Diplomatico #1

[capecc]

Dip #1

ARA ABR 01

I did a review of a #4 a couple weeks ago. Sticking with the theme is a #1 from 01'. I have no interest in aging beyond 3-4 years when I think cigars really hit their stride, but the diplomaticos line is the only mild one I like and I never had a cigar this old so when I had an opportunity to pick up the box I did. Disappointing and here's why,

1st 3rd

Diplomatico wrapper always has a nice look, paper thin and light in color you can clearly see it wrapped around the binder leaf underneath. Feels way too tight and hard as a brick at the cap and I know what's coming....

Plugged, Plugged and Plugged. 01' is before draw machines etc. I suppose. Didn't have enough experience with habanos this long ago to tell. I knew as soon as I opened the box because they don't feel right, first two inches I couldn't squeeze with a vice if I had tried. There is a lot of white pepper through the nose, confusing, cigars always seem to lose the pepper and spice with age, plus the Dip range is so mild and not spicy or peppery at all in my experience. Maybe it's just burning too hot because of the draw. I'm lost once again.

2nd 3rd

So this is one of two cigars I brought to work with me this morning and after a particularly aggravating week I'm going to force myself to enjoy it. Leather, lemon, grapefruit are there but there's not enough smoke volume to really appreciate. So I decide to clip 2 whole inches off the cap considering its a long stick and it actually opens up a lot. Burns less hot and the regular Diplomatico flavors are coming through for real this time.

3rd 3rd

You could've told me it was a box from 07'-current however, and I would have believed it. Just reaffirms my thoughts on extended aging. Enjoyable once the draw is loosened but not particularly different or special. This box is going in a small and very dry humidor all alone. No loss, they'll be my low expectation morning cigars on the way to work.

[cigarroverzulu]

Thats too bad... I would have thought it would be better!

[bassman]

I have a box of #3s with the same code & they burn well and have wonderful flavor. Never tried the #1.

[ChanceSchmerr]

Dude, I have 2 boxes of Dip #1 I am smoking through - an ARA MAR 01 and ARA ABR 00. The MAR 01's are as you describe - tent pegs all the way. Dry box the crap outta them and you may get an enjoyable smoke. The Tobacco in them is decent - IF you get one that draws, it's pretty good. Still - not a great indication of how good Dip 1s can be.

The ABR 00 ones, on the other hand - these are wonderful! The draw is much nicer, and the tobacco (with a few exceptions) is excellent, and I don't detect any mildness despite the age - just good white pepper and forest notes.

I hope you are able to smoke those other 01's!