RASS

[Winchester21]

So good to see that this great cigar is back in terms of quality. They sell out immediately You gotta be quick to score this one

[Kitchen]

I would say RASS is a constantly enjoyable cigar for me.  I always find them full of flavor and complex.  The ones I am going through are only 2 years old and kept at 63%.  Personally I like stronger fuller cigars, and this certainly gives it to me.  I have RASS from multiple boxes and nothing to speak badly about, except for that one that I had ROTT.  

[havanaclub]

So good to see that this great cigar is back in terms of quality. They sell out immediately You gotta be quick to score this one

Maybe the 50 cabs, but the boxes, even the PSP/HQ are up for longer. Heck the ones at 189 yesterday are still up and look pretty darn good.
Great stick in my books!


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[cfc1016]

On 8/18/2018 at 2:45 PM, NSXCIGAR said:

I've been trying RASS for 15 years and I've yet to understand what folks like about it. I find them frankly bland and uninspiring. It's popularity is one of the most mystifying phenomena I've encountered in 20+ years of smoking CCs. I find nothing redeeming about this cigar nor have I ever had a very good one and I've probably smoked 100 sticks over 15 years out of at least 50 different boxes.

This is coming from someone who is a huge RASCC fan and regular RAS smoker and usually won't turn down a RAG. 

I’ve gone through one box of recent production RASS, from our host. Though good, they weren’t the monsters I remembered. Pre-2000 RASS, to my palate, were [usually] a delightful blend of intensity and complexity. 

It’s the same phenomenon I’ve encountered with the BBF. They’re good these days, but they’re just such a far cry from what they *once were*, that my judgment of them is clouded by that nostalgia. 

[earthson]

A perennial topic on FOH. They need more time - 2 years is usually insufficient for my tastes.

Also, you could have this thread about any cigar. For me, it would be the Upmann Mag 46. Why do people like it? I haven't the foggiest idea. Aged, fresh, they're all such a far cry from the excellent core Upmann line (PC, Connie 1, No 2)

[Ritch]

I guess it's horses for courses. I have just had a Monte 2 and thought it wasn't as enjoyable or tasty as the previous ones from the same box I had last week. Unsure if it was a diff cigar or if I have gone off them or what. There are so many variables including bot only cigar but mood!

[soonerwings]

I guess it's horses for courses. I have just had a Monte 2 and thought it wasn't as enjoyable or tasty as the previous ones from the same box I had last week. Unsure if it was a diff cigar or if I have gone off them or what. There are so many variables including bot only cigar but mood!

From what I’ve read on other forums, the Monte 2 is notoriously inconsistent. My experience is limited so I don’t claim to know. What I do know is that the last one I had was sublime.


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[NSXCIGAR]

On 8/20/2018 at 9:30 AM, earthson said:

Also, you could have this thread about any cigar. 

I tend to disagree with that. There's a big difference between a cigar that isn't one's cup of tea and one that isn't redeeming or has any characteristics that could be positive.

There are very few cigars that I have ever considered to have nothing redeeming. RASS is one. This does not mean the cigar is bad. I don't think I've ever had a bad one or a tosser, to be sure. They are just really, well, nothing to me. Basically, I just don't know what this cigar is trying to be.

I think the Mag 46 falls into that category despite your correct assessment that they are nothing like the most of the Upmann lineup. They are stronger, more tannic and have a licorice backbone that is there, but not for everyone including me. The difference between a Mag 46 and S Connie A is about the same as the difference between a Siglo II and a BPC. 

On 8/20/2018 at 4:18 PM, soonerwings said:

From what I’ve read on other forums, the Monte 2 is notoriously inconsistent.

 

This was absolutely the case for nearly 20 years until around 2016. I had basically sworn off the Monte 2 after years of constant disappointment. Then I was given a few from 16 that were all solid. I bought more from 16 and they were also solid. Then bought more throughout 17 and again, solid. I would not hesitate to buy any 16-17 production.

The caveat though is that while they've become more consistent they seem to taste much more like the 1, 3, 4 & 5 than they ever had. The Monte 2 had always been a bit of an outlier of sorts but now it seems like it's just a Piramides with the same blend as the rest of the lineup. Because of this, I would probably be more likely to purchase the Monte 1 as it's cheaper, about the same smoking time and I prefer the Cervantes vitola. 

[earthson]

13 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

I tend to disagree with that. There's a big difference between a cigar that isn't one's cup of tea and one that isn't redeeming or has any characteristics that could be positive.

There are very few cigars that I have ever considered to have nothing redeeming. RASS is one. This does not mean the cigar is bad. I don't think I've ever had a bad one or a tosser, to be sure. They are just really, well, nothing to me. Basically, I just don't know what this cigar is trying to be.

 

 

 

I don't see a difference between a cigar not being one's cup of tea and one that "isn't redeeming."  I think this is just a semantic issue.  I simply adore RASS - have for 10 years now.  Why?  Because unlike almost any other cigar, it often perfectly balances rustic and elegant, with non-intrusive earth, an array of fruit and musk and probably the best representation of spiced honey as found in any Havana.  One man's trash is another's treasure.

To claim a cigar has no redeeming characteristics or have any positive qualities doesn't hold water when it is equally a cigar admired by many.  It is treating a subjective opinion as an objective fact.  And that is why I was saying we could have that thread about any cigar.  I don't find any redeeming qualities in RG Perlas or Quai d'Orsay coronas (among others), but I recognize this is obviously an opinion due to the legion of fans surrounding both of those cigars.

Monte Open is the clear exception to all of this.  They're just gross.

[CubanConnoisseur]

I think taste has a certain level of subjectivity, and thus you’ll find a whole spectrum of those who absolutely love the RASS to those who don’t. For me I find the Siglo I a very bland cigar, where as the RASS is something else.

I first encountered the RASS on my first trip to Cuba. We were in one of the tourist markets when another traveller walked by with a RASS, and the smell caught my attention. Granted, I was pretty new to Cuban cigars at the time but the aromas coming off this cigar were absolutely wonderful. I purchased one shortly after that encounter and have enjoyed every single I’ve bought since then.

For me I’d rank this cigar consistently in my top 3. Never disappoints me. On my last trip to Cuba the LCDH I visited didn’t have any boxes or cabs in stock. Although disappointed, I’ve since gotten a box from a recent 24:24 sale and I must say they look absolutely superb! 

If anyone has any suggestions on other marcas you enjoy as much as a RASS I’d be glad to hear it!

[ayepatz]

I bought a 50 cab from our host a couple of years back. They were not dark, but more Colorado Rosado, and, as @dicko stated earlier, they hit their mark around the 2-3 year mark. Lovely smokes. 

[wineguy]

29 minutes ago, ayepatz said:

I bought a 50 cab from our host a couple of years back. They were not dark, but more Colorado Rosado, and, as @dicko stated earlier, they hit their mark around the 2-3 year mark. Lovely smokes. 

Thought on how long they will keep aging.  I went a little deep on 50 cabs from 2016.

[ayepatz]

3 minutes ago, wineguy said:

Thought on how long they will keep aging.  I went a little deep on 50 cabs from 2016.

Dive in. They should be spot on around now. But go slow. For me, RA is a blend that can quickly turn “ashtray” if you power through the cigar too quickly. ?

[Ritch]

I can't work it out. I tried one with a dark wrapper and loved it. Then the next with a light wrapper and wasn't impressed.

Saying that I have had two Monte 2 especiales today and the first was ok, second was alright. But nowhere near as good as some of the ones I have had from the same box.

Yet Partagas cigars have that same lovely tasty really consistency... even when the vitola is different!

[wineguy]

1 minute ago, ayepatz said:

Dive in. They should be spot on around now. But go slow. For me, RA is a blend that can quickly turn “ashtray” if you power through the cigar too quickly. ?

I am smoking through a box of PE from 2016 right now and am a slow smoker anyway.  I was more interested if I have to worry about them aging too long..... Having a PSP2 as I type this....

 

[ayepatz]

1 minute ago, wineguy said:

I am smoking through a box of PE from 2016 right now and am a slow smoker anyway.  I was more interested if I have to worry about them aging too long..... Having a PSP2 as I type this....

 

Don’t worry. As long as your storage is good, and, more importantly, stable, they will hold their quality for a good while yet.?

[wineguy]

16 minutes ago, ayepatz said:

Don’t worry. As long as your storage is good, and, more importantly, stable, they will hold their quality for a good while yet.?

My storage is good now,  Tuppadores with 67 boveda packs but about to get a lot better,  an Aristocrat is arriving in approximately 4 weeks

[wineguy]

21 minutes ago, ayepatz said:

Don’t worry. As long as your storage is good, and, more importantly, stable, they will hold their quality for a good while yet.?

And thank you!  Cheers!

[ayepatz]

3 minutes ago, wineguy said:

but about to get a lot better,  an Aristocrat is arriving in approximately 4 weeks

Nothing personal, but I hate you a little bit right now. ?

[Derboesekoenig]

1 hour ago, CubanConnoisseur said:

I think taste has a certain level of subjectivity, and thus you’ll find a whole spectrum of those who absolutely love the RASS to those who don’t. For me I find the Siglo I a very bland cigar, where as the RASS is something else.

I first encountered the RASS on my first trip to Cuba. We were in one of the tourist markets when another traveller walked by with a RASS, and the smell caught my attention. Granted, I was pretty new to Cuban cigars at the time but the aromas coming off this cigar were absolutely wonderful. I purchased one shortly after that encounter and have enjoyed every single I’ve bought since then.

For me I’d rank this cigar consistently in my top 3. Never disappoints me. On my last trip to Cuba the LCDH I visited didn’t have any boxes or cabs in stock. Although disappointed, I’ve since gotten a box from a recent 24:24 sale and I must say they look absolutely superb! 

If anyone has any suggestions on other marcas you enjoy as much as a RASS I’d be glad to hear it!

You went to Cuba and only visited one LCDH? Ouch that blows. I think I went to 4 or 5 the first day I was there lol

[CubanConnoisseur]

28 minutes ago, Derboesekoenig said:

You went to Cuba and only visited one LCDH? Ouch that blows. I think I went to 4 or 5 the first day I was there lol

I was in cayo Santa Maria and only know of the one in the market that was reasonably close to the resort I was at. Having 4 or 5 to visit I think I’d end up emptying the bank account ?. Good thing I wasn’t in Havana. 

[Derboesekoenig]

2 minutes ago, CubanConnoisseur said:

I was in cayo Santa Maria and only know of the one in the market that was reasonably close to the resort I was at. Having 4 or 5 to visit I think I’d end up emptying the bank account ?. Good thing I wasn’t in Havana. 

Ohhh indeed. How was it? I went to Havana, of course, and also to Varadero. I think I'd like to explore Vinales next time. Maybe just a day trip.

But most of the LCDH I went to (early last month) had RASS in stock. And yes, fortunately for me (or unfortunately?), I couldn't use any of my credit cards. Only had cash. I went through 90% of the cash in the first 36-48 hours lol

[wineguy]

1 hour ago, ayepatz said:

Nothing personal, but I hate you a little bit right now. ?

Awesome!  I was just over there. My father grew up in London and i still have family in London West Mersea and Devon.

[CubanConnoisseur]

2 hours ago, Derboesekoenig said:

Ohhh indeed. How was it? I went to Havana, of course, and also to Varadero. I think I'd like to explore Vinales next time. Maybe just a day trip.

But most of the LCDH I went to (early last month) had RASS in stock. And yes, fortunately for me (or unfortunately?), I couldn't use any of my credit cards. Only had cash. I went through 90% of the cash in the first 36-48 hours lol

I had a great time, but like you I blew most of my cash on the cigars lol, luckily I was able to use my credit card as a backup. As for stock at the LCDH the first two I had asked for were the RASS and Monte 2s - sold out of both. Mind you this was back at the beginning of May, so I’m hoping they’ve updated their stock by now.

Viñales - still have to visit, but the pictures/videos of seen look wonderful.

[Derboesekoenig]

23 minutes ago, CubanConnoisseur said:

I had a great time, but like you I blew most of my cash on the cigars lol, luckily I was able to use my credit card as a backup. As for stock at the LCDH the first two I had asked for were the RASS and Monte 2s - sold out of both. Mind you this was back at the beginning of May, so I’m hoping they’ve updated their stock by now.

Viñales - still have to visit, but the pictures/videos of seen look wonderful.

I can't say no to 50 cabs posted on 24:24...so that is always an option for ya. CUC price is a tiny bit over 300 if I remember correctly, so obviously you would be saving a lot more, but buying from here, I like the fact that you know if it's PE, or HQ, or PSP quality. Always a plus.