Edmundo Dantes Mexican Regional el Conde 218 ( 2-109’s smoked side by side )
There has been much discussion on the variation between the first and second releases on this much ballyhooed present/future collectible stick. The general consensus has the second release being stouter. I have smoked several singles of both releases and liked both. With this in mind I decided to do a side by side comparison. The cigars were smoked at the same time in front of a nice fire watching the Pack/Cards game.
Both boxes have a leathery, cocoa, barnyard, light cedar pre-light aroma. The first release will be labeled and referred to as the Serie 1, second as Serie 2.
Both sticks have beautiful Colorado wrappers and excellent construction. The Serie 2 has a small tear at the foot. Pre-light aroma has a hint of black pepper. I can detect no differences in aroma. Both light easily with the Serie 2 having a slightly easier draw.
Upon lighting I get more black pepper than I remember with a dark and brooding leathery component, also noted are notes of freshly baked bread (I must be havin’ a flashback). The pepper settles down nicely fairly quick. These sticks at this point are virtually identical. The Packers have averaged one turnover a game in the regular season and now have two in three offensive plays giving the Cards a quick and easy 14-0 lead. ;>(
The second third develops a hint of bittersweet chocolate. The cracked black pepper returns and builds through the remainder of the smoke. A double shot of espresso goes nicely with these twin beauties. Again the sticks are nearly identical with the Serie 2 having a very slight edge with regards to strength. The Packers are sucking big-time. ;>(
The final third gives more black pepper, an earthy leathery component, a trailing off of chocolate resonances and an amazing creamy Cubano twang. No touching up with the torch has been needed. I’ve switched to cold water for the remaining smoke.
I believe there are minimal differences in the two releases. I can say the Serie 2 has a bit more pepper and strength but not to a great degree. This is within the realm of difference in sticks from a single box. I am surprised at the strength for a Double Corona, the most recent I’ve had before this was the Punch Platinos Indian Regional that wasn’t nearly as full. These medium /full bodied sticks are at a 94-95 now, with improvement likely. I believe these will be a highly sought after classic in the near future.
ps: The Pack eventually made a great game of it, neither defense showed up today.