Ramon Allones Specially Selected - late 2018 / early 2019 ??? (SMRW)

[Bucky McSwensen]

I have a 50 cab of these from 2017 that I enjoy but have never had the "RASS" flavors that my buddies tell me about.  I grabbed a box of PSP RASS this year to compare as I heard the most recent batches have been smoking really well.  I forget the box code as it is deep in my storage and my bookkeeping is not good but they are young.  This has a slightly oily thin light wrapper with a slight box press.  Cold draw is all sweet fruit and bread.

First puff is very cakey and has some light fruit notes.  Mainly spiced apple compote but might have some other fruits in there I cannot pin down.  This is rich.  First third continues with little transitions between a cake, scone, or pie crust base with some lightly spiced sweet fruitiness.  I have never had fruitcake so maybe thats what this is.

Second third mellows a bit and get real smooth.  Still real sweet and great cakey sweetness.  A wonderfully pleasant aftertaste that outshines the smoke flavor.  Helps me savor this stick.  I'm a little shocked at how mellow this is compared with 

Final third is more robust with the spice and a bit of a tannic pepper kick.  I was worried that these had no legs to age further and am really relieved that there is some "mongrel" in them.  Final third isn't the best experience but its nice to have a transition and know its not too going to get bland anytime soon.  Men crave variety, even if its not my preference the difference is nice.

 

I value this stick at $8

cuba ratio - 1.32

cost ratio - 1.01