About the Diplomaticos No.3
The Diplomaticos No.3 is a classic Corona that showcases everything the Diplomaticos brand was built to be. Born in 1966 as one of the first new Cuban marques created after the revolution, Diplomaticos drew its blend from the celebrated Montecristo line yet softened it slightly, pairing a lighter shade wrapper with a refined, approachable character that was originally intended to win over the discerning French palate. Rolled in the Corona format, with the traditional factory name of Coronas, the No.3 measures a balanced 5.6 inches by a 42 ring gauge and arrives in the brand’s familiar dress box of twenty-five. It remains a quietly sophisticated smoke, the kind of vitola that rewards an unhurried hour and a still evening.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third is smooth and inviting, leading with toasty cedar and a gentle cream that sets a mellow, medium-bodied tone. As the cigar settles into its middle section, nutty notes step forward, suggesting almond and hazelnut, with a soft thread of white pepper adding just enough lift to keep the palate engaged. The final third gathers everything together, the cedar holding firm while a deeper, earthier richness rounds out the experience. From light to nub, the No.3 stays composed and balanced rather than aggressive, which is precisely its charm.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban or Venezuelan rum, whose caramel and oak sweetness echoes the cigar’s nutty, cedary core.
- A cup of strong espresso or freshly brewed black coffee, sharpening the spice and lengthening the finish.
- A lightly peated single malt Scotch, adding warmth and depth without overpowering the medium body.
Aging and storage
Like most well-made Habanos, the Diplomaticos No.3 benefits from patient cellaring. Held at a steady relative humidity of around 65 to 70 percent and a temperature near 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, the blend gradually mellows, allowing its cedar and nut character to marry and the pepper to soften into something rounder. A seasoned humidor with a reliable hygrometer is the surest way to preserve construction and protect the delicate wrapper. Given that this Corona is no longer in regular production, careful storage is especially worthwhile, as time tends to flatter these older Diplomaticos beautifully.
Who it is for
This cigar suits the smoker who values elegance over intensity and prefers nuance to power. Newcomers stepping up from milder smokes will find the medium body welcoming, while seasoned aficionados will appreciate the Montecristo lineage and the graceful way the flavors evolve. It is an ideal daytime Corona, equally at home with a morning coffee or an after-dinner pour, and a thoughtful choice for anyone who enjoys exploring the heritage corners of the Habanos world.
Frequently asked questions
What size and format is the Diplomaticos No.3?
It is a Corona, measuring 5.6 inches in length with a 42 ring gauge, traditionally presented in a dress box of twenty-five.
How strong is the Diplomaticos No.3?
It sits comfortably in the medium range, offering a smooth, balanced smoke with cedar, cream, nutty tones, and a touch of white pepper rather than a heavy, full-bodied punch.
What is the history of the Diplomaticos brand?
Diplomaticos was launched in 1966, built upon the Montecristo blend but made a little milder with a lighter wrapper, and was originally aimed at the French market.
Explore more
Browse all Diplomaticos cigars, or try the Diplomaticos No.2 and Diplomaticos No.4. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from the official Habanos S.A. site.
Ann Crawford –
Great cigar! Cuban Cigar Diplomaticos No.3 offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of leather and wood throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Alexander Green –
Decent cigar but not my favorite from Cuban Cigar. The Diplomaticos No.3 has good flavor – coffee and cream – but didn’t wow me like other Cubans I’ve had. Construction was fine, burn was mostly even. It’s good, just not exceptional. Worth trying though.
Ryan Hall –
Excellent cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Diplomaticos No.3 has a refined flavor profile – lots of nuts and earth. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 77 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Melissa Evans –
Exceptional cigar from Cuban Cigar. The Diplomaticos No.3 delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of cocoa and pepper throughout the 76 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Frank Reed –
Absolutely love this Diplomaticos No.3! Cuban Cigar continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with nuts and earth, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Judith Boyd –
Top-tier quality from Cuban Cigar. The Diplomaticos No.3 showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of nuts and earth. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Karen Lee –
Great smoke for the price. This Diplomaticos No.3 offers excellent value for a premium Cuban Cigar cigar. Good flavor with notes of leather and wood, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Scott Henderson –
Incredible cigar! The Diplomaticos No.3 from Cuban Cigar is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of cedar and spice throughout the smoke. Lasted about 73 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Joe Fisher –
Five stars all the way! The Cuban Cigar Diplomaticos No.3 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of cocoa and pepper. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Laura Bell –
The Cuban Cigar Diplomaticos No.3 is a quality cigar. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the cocoa and pepper notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Elizabeth Taylor –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Cuban Cigar Diplomaticos No.3 exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of honey and tobacco. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!