RASS TEB Oct 07

kilroy · November 29, 2008

I'd decided not to open my Mar 08 box of RASSs for review so instead I copped out and opened up a box of Oct 07 instead. I'd already reviewed the TEB mar 07 so I wanted to see what came out of the same factory 6 months later.

Prelight: Another beautiful RASS only with just a couple of minor cap imperfections to speak of. The wrapper on this one is much better although if you saw into the box you'd be surprised. There are a couple of stuck wrapper pieces on the cover paper in the box. Clipped and the draw felt perfect with a little echo of sharp tobacco.

How it smoked: She lit up well and the draw was perfect throughout the entire cigar. The burn wavered a little bit, but nothing that didn't ebb back into order. She was smoked to the nub without getting hot at all. VERY pleasing.

Flavors: I was pleased that this RASS followed the same flavor profile as its older sister from march. The lack of age showed in the flavor levels. The dark chocolate opening was louder and lasted all the way into the middle of the cigar.

Once the chocolate subsided the creamy nutty flavors came out but were underdeveloped. Also the slight spice wasn't as pronounced and the creaminess seemed a little thin. It was, however, just as rich and smooth as her older sister.

After about 3/5 of her were gone she settled into the rich smoothness that the march version had at the end of her run. The rest of RASS smoked out smooth and rich with little fuss and just an occasional spice pop in the nose.

Overall I'm so happy this cigar looks like it is going to turn out just like the March 07 boxes. If so then I don't have to stress about only having 2 of the march sticks left. Right now the chocolate flavors are a little overwhelming and masks any creamy nutty tones that are trying to get out. I'll try one next April and report back then.

Score: 88/100