Questions about RASS.

[ptrthgr8]

Hi, all.

The RASS has a very good reputation on these forums, so I was quite excited to get my three boxes from the 3-fer special back in August. All three boxes I received are coded OGA DIC 11. I've tried 5 or 6 of them now and while they're certainly not bad cigars at all, I've not really been wowed by them as I was expecting. Construction has been fine, but to me the flavor is pretty non-descript. The only other RAs I'm familiar with are the Gigantes and the Extras. The Extras I recieved were great right away and have only gotten better with time. The Gigantes were pretty boring when I first got them, but after sitting in the humidor for 6 months they really started to get much better and more flavorful (and they've gotten better with each passing month). In terms of blends, is the RASS closer to the Gigante than the Extra? Is it more likely to get better with age in a similar way the Gigantes did? I don't plan on getting rid of them (again, they're good - just not great) so I suppose I'll find out eventually. Just thought I'd float the question out there since so many FOHers really like this stick.

Cheers,

~ Greg ~

[UpInSmoak]

I have a box, ROA JUL 11. The first one I smoked, only a few months after box date was glorious. After that they quickly went into a sick period. Almost a year later they are turning back into form. In my opinion, these definitely need time. Most say at least 3 years. I've never had a gigantes, but I would imagine that the RASS is closer in blend to the Gigantes than the RAE. To me,ELs rarely have similar profiles compared to regular production.

I'd personally let yours rest another year, if you still aren't impressed with them then. Look me up, I'd be happy to trade/take them off your hands.

[backslide]

You're smoking them way to young. They need 4+ years imho to be smokeable.

Jason

[COSmokes]

I have a box with OGA NOV11 code and they were so flat when they arrived. I have been waiting until November when they are at the 1 year mark to try them again. I'm not expecting huge results but I sure hope they show some promise unlike they did 6 months ago.

[Rushman]

I've smoked slot of young RASS and they tend to be lesser versions of what they will become but I've not encountered young RASS in a so called "sick period". Give em time to age a bit more and you should enjoynthem.

---

I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=20.631744,-87.070632

[ptrthgr8]

Okay - seems like an age thing then. I'll tuck those boxes in the back of the cabinet and will check on them again in a couple of more years to see what's going on with them.

Thanks, all!

~ Greg ~

[brazoseagle]

My RASS boxes have been amazing, but they are from 2010 and I waited until the beginning of this year to crack into them.

[LLC]

I have a cab that are OGA NOV 11 and I quickly realized they do need some time.

[beamer]

You all talked me in to firing one up.

It's from 2010, from the Czar.

Draw at cold is a little loose for my liking, but the distinct dark ripe fruit and slight hint of nutmeg is intriguing. It's not the prettiest Robusto... Lets ire it up.

First third is rich coffee and slight pepper initially, settling in to a very clear hazelnut. I would have said it opened like a Bolivar RC, but this hazelnut has been dominant, completely different flavor profile. Mild fruit on the finish. Good amount of billowy smoke.

Will post more as I smoke...

[beamer]

Well... This took a nose dive in a hurry.

2nd third mellowed out. A touch of grahm cracker and cashews, but then in to Straight toasted tobacco. A slight bitterness crept in and I got bored by the last third.

Pitched it and came inside.

Potential? Absolutely! But this one wasn't ready yet.

[CanuckSARTech]

Agreed with others. In my experience, sick period kicks in about 3 months or so after box date, stays for about a year. After that first year, they come into their own, with them being wonderful with at least two years, but just glorious after 5.

[mk05]

You're smoking them way to young. They need 4+ years imho to be smokeable.

Jason

x2

Dont even touch them until you are at least past 4 yrs. You're not even getting RA until then.

[ritan]

Did you smoke it in 30 minutes!?!?!

[beamer]

Did you smoke it in 30 minutes!?!?!

No.

I posted first after I had finished a bit more than the first third. Posted again as I was finishing the second third. I tossed it with about a third left.

Total smoking time for two thirds of the cigar was about 45 minutes.

[beamer]

What does this mean?

[ramon_cojones]

Greg, revisit one by one in about 6 months or so from box 1.

Let the other two boxes sit for 5 years and you will be handsomely rewarded in spades.

[ptrthgr8]

Yup. That's basically my plan. I've got lots of other sticks in the cabinet, so letting those two unopened boxes sleep for 5 years shouldn't be too difficult.

Cheers,

~ Greg ~