Here we go again...

I'm getting to the end of #2 as I type this.
At first glance, these 2 cigars looked very similar. Both had about the same color wrapper(#1 had a slightly redder tint) and construction looked very close, however, that's where they parted company. This one had several soft spots and just felt loosely wrapped overall. This cigars ash was flaky and dark grey to black. I experienced several burn problems and was constantly touching it up. The draw was too easy making the cigar hot.
The taste was just tobacco, and didn't change appreciably over the entire length.

I will have to stick to my initial assesment that #1 is the more expensive cigar.