Diplomáticos No. 2

Size: 52 x 156 (6.1")

Shape: Pyramid

Filler: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Box Date: Unknown

Beverage: Knobb Creek Kentucky Straight Burbon

The Diplomáticos No. 2 is one of the most popular Cuban Piramide's on the market.  Many have compared it to the iconic Monticristo No. 2 (which we reviewed here) and I have heard many cigar enthusiasts describe the Diplomáticos as better than the Monti No. 2.  The Diplomático is a relatively new Cuban brand with a limited number of vitolas.  In fact, aside from the Diplomático No.2, only the No. 4 and the No. 5 exist in the line.  I've read that the Diplomático was created as a cheap alternative to Monticristo, which would explain the use of numbers to describe the sizes rather than names.  I've always been a bit sceptical about the Diplomático and have wondered how it could possibly compare to the Monticristo No. 2 (perhaps my favourite cigar).  But we're always willing to give new cigars a try (even though this one has obviously been around for a long time), and so with great anticipation we clipped the cap of this well-known and loved Cuban.

My first impression of the Diplomático is that it did not have a pleasant aroma.  In fact, it kind of smelled like dirt (and not dirt in a good way - like how many Partagas have a nice "earthy" flavour and aroma).  Additionally, the pre-draw tasted a bit dusty.  So far the Diplomático No. 2 was batting 0 for 2.  However, my cynicism soon turned around during the first few puffs and I welcomed some pleasant notes of cream, honey, and dry oak.  The flavours were well balanced and the aroma was much improved with the addition of fire.  My main criticism of the Diplomático through the first half was that it actually did taste like a poor man's Monticristo No. 2 - similar flavours, but much lighter.  Balanced, but not quite as balanced as a Monticristo No. 2.  In the final half of the cigar it picked up in strength and I noticed some faint tobacco notes mixed in with chocolate and coffee.  However, overall I was not that impressed with the Diplomático No. 2.  I would rather pay the extra couple of dollars and smoke any of the other Cuban Piramide's on the market.  Therefore, I'm confident in my rating of two Castro heads out of five.

- Sean