RAS vs. RASS

[ElReyDel757]

In every discussion that I read, everyone loves Ramon Allones. Can anyone explain Ramon Allones Superiores (RAS) vs. Ramon Allones Specially Selected (RASS) ? I currently have 1 cigar of each of these. In the end, I realize that I alone must make this final determination based off of my own preferences. I also realize that smoking just 1 of each of these will not truly help in my decision making, as cigars vary so much from stick to stick and box to box. Do the RAS and RASS taste dramatically different, or do they have the same flavor profile and the difference is simply the size and resulting taste differences due to the size differences?

The price difference is very small and doesn’t matter to me anyway. If I were to pick just 1 of these to stock up on, should I go with RAS or RASS? I want something that I can smoke immediately (after acclimatizing to my humidor of course), but also don’t mind letting sit for 2 years or so. It looks like the Superior is only available in 10, not 25 count?

[danny]

The RAS is a phenomenal cigar that deserves all the praise it receives. Definitely a favorite of mine. Both are actually a part of my regular rotation. But when you consider that the RASS is closer towards half the cost of the RAS, albeit maybe not as flavorful/intense, its still offers that beautiful dried apricot/fruit, and cocoa/nuttiness profile we've come to love in an RA and you'd be hard pressed to find better value.

Either way, you can't go wrong. Both smoke exceptionally well young and you won't regret either one.

As you said, the Superiores comes only in 10ct LCDH Exclusive adorned dress boxes, while the Specially Selected comes in 25ct. dress boxes and 50ct Cabs (which is the better of the two, funds willing)

[ElPuro]

I can't speak to the RASS directly but do love the RAS. I have heard not such good things about recent RASS production that has led me to shy away so far.

[Easttide]

IMO, the RAS is a refined and reliable smoke. One of my all time favorites. The RASS is a great smoke, but even on a good day not nearly as enjoyable, for my tastes.

[JohnS]

I think Danny really summed up the flavour profiles really well, it certainly matches mine. The only thing I would add is the Ramon Allones Specially Selected is more full-bodied in comparison to the Ramon Allones Superiores, which I've found much milder.

'Horses for courses' as they say, I've enjoyed both. In fact, I wonder if you could describe the Ramon Allones Club Allones LE 2015 as a mix of the two...you know, a full-bodied Superiores, hence their popularity.

I'm currently resting some Superiores and Specially Selected, but I intend to rest the Specially Selected longer.

[subport]

it has to be your decision on your own taste. no one can say which is better for ya.

im a sucker of the superiores. they are my number 1 cigars ´15 and ´16 so far. not that much of a love for rass on my side. its a decent cigar but 99 times out of 100 would go with ras. but this is only me, based on my own taste. I bet there are guys with an opinion all the way around.

[shlomo]

Agree w much that has been said. The biggest difference berween the two is the size. I much prefer the corona gorda vitola over the robusto. I also have never, not once, had a mediocre or bad RAS, while I have plenty of mediocre and lousy RASS.

[earthson]

RAS is a great twist to the RA profile - refined, creamy, fruity and very velvety/silky. The RASS is much more complex, rustic, musky and there's generally more to discover in the profile. Another key difference is the RASS seem to need much more time to age before being accessible.

I'll pick the robusto nearly every time, hands down. For me, it just offers more of what I like - its commanding and ever-evolving nature just resonates with what I like. The Superiores seems a little simpler, but if you like the soft, elegant approach, maybe that's the one for you.

[JohnInCleveland]

I got a box of Superiores and they were my introduction to the marca. I had one last night to celebrate my Cavaliers and I've gotta tell you, it's one of my favorites and I'm going to try and round up a few boxes. The prevalent fruit taste is wonderful and they aren't too strong, and they smell wonderful. It's my favorite cigar so far of 2016 and I've had too many to count.

[rmill3r]

RAS is a personal favorite. One of those few cigars that is complex but not overbearing. It's much smoother and refined. RASS can certainly be excellent but imo it can be more inconsistent.

So while both are great choices, you'll get more consistent quality out of RAS. It's one of the best bang for buck of the LCDH releases, too....possibly next to HURR.

Sent from AOL in 1999

[terrantheman]

$2-$3 per stick to me is a huge difference in price. They're both lovely cigars imho. Depending on your preference in size/vitola should determine what you really want. RA DNA runs in both but the size should determine what hits your rotation more. RASS can be $7ea and RAS $9.50ea.