Cohiba Siglo II - BEL MAR 21 (PCRW)

[Tdm_86]

Another one of the great (IMO) Petit Coronas. It’s quite young, so I’m curious to see how it performs. The BCJ that I smoked for my other review was very good, so will this one stack up? The Bolivar is, of course, a smaller PC than a Siglo II and also significantly less expensive. Let’s light this up and see what it gives me.

Pre-light

Very nice appearance, the wrapper has the color I look for in Siglo series Cohibas. The band is quite loose for such a young cigar. Quite a firm feel as to how the cigar is packed. I straight cut it and the draw is great, with just a little bit of resistance. Cold draw is musty, light tobacco and hay.

First half

The first 10 draws or so are very light. Musty, toasted tobacco with not much definition on the retrohale. A very short finish that doesn’t really add anything. After that the flavors start picking up. On the draw we have a little bit of coffee with a musty nuttiness that tails it. On the retrohale there is a touch of honey that adds to the nuttiness. At about the halfway point there are hints of the lemongrass I’m looking for in a great Siglo II. 

Second half

With the cigar up to steam, it is now starting to deliver. It’s all coffee and honeyed nuts with just a touch of lemongrass. However, when I approach the band it just all of a sudden goes out. I have to relight twice and this doesn’t help the flavors. Kind of a disappointing end to an otherwise good cigar. I did purge and smoked it a little further down, but the muddled flavors don’t do it any justice.

Conclusion

Smoked it in an hour and 5 mins. A great smoke, but definitely let down by some issues. I expect more from a truly great Siglo II, though this was still about the middle of the road as far as the Siglo II’s I’ve had go. I see it as incrementally better than most other PC’s, even when it’s kind of mediocre for what I know it can deliver. The BCJ I referenced in the beginning didn’t leave me wanting. This one did, because I know what they can be, take that as you will. 

Rated on merit, still very respectable

91/100