HDM Epi #2 and RASS

[Rushman]

Testing out some new boxes on the shelves, gotta do that QC thing. Both are still a bit young, but were really great smokes. The Epi 2 had some burn issues the first inch or so, but evened out and smoked like a champ. The RASS was very good to close out the night with.

[randomhero1090]

How were the flavors in both?

I am a RASS fanatic, but have very limited experience with HdM. Curious how they compared.

[Styler]

I'm with randomhero. RASS are probably my favorite smoke but I've only ever had a couple of underwhelming Epicure 2s. In fact, the only HdMs I have enjoyed were the Regalos and some aged Des Dieux.

[CigarAsh]

I'm a big fan of the Epi#2. Been smoking out of a HQ box from Feb 11 that has been uniformly excellent. It's not an overpowering smoke. It's on the light side of medium, has a subtle "floral" character and taste to it that I enjoy. If you're looking for a big, spicy after dinner smoke, this definitely isn't it. But pairs up really well with a good Irish whiskey!

[Rushman]

I've been lucky in that the epicure 2's I've been smoking the last two years (3 diff boxes) have been consistently good. I am an RA fan and love the RASS and RASCC more than any HDM, but the Epi 2 is a great first or mid smoke of the day.

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[CBL]

Not a fan of either of them, although I'm still hoping to one day be impressed with a RASS. Love the Ramon Allones marca, but the RASS's I've had have all been terrible. The last Epi 2 I had was during the blind tasting competition and it was a lousy smoke, so bad that I'm "afraid" of trying another one....

Any general good/bad years for RASS that I should look out for? Because I'm still in need of a good robusto next to my regular D4's.

[riazp]

I love me some RASS, very quickly becoming my favorite robusto along with the PSD4. I will probably pull the trigger on a hq box in the new year.

[Rushman]

Because I'm still in need of a good robusto next to my regular D4's.

Not quite a Robusto but the Robaina famoso (hermoso #4) is one of my faves along side psd4

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[riazp]

I agree with Rush, had a couple of famoso's and it was pretty good, i'm starting to discover the VR marca and so far very good stuff.

[TWalker]

Not quite a Robusto but the Robaina famoso (hermoso #4) is one of my faves along side psd4

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Love the Famoso too. I got a 5 pack a couple years ago and at first I didn't care for them, but after sitting for 2 years I had another a couple weeks back and it was awesome. I'm definitely going to order some more of them and let them sit a while.