1998 Vegas Robaina Clasico

[shrink]

This morning, I smoked the first out of a box of 1998 Vegas Robaina Clasicos. The lonsdale is my favorite VR vitola, and this example surely did not disappoint. In fact, I would describe it as the perfect Clasico: it sported a dark tan, oily wrapper that at cold, smelled of sweet aged tobacco. The draw and burn were ideal, and the initial draws were like dark (but not chocolate) caramel, mildly sweet with a decadence richness that seemed to melt slowly in the mouth. The smoke was creamy and ultra-smooth, with a mild to medium body. When they're ripe, these cigars remind me a bit of a well-aged Cohiba Lancero. By mid-cigar, the sweet caramel became layered with a nice herbal complexity, and a delectable finish somewhat reminiscent of a Ricola candy. Simply superb, and one of the very best cigars that I've had recently. Rated mid 90's. If you can source a box of aged Clasicos, I heartily recommend that you do so.

[soltino]

That sounds delicious shrink, your review actually made my mouth water

[El Presidente]

Sensational review Shrink.

I keep forgetting about the Clasico. Hamilton gifted me one in Shanghai which was a mirror image of what you described

[ksblazer]

Nice review Shrink

This is my favorite VR to smoke and the 98's are stellar.

[OLS]

I have one box of 98s and 5 of the 00s and I would agree that this is one not to be missed.

At a time when an awful lot of CCs taste too similar, one thing you can say about the

Clasico is it does NOT taste like every other CC. I would agree that the quality of an aged

one is very similar to smoking the best Havana has to offer.

[anacostiakat]

I would like to see a review of current release. . .

[Jimmy2]

I was given one by a friend last week smoked just like the 98 you reviewed Shrink but mine was a little more richer and fuller it was a late 07 my friend stated.

07's are on my have to get list...

Nice Review Shrink

[Mr Peales]

Well I guess I have to add to this list now. I too, have recently smoked a Classico. It was from a box of 2003s. It too smoked in an identical fashion to Shrink's. 1998, 2003 and 2007. That's quite a testament to the consistency of blend for VR. In a decade of flux and shifting quality with CCs I'm impressed!

[jeromeroselli]

Great review, made me want to go smoke.

[jwm8592]

Thanks Shrink for the review, I have yet to smoke this particular cigar, but the review makes me want to locate one. It does sound like it was much enjoyed, you do have a way with words in your reviews, well done.

[jamesward]

Nice review. Made me want to pick up the clasico to add to my lonsdale inventory. Have you tried the Robaina Unicos?