I had one fresh on my factory trip last month and it was great! I'm smoking an old ELO3 right now and it still packs a punch, but I think I like them better when they are fresh, also.Oh good, I am nearly out of the OR ELOs and IMO the OR ELOs are better than the original banded versions, or maybe I just like these better fresh. It would be interesting to fire up all 3 (6!) at once to compare.
The tobacco crops in the factory now are the only thing that is different. Same blend and size. And we all know that Pepin and Jaime acquire the best tobacco out there!