Picked up a couple of these from my local guy about a week ago. Exactly the same in size as the original Diploma with two differences, the maduro wrapper and a skinny band that simply says "Diploma".
The wrapper is a dark brown in color with a couple noticeable veins. Smooth in texture but not very oily which suprised me a little.
Prelight aroma was mild and the prelight draw had a typical maduro sweetness to it.
While toasting the foot I noticed a distint oak smell. The cigar burned perfectly straight and the ash was almost white and very solid.
The first inch or so was somewhat tasteless with some wood and nut flavors. After that it began to get stronger and spicier and the nut flavor increased. I also tasted sweet flavors like vanilla.
Overall these need some aging time. They have potential but there was some harshness that I never had with the original mix. Also, while it was strong and it gave me a light headed feeling it wasn't kick me in the gut strong like the original.
Definitely worth trying if you like stronger cigars but a minor disapointment when compared to the original mix.
