Diplomaticos No. 2 LGR DIC-18 (DERW)*

[GVan]

It's Sunday evening and CC time.  Since @MoeFOH made it an El Rey del Mundo & Diplomatico's review weekend -- He's picked my cigar (I don't have any ERdM's in my collection yet)!  But I do have two boxes of PSP Dip's from our host that have been acclimating in the humi for 134 days.  These boxes looked so good that I was not planning on touching them for at least another 5 months but, why not tonight?  It's 76 deg's F and 74% humidity outside and there is a storm coming.

The wrapper on this CC's is gorgeous medium to dark brown and oily.  They smell like Graham Crackers with a firm feel and are slightly box-pressed from being pushed into the dress box.  The first one I picked out was a heavy weight at 2 g's over published weight so I went for this one at 13.8 g's as I was worried about a plugged cigar since these are only 19 months old.  I'll let the heavy-weights age some more.  V-Cut and the draw is perfect with a slight resistance.  Toast the end and we're off ...

The first third is fantastic!  I've only smoked one Dip #2 before and it was while playing golf - not exactly the place to try and pick up subtle flavors.  I've heard that these are the sisters to Monte #2's and I should get some creme.  These taste nothing like any Monte I've ever had.  Right off the bat I get strong Capsicum right down the middle and back of my tongue.  I'd call it a yellow bell pepper taste that's dominant through this third with an after-taste of light tea.  There is a real light, smooth smoke coming off the cigar that smells great.  It's smoking on the mild side and burning great with no touch-ups required.  I was considering going for the "Big Ash Shot" but the storm is here and the wind is picking-up so I break off the ash andI'm surprised at the resistance it gives to breaking - great construction. 

Second third - the lighting storm outside is really something with horizontal lightning bands that light up the sky and burn an image into your retina.  I'm really enjoying this cigar and there's no need for any music on the second floor porch -- I'm just listening to the light rain and the booming thunder.  Nature is putting on it's own light show tonight.  Smoke production ramps up.  The capsicum fades and is replaced with the familiar taste of green tea.  It's still a really smooth smoke and now does remind me a lot of my 18 year-old Monte 2's.  While they are not very complex; they are really smooth and I'm surprised at how this young cigar is matching that profile in this third.  About half-way through I get the distinct taste of green onions - not the white part of the onion but the taste you get  just as you get to the green stems. I always save the green stems to be cut up and put in salads.  I've got to give one of these sticks to @StogieSteve23 and see if he gets the same flavors (his palate is better than mine).  Toward the end of this third, the smell of the smoke coming off the cigar changes and I get a whiff of almost incense but more like arabic cologne - it doesn't last but wow is that cool.

The Last Third and the cigar picks-up in strength but is never harsh or bitter.  The Capsicum returns but now it's a much lighter taste almost more like it's what I smell in the smoke coming off the cigar.  I'm still getting green tea.  The final third requires a few touch-ups but I never have to relight the cigar.  This is how a cuban should smoke!  Most of my CC collection is young and it seems I am almost always having to re-light in the last half or do excessive touch-ups - this one is a joy to smoke.  As I'm finishing the cigar the storm has passed and is now out over the ocean probably 20+ miles away.  There is still the occasional lightning bolt but the wind has died and it's really very nice.  One of my neighbors starts shooting off left-over fireworks from the 4th.  I take it as the perfect way to celebrate the finish of this great cigar.

It's always seemed to me that my best cigars are with great food, good drink or just hanging out talking with friends or family.  Sometimes it is the company that helps bring out the best but, this evening I was alone with my thoughts and mother natures lightning storm.  I paired this cigar with just cool water so I could pick-up some of the nuances.  Total smoke time was 2 hours and 18 minutes of pure enjoyment.  At the end I was relaxed and thankful that I had 49 more of these awaiting another special occasion or to share with a friend.  I'll give this Dip #2 - 95 points and hope for much more enjoyment from these cigars in the years to come!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[StogieSteve23]

Great review, George!  They are truly excellent sticks and my favorite pyramide indeed! Crazy ass storms last night came rolling through! We were at the beach until about 6:50pm when all hell broke loose.  Made it into the car just as the downpour started.  I bet watching the lightning storm from your perch high above was wonderful sight.  We've had some excellent weather the last couple nights.  

[Odessa]

Great review. Thank you.