Cohiba Siglo II

Cohiba Siglo II Review: What Everyone Gets Wrong About Cuba’s Most Overrated Smoke

Here’s what drives me nuts about most Cohiba Siglo II reviews – they treat this cigar like it’s some kind of sacred relic that can do no wrong. Look, I’ve been smoking Cubans since Clinton was in office, and I’m gonna tell you straight up: the Siglo II is simultaneously one of the most beloved and most disappointing cigars in the Cohiba lineup.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not here to trash it completely (though I know some of you are already sharpening your pitchforks). But after two decades of smoking these things – from fresh boxes to perfectly aged specimens – I’ve got some thoughts that might ruffle a few feathers.

First Impressions: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

The Siglo II is gorgeous, I’ll give it that. That perfect petit corona size (5.25″ x 42 ring gauge) sits beautifully in your hand. The construction? Usually spot-on. Cohiba’s rollers know their craft, and it shows. The wrapper’s got that silky Vuelta Abajo sheen that screams quality.

But here’s where things get interesting (and where I might lose some of you). Fresh Siglo IIs are often… well, they’re often bland as hell. I remember buying a box in 2019 – paid through the nose for them, naturally – and they smoked like expensive cardboard for the first year. My buddy Carlos warned me about this back in Havana. “Patience, amigo,” he said. “Cohiba teaches you patience whether you want to learn or not.”

He wasn’t wrong.

The Flavor Journey (When It Finally Shows Up)

Here’s the thing about describing flavors in cigars – most reviews sound like someone’s reading from a wine tasting manual. Cedar notes this, leather undertones that. Honestly? Sometimes a cigar just tastes good without needing a PhD to decode it.

That said, a properly aged Siglo II (we’re talking 3-5 years minimum) is something special. The first third starts mild – maybe too mild for some palates. You’ll get cream, maybe some hay, definitely that signature Cuban twang that’s hard to describe but impossible to mistake. It’s clean. Almost sterile at times.

The middle section is where things wake up. This is where you start tasting why people mortgage their houses for Cohibas. Honey sweetness comes through, some white pepper on the retrohale (if your sinuses can handle it). There’s this buttery richness that develops gradually. Not revolutionary, but refined as hell.

The final third? This is make-or-break territory. A good Siglo II finishes with complexity – coffee, maybe some cocoa, earth tones that remind you you’re smoking Cuban soil. A bad one gets bitter and harsh. Unfortunately, I’ve had more bad final thirds than I care to admit, especially from newer production.

What I Actually Pair This With (Beyond the Usual Suspects)

Forget the standard “pair with cognac” nonsense. Sure, Hennessy Paradis works if you’re feeling fancy (and rich). But honestly? Some of my best Siglo II experiences have been with unexpected partners.

Coffee’s my go-to morning pairing. Not just any coffee – I’m talking about a proper Cuban cortadito or, if you can’t get to Miami, a strong espresso with just a touch of sugar. The coffee’s intensity balances the cigar’s subtlety perfectly.

Evening sessions call for something different. I’ve had incredible experiences pairing these with aged rum – specifically Havana Club 15 or Santiago de Cuba 25 if you can find it. The rum’s complexity matches the cigar’s evolution perfectly. Beer? Yeah, I’ll catch heat for this, but a well-crafted Belgian witbier works beautifully. Hoegaarden if you’re keeping it simple, or Blanche de Bruges if you’re feeling adventurous.

And here’s a controversial take: sometimes the best pairing is just water. Seriously. The cigar’s subtle enough that anything stronger can overpower it, especially in the first half.

Who Should Smoke This (And Who Definitely Shouldn’t)

The Siglo II isn’t for everyone, despite what the marketing wants you to believe. If you’re new to cigars, this might bore you to tears. It’s not gonna knock you over with flavor or strength – it’s more like classical music than rock and roll.

This is perfect for:

• Experienced smokers who appreciate subtlety
• Business settings where you need something refined but not overpowering
• Morning or early afternoon smoking (it’s mild enough)
• People who enjoy the ritual and prestige as much as the taste

Skip it if you:

• Want immediate flavor gratification
• Prefer fuller-bodied smokes
• Can’t afford to age them properly
• Get impatient with slow-developing cigars

Storage and Quirks: What Nobody Tells You

Here’s some insider knowledge that took me years to figure out: Siglo IIs are finicky about humidity. Most Cubans like 65-70% RH, but I’ve found these smoke best at the lower end of that range. 62-65% seems to be the sweet spot. Any higher and they get plugged or burn issues.

Temperature matters too. I store mine at around 65°F. Higher temps seem to make them age faster, but not necessarily better.

And here’s something weird I’ve noticed over the years – Siglo IIs from different years smoke completely differently. The 2016s I have are nothing like the 2020s. It’s like they changed the blend without telling anyone. The newer ones seem milder, maybe too mild. Could be tobacco sourcing, could be my palate changing, but it’s definitely noticeable.

One more thing – don’t dry box these. I know some guys swear by pulling cigars out of the humidor for a day or two before smoking, but Siglo IIs turn into cardboard if you do this. They need that moisture to perform.

The Controversial Truth About Value

Okay, here’s where I’m gonna really ruffle some feathers. The Siglo II is overpriced. There, I said it.

Don’t get me wrong – it’s a good cigar. When it’s firing on all cylinders, it’s a great cigar. But you’re paying a massive premium for that Cohiba band, and let’s be honest about that. I can name a dozen Cuban cigars that smoke better for half the price.

A Partagás Serie D No. 4? Better value and more flavor. A Romeo y Julieta Churchill? More complex and costs less. Hell, even a basic Montecristo No. 2 gives you more bang for your buck.

But (and this is a big but), sometimes you’re not just buying the tobacco. You’re buying the experience, the prestige, the ritual. And in those terms? The Siglo II delivers. It’s the cigar you smoke when you close a big deal, celebrate an anniversary, or want to impress someone who knows cigars.

Common Questions I Get About the Siglo II

How long should I age them? Minimum three years, but five is better. I’ve got some 2015s that are just now hitting their stride.

How do I know if they’re authentic? This is a whole topic by itself, but basics: perfect construction, correct band details, proper box codes. When in doubt, buy from reputable sources only.

Why do some taste like nothing? Usually because they’re too young or stored improperly. Fresh Siglo IIs are notorious for being underwhelming.

Are they worth the price? Depends what you’re looking for. For pure smoking pleasure? Probably not. For the complete experience? Maybe.

Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Compromise

The Cohiba Siglo II is like that perfectly polished friend who always says the right thing at parties. Refined, elegant, never offensive – but sometimes you wonder if there’s any real personality underneath.

After twenty-plus years of smoking these, I’ve made peace with what they are. They’re not flavor bombs. They’re not going to change your life. But they’re consistently well-made cigars that represent the pinnacle of Cuban craftsmanship, even if they don’t always live up to their reputation.

Would I recommend them? To the right person, absolutely. Just go in with realistic expectations, buy them from trusted sources, and for the love of all that’s holy – age them properly. Your patience will be rewarded, even if your wallet won’t thank you.

And if you decide they’re not for you? Don’t feel bad about it. There are plenty of other excellent cigars out there that might suit your palate better. Sometimes the most hyped smoke isn’t the right smoke for you, and that’s perfectly fine.

The Siglo II taught me that lesson, actually. It’s a good cigar masquerading as a great one, and once you accept that, you can enjoy it for what it actually is rather than what everyone says it should be.