Description
The Diplomaticos No. 2 stands as a towering achievement in the world of Habanos, often whispered about by aficionados as the “connoisseur’s choice” over its more famous siblings. This medium to full-bodied masterpiece is the quintessential Pirámides, a vitola that demands respect and rewards the patient smoker with a sophisticated evolution of flavor. Crafted with meticulous precision at the legendary José Martí Factory in Havana, the No. 2 is the sole surviving vitola of the original Diplomaticos line—a testament to its enduring quality and the cult-like following it has garnered since its debut. From the moment you clip the tapered head, you are introduced to a world of floral elegance, toasted wood, and rich cocoa, all wrapped in a stunning Colorado Maduro leaf. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer seeking the pinnacle of Cuban craftsmanship, the Diplomaticos No. 2 offers a refined alternative to the Montecristo No. 2, providing a unique profile that balances power with unparalleled grace.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 hand-rolled Habanos | 10 hand-rolled Habanos |
| Packaging Type | Traditional Cedar Dress Box (Boîte Nature) | Cardboard Pack or Small Dress Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and serious collectors | Sampling the blend or travel |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar lining for optimal oil preservation | Requires immediate transfer to humidor |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Pirámides (Torpedo) |
| Length | 156 mm (6 1/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Colorado / Colorado Maduro |
| Binder | Cuba |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo region) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Rich, textured, and evolving |
| Smoking Time | 90 – 120 Minutes |
| Factory | José Martí Factory, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The history of Diplomaticos is one of strategic elegance and refined positioning. Founded in 1966, it holds the distinction of being the first post-Revolution brand to be released for public sale, following the diplomatic-only origins of Cohiba. Originally conceived as a brand specifically for the French market, Diplomaticos was designed to mirror the successful Montecristo line, offering a slightly more accessible yet equally high-quality alternative. Its numbering system—No. 1 through No. 7—directly corresponded to the Montecristo vitolas, establishing a familiar framework for European smokers who appreciated the Pirámides shape and the complexity of Vuelta Abajo tobacco.
For decades, Diplomaticos was the “insider’s secret,” a brand that offered a more nuanced and floral profile compared to the earthy intensity of its rivals. However, as Habanos S.A. rationalized its portfolio in the early 21st century, many of the original vitolas were discontinued. By 2010, the Diplomaticos No. 2 was the only standard production cigar remaining in the brand’s catalog. This scarcity has only increased its prestige. Today, the No. 2 is celebrated not just as a survivor, but as a masterpiece of Cuban blending, representing a bridge between the classic traditions of the 1960s and the modern demand for complex, medium-full smoking experiences.
The legacy of Diplomaticos is now synonymous with exclusivity. While it shares the same factory and high-grade tobacco sources as Montecristo, the blending process for the No. 2 emphasizes a specific balance of honeyed sweetness and toasted spices that is entirely its own. It remains a coveted icon among collectors, frequently selected for Regional Editions due to the high esteem in which the brand’s base blend is held. When you light a Diplomaticos No. 2, you are participating in a storied history of Cuban excellence that has outlasted time and trend.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with a sophisticated and airy opening. Upon lighting, the Diplomaticos No. 2 immediately showcases its refined pedigree through a burst of floral and woody notes. Unlike the heavy earthiness of other Cuban brands, the first few centimeters are characterized by an elegant lightness. There is a distinct presence of cedar and freshly cut hay, punctuated by a subtle white pepper spice on the retrohale. The construction of the Pirámides vitola allows for a concentrated draw, bringing these delicate top notes to the forefront of the palate with remarkable clarity.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar transitions into the middle portion, the complexity deepens significantly. The body moves firmly into the medium-full territory. The initial floral notes evolve into a rich tapestry of chocolate, roasted nuts, and honey. This is where the Diplomaticos No. 2 truly distinguishes itself from its competitors; the sweetness is not sugary, but rather a deep, resinous honey that coats the mouth. Layers of toasted almond and creamy coffee emerge, creating a velvety texture that is both satisfying and intriguing. The balance during this stage is impeccable, with no single note overpowering the other.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final third, the power of the Cuban tobacco is fully realized. The flavor profile shifts toward a darker, more robust spectrum. Notes of rich earth, dark cocoa, and espresso dominate the palate. While the strength increases, the smoke remains remarkably smooth, avoiding any harshness or astringency—a hallmark of the superior José Martí Factory construction. The toasted wood notes return with more intensity, accompanied by a lingering spice that provides a grand finale to the 120-minute journey. The finish is long and clean, leaving a sophisticated aftertaste of leather and spice.
Finish
The finish of the Diplomaticos No. 2 is legendary for its persistence and cleanliness. It leaves a lingering sensation of toasted oak and dark chocolate on the tongue, encouraging a moment of reflection after the cigar has been laid to rest. There is a notable absence of the metallic or bitter notes sometimes found in lesser cigars, proving that the long-filler Cuban tobacco used in this blend is of the highest possible caliber.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Honey, Floral |
| Secondary Notes | Milk Chocolate, Roasted Almonds, White Pepper |
| Tertiary Notes | Leather, Espresso, Dried Hay |
| Finish | Toasted Wood, Dark Cocoa, Clean Earth |
| Aroma | Spiced Wood, Earthy Sweetness, Antique Leather |
Aging and Collector Value
The Diplomaticos No. 2 is widely regarded as one of the best candidates for long-term aging in the Habanos portfolio. When young, the Colorado wrapper can occasionally exhibit a slight “green” or tannic edge; however, this disappears after just 6 to 24 months of proper humidification. For the patient collector, aging this cigar for 3 to 5 years unlocks a magnificent transformation. The floral notes settle into a deep, herbal complexity, and the honeyed sweetness takes on a rich, caramelized character that is highly sought after at auction.
To preserve the delicate oils of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco, we recommend storing these cigars at a consistent 65-72% humidity and a temperature of 18-21°C (65-70°F). Using a cedar-lined humidor is essential, as the interaction between the Spanish cedar and the Diplomaticos blend enhances the natural toasted wood notes over time. Because the No. 2 is the only remaining vitola in the regular line, its production numbers are often lower than the mass-produced Montecristo No. 2, making it a “hidden gem” for collectors looking for future value appreciation.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness and oak aging of a 7-year-old rum perfectly complement the honey and cedar notes of the cigar. |
| Islay Single Malt | The peaty, smoky character of an Islay scotch provides a bold counterpoint to the cigar’s floral and chocolate profile. |
| XO Cognac | The dried fruit and nuttiness of a premium Cognac harmonize beautifully with the roasted almond middle third. |
| Double Espresso | The bitterness of high-quality coffee amplifies the dark cocoa and espresso notes in the final third. |
| Vintage Port | The rich, dark berry flavors of a Port provide a luxurious contrast to the toasted wood and earth. |
| Sparkling Water with Lime | A palate cleanser that allows the subtle floral nuances of the first third to shine without interference. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is the foundation of trust. We ensure that every Diplomaticos No. 2 that leaves our humidor is a genuine product of Habanos S.A., verified through multiple layers of security and traditional craftsmanship markers.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official Habanos warranty seal with a unique barcode and a holographic image that reacts to light, ensuring the box has not been tampered with.
- Box Code Verification – We provide the specific factory code and boxing date (TME, UBM, etc.) stamped on the bottom of the box, which can be verified against Habanos records.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, signifying the highest level of Cuban construction.
- Triple Cap – The hallmark of a master roller, the Pirámides head features a perfectly applied triple cap, demonstrating the skill required to finish this complex shape.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our rigorous quality standards, we provide a full refund. We have been trusted by collectors since 2015 to deliver only the finest, 100% authentic Cuban tobacco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Diplomaticos No. 2?
The Diplomaticos No. 2 offers a medium to full-bodied experience. It begins with light floral and cedar notes, transitions into a heart of honey, roasted nuts, and milk chocolate, and concludes with a powerful finish of dark cocoa, espresso, and rich earth. It is generally considered more nuanced and “sweeter” than the Montecristo No. 2.
How long does a Diplomaticos No. 2 take to smoke?
Given its substantial 156 mm length and 52 ring gauge, you should set aside 90 to 120 minutes to fully enjoy this cigar. Rushing a Pirámides can lead to overheating, which masks the delicate floral and honey notes that make this vitola special.
Where is Diplomaticos No. 2 made?
These cigars are handcrafted at the José Martí Factory in Havana, Cuba. This factory is world-renowned for its expertise in rolling figurado shapes like the Pirámides, ensuring that the Diplomaticos No. 2 has a consistent draw and excellent combustion.
Is Diplomaticos No. 2 a strong cigar?
It is classified as medium to full. While it has significant body and nicotine presence, it is characterized by “contained power.” It does not have the aggressive spice of a Partagás, making it ideal for smokers who want strength without sacrificing sophistication and balance.
What pairs well with Diplomaticos No. 2 Cuban cigar?
This cigar pairs exceptionally well with aged Cuban rums, which highlight its natural sweetness, or a rich XO Cognac. For non-alcoholic pairings, a strong espresso or a piece of high-quality dark chocolate will amplify the cocoa and coffee notes found in the latter half of the smoke.
