ERDM Choix Supreme - '02

[Well Armed]

From the aged stock of Czar. I'm suprised these didn't go sooner. But after smoking one I wish they had gone even slower as I'd get another box in a heartbeat.

The aged PCC stock is in my experience, impeccible. Everything I have seen is top notch. Excellent construction and superb quality. This box of Choixs was no exception. Smell at cold was a sugary tobacco with a strong aroma. Some cigars smell bloand, some mild. This one just volcanoes the aroma. In for a real treat I was.

Cut it with my trust Elishewitz custom stamascus knife. A bit more resistance than preferred. A very tight roll all the way down so I didn't expect it to loosen up. But it eventually did halfway. First draws after lighting revealed a deep core of honey sweetnes dominated by a strong, slightly bitter tobacco core. Slightly well aged at 5 years old, I expected it to be smoother. After the first inch to halfway it just gained in strength. The ever-present ERDM profile tried to shine through. It gave a consistent attempt to impress with its aroma of honey-sweet graham cracker crust with low sugar heavy whipping cream topped with vanilla extract.

But....this bugger just continued to gain in strength. The underlying flavors were truly magnificent. But as it smoked it became younger and younger. Hella ligero in this Choix. I have always been confused by people who say this smoke is always mild. These were medium at the start and powerful at the end. Nice tangy numbness to the lips. The finish was a powerful crescendo of honey cinnamon dominated by the strong tobacco foundation.

Not even close to being ready. At 5 years old, this is still one of the harshest Choixs I have ever had. But it was very good. Their potential might just be unlimited. The flavor was there. It tried to assert itself like a younger brother challenging the 1st born. But it was no contest. These are still quite young. Mabe they have gained in strength as they aged. We will see as they sit in the humi for another 6 months and I give them another go. I look forward to the next as I can still taste the tingly zing on the lips. King of the world.

89/100 (but when they mellow out - if they do at all - I imagine they will rate in the mid 90s no f'ing problem)

[JulietasRomeo]

These are my favorite Morning Smokes. I have a cab of May05's that I keep sampling that really need some rest. It's killing me I have to wait for these:-(

[Phailure]

Nice review!

Interesting to hear that your experience with the ERDM CS was so wild. Most people consider these to be lighter smoke. You must have gotten a real special batch ;-). Oh well, that just means they'll be that much better when they finally do settle down.

[Mel]

Dear well armed what could explain your unique experience with the ussually mild ERDM Chiox??? Extra ligero??? I sugest not. It was most likey some noxious weed that was inadvertantly rolled into the cigar.;-) Stinkweed maybe?