HdM Du Dauphin RSE Sep 2001 Weekend Review Competition

mgcrunch · January 21, 2018

I appreciate the kick to review something interesting, pulled out a VR Anniversario and this Dauphin, hoping to smoke both. Just managed the Dauphin. Bonus, this was the first cigar smoked since I moved into our new place!

The nutshell - this started out world class, I was uttering joyful expletives about the flavor and journey at the start. Finished at the opposite end, soft and relaxed. Still, a thumbs up.

Here is the full box picture.

Source: Lot sale, PE grade. Purchased March 2017. Revisado 03/04. Figured I would bring a Perfec Draw, betting on a tent pole.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day in DC, 55 degrees. Coming from below freezing, I took this cigar for a walk. Notes are below.

First draws are tons of wood, sweetness on the finish.

10 draws later the spice builds in the middle and continues to present through the finish.

15 draws, tar. Re cut. Draw a little loose.

Espresso and dark chocolate bitterness. Sweetness (honey) in the background. Salt is whispering 'hello'

This cigar is practicing resistance, not interested in staying lit. But I overcome.

Halfway in, minerality is really kicking in

Balance is developing, with salt becoming a player. Spice is gone. Some wood remains.

Last third softens into what I imagined this cigar would be: subtle sweetness, woodsy, some minerality.This was the relaxed and gentle experience I thought of when enjoying a 17 year old HdM, having had just a few from this era. Given the potential for rock hard samples from this era, I was joyful to smoke this!