Nice,

That is what I have to say about the ERDM Choix Supreme 98. A Little mild, for my taste. This smoke came out of a 65% humidity environment. The cigar seemed a little overfilled, and I was worried about the draw. Nice straight clip, and the illusion is dispelled. A firm draw, which yields volumes of smoke. Prelight aroma was very mild, with hints of nutmeg. Initially this smoke comes across as an extremely mild smoke. Very much like the RyJ Churchill, ISOM, I smoked yesterday. Great flavor, just not enough of it. Ash held to one inch, slightly disappointed at this point. Very little flavor. After that first inch, the cigar opened up, with a myriad of flavors. Cinnimon, nutmeg, and a touch of anise. I also discerned a hint of leather. This cigar builds in strength, and flavor, as the smoke continues, just not to the level with which I am accustomed. I did nub this cigar, as it was a very nice cigar, just needed more punch. I think I prefer a PSD#4.

Later

Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)

nice review. Wish my experience was the same smoked one last night.

Mmmm... Choix Supreme. From my limited experience with these I love them. They fit my flavor profile nicely. Mind you I have only had 2 but I look forward to more, especially the 98's!

Sorry it didn't work out for ya Homie. I say keep tryin'!

Oh that was not to say, it was a bad experience. It was enjoyable. I just would have been better off smoking it in the morning, instead of the evening.

Later

Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)

It sounds like a cigar I would have truly enjoyed. The analogy to the RyJ churchill was the clincher. I love the Cuban taste profile of a cigar that has mellowed with age.

Thanks Dave - I had a similar experience with my SLR Serie A last night. Very firm draw - maybe I wasn't getting as much smoke as I needed - but it just didn't grab me. Nice flavors - VERY subtle twang - nutty, a little sweet - almost floral, but for something like that, I'll go w/ a RyJ any day. Looking forward to posting my review of the ERDM CS this weekend!

I have smoked a handfull of the 98 ERDM CS's and I agree with you that they are a mild and well behaved smoke. Based on this I bought a cab from 01 and this is a completely different cigar. The flavor is much more pronounced and the power is closer to upper medium. This experience really opened my eyes as to what happens to ISOMs with age.

To be honest I'm happier with to box of 01's

yep, the 98 ERDM was a little too mild with no particular flavor that grabbed me at all. Felt the same way about a Boli Gigantes that I smoked on Sat morning. With an inch left I finally got some spice. Other than that they were just pleasant mild smokes.

I have another, in the humi. I will torch it in the morning, with a cup of Killer Beans, and think about another review.

Later

Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)

Dave you want an 01 to compare it to??????

Well,

I decided to top this thread, to give ya'll an update.

I smoked another one of these beauties this morning, with a cup of killer beans, carribean cutthroat. You guys are right. Excellent morning smoke. I just needed a clear palate to get the most from this cigar.

A much better experience, though the first one was good. It's just too early for me to write a thorough review. I really enjoyed this smoke, while on my deck watching the sun rise.

Later

Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)

P.S. I sure am glad that a BOTL, from another board, just hooked me up with a fiver of these beauties.

Dave,

If you liked the ERDM as a morning smoke I bet you would really enjoy the RyJ Belicoso. Current production is maybe a little stronger but with similar flavors.

DED