full here, and the nicotine strength picks up just enough to remind you this is still a Cuban puro. The retrohale – if you’re into that – delivers concentrated spice and this amazing aroma of aged tobacco that makes your sinuses come alive.
Final third is where some Torpedos can get bitter or harsh, right? Not this one. Thing is, the Diplomaticos No. 2 maintains its composure all the way down. Yeah, the strength peaks here – you’re definitely in medium-full territory now – but it never crosses into that unpleasant tar zone. The flavors concentrate beautifully thanks to that tapered head design. More earth comes back, mixing with remnants of that cedar from the beginning. There’s a coffee bitterness that appears, but it’s balanced by an underlying sweetness. I typically smoke these down to about an inch remaining, and I’ve never felt like I needed to put one down early due to harshness. The ash, by the way, holds for solid two-inch chunks if you’re not moving around too much – light gray with those characteristic tight rings that indicate proper fermentation.
One thing worth mentioning – speaking of which, this happened to me last month – if your Diplomaticos No. 2 seems tight on the draw, don’t immediately reach for the draw tool. Let it warm up for ten minutes. Cuban cigars, especially properly humidified ones, sometimes need a bit to open up. Actually, scratch that – they almost always need that time. Patience pays off here.
How Does It Stack Up? Comparing Similar Smokes
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplomaticos No. 2 | Medium to Medium-Full | 70-90 minutes | Evening relaxation, refined complexity seekers |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 75-95 minutes | Special occasions, those wanting more intensity |
| Bolivar Belicosos Finos | Full | 60-80 minutes | Experienced smokers wanting Cuban power |
| H. Upmann No. 2 | Medium | 70-85 minutes | Daytime smoking, milder palate preferences |
I’ll be honest with you: the comparison to Montecristo No. 2 is inevitable, and it’s the question I get asked most. They’re the same vitola, similar blend DNA, both absolute classics. So what’s the difference? The Monte is slightly fuller-bodied, has more of that classic Cuban twang, and honestly, it’s a bit more in-your-face with its flavors. The Diplomaticos is more refined, more subtle. Not boring – subtle. There’s a difference. If the Montecristo No. 2 is a bold red wine, the Diplomaticos is more like a well-aged Burgundy. Both excellent, just different moods.
The Bolivar Belicosos Finos? That’s a whole different animal. Full-bodied from light to nub, way more spice, more earth, less refinement. I love Bolivars, but they’re for when I want my cigar to grab me by the lapels and shake me. The Diplomaticos is for when I want to sit back and contemplate.
What to Drink With This Beauty
Okay, so pairing recommendations. And look, drink whatever you want – your palate, your rules. But if you’re asking what I reach for when I light up a Diplomaticos No. 2, here’s what works.
Rum is the obvious choice, right? Cuban cigar, Cuban rum, makes sense. But not just any rum – I’m talking aged stuff. A Havana Club 7 Year or, if you can find it, a Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo. The caramel and vanilla notes in aged rum complement that sweetness in the second third beautifully. But here’s what gets me – and I know some aficionados will disagree – single malt Scotch works even better. Specifically, something from Speyside. The Macallan 12 Double Cask or Glenfiddich 15 Solera. Those fruity, honeyed notes in the whisky play off the cigar’s cedar and earth in ways that just work. Trust me on this.
Coffee? Absolutely, especially in the morning or early afternoon. A proper espresso – strong, Italian-style – cuts through the smoke and resets your palate between puffs. I’ve also paired these with a good porter or stout beer during cooler months, and that works surprisingly well. The roasted malt flavors mirror the nutty notes in the cigar.
Timing-wise, this is an evening smoke for me. Too substantial for morning, though I won’t judge you if you disagree. It’s perfect for after dinner, on the patio, when you’ve got ninety minutes to just exist without checking your phone every three seconds. Weekend afternoons work too – that Saturday when you’ve got nowhere to be and nothing pressing. The Diplomaticos No. 2 demands your attention but rewards it generously.
Your Questions Answered
How does the Diplomaticos No. 2 compare to other Cuban Torpedos?
Real talk: the Diplomaticos No. 2 sits in that sweet spot between the milder H. Upmann No. 2 and the fuller-bodied Montecristo No. 2. It offers medium to medium-full strength with excellent complexity – more refined than bold. If you find Bolivar Torpedos too strong but H. Upmann too mild, this is your Goldilocks cigar. The flavor profile emphasizes cedar, leather, and earth notes with a smooth, creamy smoke that maintains complexity throughout the entire smoking experience.
Should I age Diplomaticos No. 2 cigars before smoking?
Yes, absolutely – and I’ll be blunt about this. Fresh Diplomaticos can be good, but aged ones are spectacular. Give them at least six months in your humidor at 65-68% humidity, and you’ll notice the flavors meld and smooth out considerably. I’ve smoked these with five years of age on them, and the transformation is remarkable – the harshness disappears entirely, and this honeyed sweetness emerges. If you can get boxes from 2018 or earlier, jump on them. Cuban cigars reward patience, and this marca is no exception.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a Diplomaticos No. 2?
For me, this is an evening cigar – post-dinner, when you’ve got 90 minutes to dedicate to it. The medium-full body and nicotine content make it too substantial for morning smoking unless you’re a seasoned aficionado with a strong tolerance. Late afternoon on weekends works brilliantly too. The length and ring gauge mean this isn’t a quick smoke – you’re committing to an experience here. I find it pairs perfectly with that transition time between day and evening, especially with a good whisky or aged rum.
Why aren’t Diplomaticos cigars as popular as Montecristo or Cohiba?
Honestly? Marketing. Or lack thereof. Diplomaticos was originally created for the French market and never received the global promotion that other Habanos marcas got. It’s produced in smaller quantities, doesn’t have the name recognition, and frankly, that works in our favor as smokers. You’re getting essentially Montecristo-level quality – similar tobacco sources from Vuelta Abajo, comparable construction standards – without the hype. It’s the same reason why brands like Ramon Allones or Por Larranaga are underrated. Not enough people know about them, so those of us who do get to enjoy them without the inflated demand.
What flavors should I expect from a Diplomaticos No. 2?
The flavor journey starts with prominent cedar – that Spanish cedar drawer smell – mixed with earth and subtle leather. As you move into the second third, roasted nuts emerge (almonds predominantly), along with a caramel-like sweetness that wasn’t obvious initially. White pepper spice weaves throughout but never dominates. The final third concentrates these flavors and adds coffee bitterness balanced by underlying sweetness. Throughout the entire smoke, you get that characteristic Cuban terroir – that earthy, hay-like quality that’s impossible to replicate outside Cuba. The wrapper contributes a smooth, almost creamy texture to the smoke, and the aroma is fantastic – cedar and aged tobacco dominate.
Is the Diplomaticos No. 2 suitable for beginners?
It depends on what you mean by beginner. If you’ve never smoked a cigar before? Probably start with something milder and shorter. But if you’ve been smoking for six months, have tried various Connecticut and Ecuadorian wrapped cigars, and you’re ready to explore Cuban tobacco – then yes, this is actually an excellent entry point. It’s not going to overwhelm you like a Partagas Serie D No. 4 or Bolivar Royal Corona might. The medium body and smooth character make it approachable, while the complexity gives you that “aha” moment of understanding what Cuban cigars are about. Just make sure you’ve eaten beforehand – smoking this on an empty stomach isn’t wise given the nicotine content.
How should I store Diplomaticos No. 2 cigars?
Cuban cigars generally prefer slightly lower humidity than New World cigars – I keep mine at 65-67% humidity and around 65-68°F temperature. Too humid, and the draw gets tight; too dry, and they burn hot and harsh. The Torpedo vitola especially needs proper humidification because that tapered head can dry out faster than the foot. If you’re storing these long-term for aging – and you should be – maintain consistent conditions. Fluctuations are the enemy. I use Boveda packs in my humidor specifically for Cuban cigars, and the 65% packs work perfectly. Give them at least a week to acclimate after purchase before smoking, preferably longer.
Why This Belongs in Your Rotation
So here’s where we land after all that. The Diplomaticos No. 2 isn’t going to win beauty contests or show up on “top 10” lists that casual smokers read. It’s not a limited edition with fancy bands and collectible boxes. What it is – and hear me out on this – is a consistently excellent, fairly available, beautifully constructed Cuban Torpedo that delivers exactly what it promises every single time.
Not gonna lie, I’m probably biased here because this cigar has been part of my rotation for over a decade now. But that longevity says something, doesn’t it? In a hobby where we’re constantly chasing the next hot release or rare vintage, there’s something deeply satisfying about a reliable marca that just performs. The Diplomaticos No. 2 is that cigar for me – the one I reach for when I want to remind myself why Cuban tobacco is still the benchmark, why Torpedo vitolas are so beloved, and why sometimes flying under the radar is actually an advantage.
If you’ve been sleeping on Diplomaticos like most aficionados have, maybe it’s time to change that. Grab a five-pack, let them rest in your humidor for a few months, and revisit this review when you light one up. I think you’ll understand what I’ve been talking about. And if you already know – if you’re one of those three people in the lounge who nods knowingly when Diplomaticos comes up – then you know exactly why this cigar deserves more attention than it gets.
Stock up while you can. That’s my recommendation. These aren’t getting easier to find, and once more people catch on to what we already know, that could change. Add a box to your collection, age them properly, and thank me later.
