CRW Review: Diplomaticos No. 2, Jun. 2008 "EMA" box code - final score, 89

[CanuckSARTech]

So, I’ve got another review here (one of a couple for this CRW contest – perfect!) I was able to enjoy this cigar on Sunday night, during Halloween. I thoroughly enjoyed this while handing out candy to the neighbourhood kids, while my wife took our little guy around for his first taste of going door-to-door trick-or-treating for Halloween. I was hoping to switch off with her, and take him around for a bit, but he was done for by the time that they got back, so I missed out a bit on that part (got to watch him at a few neighbouring houses, though). But, I still enjoyed my part of the night. It’s our little tradition with our neighbours on either side of us to go out, sit in our front yard, and hand out candy from the 3 groups of us, all while sitting back and enjoying cigars and drinks. And, as usual, I was handing out “adult drinks” also to the accompanying parents of the trick-or-treaters – I had a couple of slow-cookers, and had many litres of hot, fresh-pressed apple cider, and with splashes of Captain Morgan’s 100-Proof Spiced Rum for those that wanted it. It was a great night – shouts from adults down the street of, “Yeah, this is the house with the cider!!!!” Put a smile on everyone's face.

Anywho, the cigar. It’s been a bit since I’ve touched this box of Dip 2’s, and I was quite pleased.

Reviewed Cigar: Diplomaticos No. 2

Box Date: Jun. 2008

Factory/Manufacture Code: EMA

Packaging: 25-box

Price: Never talk money...

Length: 6 1/8", or 156 mm

Ring Gauge: 52

Format: Piramide

Weight: Don't you know it isn't polite to ask a fella this??

Construction/Appearance & Pre-Light: Fairly nice. These cigars, and especially this box, are not stunning cigars – they are consistent as hell, and quite good, but they’re no showstopper. I’ve not had one of these that was less than 89, and also no higher than 91 – consistent and enjoyable. The wrapper was mostly smooth and flawless, and was a lighter Colorado claro in colour, I guess you could say. The pre-light smells were muted – some toasted tobacco, a distinct blending of salty and sweet spices (kind of like seasoning salt, mixed with nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon – always perplexing, but interest inducing).

Opening Impressions: After a lighting up and initial draws, this cigar had just the right draw resistance and warmth to it. Opening seems like I’m in for a lovely, lighter cigar. Going well with my drink pairing.

First Third: Hints of nutmeg, saffron, and buttered / toasted tobacco. Quite nice. Great burn and draw, but a bit one-dimensional too.

Second Third: Same as the first, but just a bit more toastiness coming out in it. Noticed in this third that the smoke hasn’t really been dense at all. There’s lots of it when puffing, and the billows are beautiful. But, the mouthfeel of the smoke just doesn’t have that “denseness” to it that I enjoy in a great cigar – there’s none of that creamy, velvety, layered feeling of the smoke on your tongue. It’s just….there.

Final Third: Again, fairly the same as the first and second. The toastiness gave way a bit, and allowed the nutmeg to come to the forefront more. A little bit of a tangy harshness on the back of the tongue with the finish of this cigar, but no where in the nature of saying this cigar has a harsh ending – it’s just like it’s on that borderline of maybe needing more aging to meld together yet.

Finishing Comments / Overall Impression: Well, I was kind of hoping for some essences of what I’ve found in these before. I’ve had some mild honey, some nuts, a bit of smokey wood. But these definitely have that buttered, toasted tobacco essence to them, with the nutmeg / spice rounding out. Again, not a spectacular cigar, but one that I could count on to give me an enjoyable evening. Besides, with all the interesting ghost and goblin costumes out on parade, who would want to be distracted with a cigar on a night like this???

Final Score: 89

Total Smoking Time: 1 1/2 hours

Paired Beverage: Hot apple cider w/ Captain Morgan’s 100-Proof Spiced Rum

Thanks for reading my review. Hope you enjoyed it.

Cheers.

[dicko]

Sounds like a great community event! only dip 2 I've had was plugged but love the dip 4. Yours sounded nice!

[winelover]

Thanks for your review Keith. Envious of your Halloween. Your neighbourhood sounds awesome!

G

[Vetteman]

Nice review, and even nicer tradition! Sounds like a great time for all.

[nonameno]

Hi Keith,

Great review of a cigar I am looking forward to trying. I loved your pictures too!

Thank you for sharing,

Curtiss

[CanuckSARTech]

Thanks fellas, glad you enjoyed.