Review RASS TUA AGO 21 (HQ)

[GaryK 54]

This is the first review I’ve written for Forum, but the RASS I enjoyed ROTT this evening was so good I wanted to share my experience. To have such flavor from a young RASS from our host that is literally ROTT is a testament to the quality of the 2021 stock and the careful selection that Rob provides in the 24:24 selection.

RASS is certainly near the top of my daily rotation, but I had my doubts that a cigar with only 5 months of age and a long journey from Oz to Shanghai would match up to my aged stock. Couldn’t have been more wrong. A bit of mongrel, but just enough to satisfy. 

The cigar was beautiful. Oily and slightly toothy wrapper, firm to the touch and perfect draw for me (slightly snug, guaranteeing a cool burn that will reveal all of it’s flavors). Pre-light draw was sweet with a hint of dark chocolate and earth. Let’s get this beauty burning!

First third started off a bit tannic with dark coffee and a slight bitterness. As the cigar progressed, the coffee became more creamy and nutty. Strength was mild to medium.

Second third became nutty and almond-like, reminiscent of almond paste. I was looking for the stewed fruit that is typical of a well-aged RASS, but never found it (not surprising with a young RASS). Perhaps I was so intent on finding the stewed fruit that I imagined dark fruits, but it sure seemed to be there in the second third. The coffee had moved into more of a dark chocolate flavor. Strength had moved up to a full medium. 

The final third was full on medium strength. However, smoked to the nub, the cigar never became harsh or hot. The nutty flavors became more pronounced and sweetness emerged in this final third. In my opinion, the last bits of most cigars are where the true DNA of flavors revel themselves. I have never been able to understand those who advocate  ‘stopping at the band’. There is so much to be enjoyed in a Cuban cigar right down to the finger-burning stage. 

Construction was spot-on, the burn never wavered, and the ash was a ‘stack of dimes’. Smoke was plentiful and thick, coating the tongue with a satisfying finish that lingered until the next puff. 

I’m a slow smoker, so I had a full 1 hour and 45 minutes of enjoyment from this stick. Following are a few photos of a 90 point RASS that will just get better with time in the humidor.

Wrapping up, I want to wish my FOH  friends a Happy New Year, and offer much thanks for a year of enjoyable discussions in the Forum. A special thanks to the entire FOH team who make all of this possible.

 

 

[Juliano88]

I have an identical box. Smoking through a SEP 20 box right now so these will rest for a while. Glad to see they're off to a great start! 

[OrangePaw]

First review?  Excellent job, one of the best reviews I’ve ever read!  You had me smoking it with you the whole read.  😍👍🔥

[Ford2112]

I have a TUA AGO 21 box PSP I'm letting rest for 90 days but I'm thinking I may not wait that long!

[Goodfortune]

Great job on your first review here! Thanks

[mtapia3]

Great review and I love the ash tray! Keep up the good work! I look forward to your next review. 

[GaryK 54]

8 hours ago, Ford2112 said:

I have a TUA AGO 21 box PSP I'm letting rest for 90 days but I'm thinking I may not wait that long!

Give one a try now. I always follow the let ‘em rest after arriving from Oz; even more so now because shipping is delayed with COVID. But when I opened the box and smelled that rich tobacco and looked at the wrappers, just couldn’t wait to try one. 

[OrangePaw]

2 minutes ago, GaryK 54 said:

Give one a try now. I always follow the let ‘em rest after arriving from Oz; even more so now because shipping is delayed with COVID. But when I opened the box and smelled that rich tobacco and looked at the wrappers, just couldn’t wait to try one. 

I did the same thing with a PLPC cab I received yesterday, just had to know lol.  It was fantastic ROTT.