aavkk Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 This was my very first from a box dated SVF JUN 05. Wrapper color is on the light side and a very typical RA shade. I always make a habit out of selecting the red-headed stepchild of the top row in any DB (and in a cab the one bent by the ribbon) and fortunately they are all uniform in both weight and shade. I am overall extremely impressed by the construction. I actually forgot how much I love the Belicoso size as it has been at least 6 months since Ive had any. I clip the cap and the draw at cold is dry grass with a slight sweetness. The draw has a preferred slight resistance. I take my time torching the foot and the first few draws confirm a perfect draw with HUGE smoke volume and an immediate confirmation that this is a RA. 1st 3rd: Typically I find that a cigar has to settle down a bit from the opening onslaught but that is not the case here. This thing broke into stride from the moment I lit it and transitioned seamlessly. I typically dont smoke anything with a great deal of age but it seems that 3 1/2 years has done this guy wonders. Flavors present at this point are the abundant dried fruit unique to RA with a mild peppery spice wrapped up in a pure medium body. As great as my 07 RASS and RASCC are this is just a step up in terms of class and sophistication- maybe its the age, maybe its the blend? Its going to be fun to see if my current 07 RASS develop into this but something tells me will be equally good in a different way. 2nd 3rd- I would be perfectly happy if it continued to deliver more of the same throughout but instead I find that this already great smoke continues to creep up to med-full in body and in terms of flavor slighly sweeter with cloves and slightly less peppery spice. What grabs my attention about exactly 1/2 way through is the finish, its something I have experienced in exactly 1 other cigar: red wine! That other cigar happened to be an 02 RA 898V. No wonder you cant find any RA's with age on them. Grand Finale: It is now full-bodied and that red wine finish is just great. I love the fact that this is unique yet so clearly Ramon Allones. The mild pepper spice that is the backbone of the RA marca remained consistent but on the back burner the entire way through and superseeded by the fruity sweetness with cloves. I would have no doubt that I would pick this is as RA blind. Its going to be interesting to see where these will go from here. I have a feeling that this is going to be one of those cigars I can go to when I absolutely need a great 70 minute experience. RA is right on the heels of Cohiba in terms of my favorite marca. Some argue that there arent enough sizes but I kinda I feel there are enough and I like that they do what they do extremely well with no fuss. You can easily argue that they make the best cigar in each size they produce and this Belicoso upholds the standard. Bravo RA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xibbumbero Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 This cigar comes in two wrapper colors. A light wrapper w/a slight greenish hue and a dark brown wrapper. IMO the light wrapper is the better of the two. The dark wrappered one reminded me of a refined RASS. X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aavkk Posted November 18, 2008 Author Share Posted November 18, 2008 thats interesting you mentioned the greenish hue. The 02 RA 898V I had was sporting the greenish hue but not the Beli. To be honest I thought it looked sick but it smoked like a dream. The biggest difference between the 898V and this Beli was IMO the thickness of the smoke itself. I've never had a smoke as dense and chewy as the 898V. Damn that was good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Candido Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 The first of these I smoked some time ago, was tight and closed down. Recently, I had another from the same box - totally awesome! I actually lit it because I knew I might have to leave it unfinished and I did not want a smoke I would be fighting to stay around for. I did have to get moving without my smoke. It was not finished. I was upset and torn. I am trying to get over it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n2advnture Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 My favorite new cigar in the past 8-10 years (I stocked up on the 05's) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rckymtn22 Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Any pictures? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenpimp Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Nice review. I love mine, though mine are more medium bodied. What strikes me the most is the pungent aroma, lit and unlit, of this cigar. Really wonderful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tampa1257 Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Nice review, thanks for sharing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Presidente Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Fantastic Review! Certainly a cigar I have ejoyed recently through the generosity of friends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aavkk Posted November 19, 2008 Author Share Posted November 19, 2008 Any pictures? I have to get a new camera, sorry. I know how much I appreciate reading reviews with pics. Soon... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrink Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Thoughtful review. The RA Belicoso is a very nice addition to the RA line, and it's a shame that it hasn't entered regular production. I agree with you that the blend is somewhat different than the RASS (more subtle and sophisticated) and less robust and spicy than the 2002 898V. To me, it is reminiscent of the RAG's of the same era, but more full-bodied. Thus, it occupies a unique and welcome niche in the marca. IMO, the 2005 vintage are only now entering a period of "ripeness", and it would be wise to hold off for another several years. I base this conclusion on my experience with other RA vitolas. The 2002 898V has always been a good cigar, but it has currently reached a peak in it's maturation cycle. The 2005 RAGS are superb, but they aren't quite ready either. BTW, an interesting comparison is the 2005 vs. the 2007 RAB. Like other 2007 RA's, including the RASCC and RASS, it is exceptionally rich and spicy, with a body and depth of flavor that bodes well for future development. I have a hunch that the 2007's will ultimately surpass the 2005's, and if true, that will be worth the wait. A true RA fancier is advised to stock up on this one. I was struck by your "red wine" comment. This is exactly the same way I described the finish of a 2002 898V in a review written several years ago. In fact, I used the term "mulled red wine". Yes, it's both unusual and memorable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Candido Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I thought they did release the RA Belicoso into regular production. Am I wrong? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colt45 Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I thought they did release the RA Belicoso into regular production. Am I wrong? DC, it was re-released as an '08 RE for France. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Candido Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 That's right. Especiales I think. I wonder why I thought they had gone regular production? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colt45 Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 That's right. Especiales I think. I wonder why I thought they had gone regular production? They say alcohol causes memory loss..... what was the question again? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Candido Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 They say alcohol causes memory loss.....what was the question again? Hmmm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aavkk Posted November 20, 2008 Author Share Posted November 20, 2008 It SHOULD be in regular production along with the 898's! Now there talking about getting rid of the BCE's??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sluggo819 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 It SHOULD be in regular production along with the 898's! Now there talking about getting rid of the BCE's??? Sorry Alan, but us thin ring guys unfortunately are the minority and not the majority. Now the question is how do we turn this big ring gauge trend around? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trumpetchris Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I never see these on my favorite retailer's sites. Had one when I was in London last year, have one resting in the humi. Love to get my hands on a box. Someone PM me with some options if you have some insider information as to where I might purchase some. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisguinther Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 The RA Belicosos can also be found with 07 box codes, like the RA Eminencias both 05 and 07 codes exist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moglman Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Really nice review. I have to say that I'm a sucker for the refined taste of the 05s over the 07s at this stage, but would like some more 07s for the long haul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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