Diplomatico No.2
Saturday, August 21st, 2010
Diplomatico is one of Cuba’s relatively newer brands. Released back in 1966, Diplomatico was launched and marketed as a milder and cheaper alternative to the Montecristo range. The brand was created for the French market initially, but it wasn’t long before they became popular in the rest of Europe and worldwide. The original release of the Diplomatico line was consisted of five vitolas, that had corresponding size and names with the Montecristo lines. In 1976, the No.6 and No.7 were added in the line, to correspond with the Montecristo Especiales No.1 and No.2.
Today, only one vitola remains in regular production, the Diplomatico No.2. The No.2 is a typical Piramide, measuring 6.1″ in length by 52 ring gauce. It is regarded by many as one of the top piramides from Cuba at the moment, mainly because it has maintained a consistent blend and developed a unique taste. A taste that does not represent a milder Montecristo, but a mature cigar with a unique character.
Appearance & Construction 13/15
The Diplomaticos have always had very good construction standards, and this No.2 is no different. The wrapper is golder brown, with a green hue in some parts. Ther are some visible veins, without any specles. The bunch is firm all along, and the cigar has no soft spots. Fruity and earthy scents are noticeable on the wrapper and especially on the foot of the cigar. The prelight draw is tight.
Flavour & Body 23/25
Despite the tight draw, the first puff packs a punch of oak. With the initial kick settling down, the cigar displays an array of flavours. Sweet spices take the stage, with cinammon, clove and nutmeg easily noticeable, with charcoaled wood closely following. The body is medium and the cigar has a long woody finish. On the second third the cigar changes very little. The flavours of sweet spices still dominate, with wood, nuts and forrest closely following, in a balanced array. The cigar finishes in the same way as it started, with the same flavours and a medium body. The flavours do not change while smoking in the last third, but why would you want them to? This cigar is delicious!
Draw & Burn 22/25
The draw is tight from the beginning, which is the only downside of this cigar. It does not however affect the burn, which is razor sharp. The ash is solid and grey in colour and reaches more than an inch in length. The coal is big and pyramid shaped and the cigar does not go out at any stage.
Overall 33/35
The Diplomatico No.2 is a beautiful piramide, and one of my top 3 in its size. What is so unique in this cigar, is that no matter what year or factory your stick came from, its flavour profile will be the same. Smoke it young and you will enjoy it’s sharp flavours, give it some age and it will be even more refined. The flavours of this cigar remind me of Christmas Day, back home in Greece… The smell of the natural Christmas tree, the “melomakarono” - a traditional sweet packed with cinammon, clove and nutmeg -, the pine and chestnut stuffing of the roast turkey, the open fire; the Diplomatico No.2 brings me back all this memories, each and every time. So, does anybody still insist its just a Montecristo “light” ? I don’t think so…
TOTAL 91/100
tagged under: Diplomatico.Montecristo.No.2.Piramide.Torpedo
Great review Yiorgos, an often overlooked cigar that has always lived in the shadow of the Monte No. 2 and H. Upmann No. 2. I prefer the Dip. to either of the above.
This is a great cigar; I’m in absolute agreement! I love the feel of a pyramide or belicoso in the mouth, and this has to be my favourite.
yiorgos my dear friend as usual , awesome review …
is it worth it to buy a box ? or couple of sticks are enough ?
Jack, absolutely, I say go for it and buy at least a box…
If it is fresh (08 and later) try and let them to sleep for a while. If you can find some with 4 or more years of age, smoke them and you ‘ll see why they are so good!
Hi Yiorgos,
great review as usual. I’m just back from being away for a while. And i was wondering if you knew anywhere that sells hygrometers in Dublin.. or do you buy online?
I know it’s way off topic but i thought i’d give it a try
Hi Michael,
Try JJ Fox on Grafton Street or the emporium. I’m not sure if they have them, as whenever I’m there I’m looking at the cigars, but worths trying!
Kalimera Yiorgo!
A few months ago I was given an aged D2 (from 2002) as a present…
Gosh, it was out of this world!
Balanced and full of flavor! Still plannin to get a box though…
Btw D4 and D5 are discontinued now?
Kalispera Ethan,
The D2 was a robusto extra, limited edition for 2003 and it was indeed a great cigar. But I have a feeling you mean the Partagas P2, which is a pyramid (same size as the Diplomatico No.2). It is a lovely cigar strong and rich, but can be harsh when its young… A 2002 stick however would have become more refined and mellow, with 8 years of age.
I think I have one in my humidor, I should root it out for a review!
Kalispera Yiorgo
No I was talking about the Diplomaticos No.2 (aka D2)…
Truly great!
I love this cigar, the flavour profiles are exactly as you say cinammon, clove and nutmeg. the smoke gives an oily/buttery feel in your mouth I just love.