Opinions on 08' RASS

[jeht]

After reading the good things about the 07' RASS I'm wondering what the 08's are like. I also was wondering if you guys that smoke a lot of RASS find the strength hit or miss? I've been on the fence with this smoke for a couple of years now. I did try a fiver awhile back, but was less then impressed by them. I do like the RASCC tho

Thanks guys

[stargazer14]

Just to bump this post to the top, I can only comment on the 07's,

which I am almost out of. I never could put my finger on a thumbs up or down on the RASS,I enjoyed it but at the same time it was like something was missing or was not quite ready.

When I think of the smoke I picture a 'dusty' taste, not sure if that was from the look of the wrapper or an actual flavor memory. Been a while since I had one soI will let my last few get some time on them as see what it brings me. the price is always good, and it gets great reviews but was not outstanding to me.

I look forward to hear what others have to say on the 08's.

[jeht]

With what seems like a huge following I'm surprised no one has commented. It seems at times that people only comment after the cigar is no longer available(stop hording). I can see someone saying in a couple of months how great the early 08's are smoking and they're no longer available.

[SmokinAl]

With what seems like a huge following I'm surprised no one has commented. It seems at times that people only comment after the cigar is no longer available(stop hording). I can see someone saying in a couple of months how great the early 08's are smoking and they're no longer available.

I'll ask Smithy if he can dig some out and we'll review this week if possible. I'm very fond of the Specially Selected. Much more fun than Boli's!

[smk819]

I got a box about a month ago. They are still resting, but I am about to try one. I will report soon.

[harwellplant]

funny you ask. there has been an ongoing discussion about these elsewhere today.

today's rass seem different than the production of the late 90's and early 2000's. in those production years, young rass were frequently disliked by many as being harsh, unapproachable, or just not good. personally, i liked the flavor, but it wasn't my favorite. once a few years had passed on them, however, they became phenomenal cigars - with almost universally accepted great flavor and blend. as i have already commented today, i know of no other cigar that went through such a dramatic transformation with age. literally, it was a different cigar altogether. an aged rass is my personal favorite robusto, bar none.

recent production, however, has been much better young. i have read a number of reviews of relatively new smokers who love the cigar, even when they might not care for the ramon allones marque or even against other offerings in that vitola. if you read much about the rass, the dislikes tend to come from persons who tried them several years ago, had young examples, and haven't been back. the first impression dominates.

the big question is what this means for the current production. some say the rass, even though much better young, will continue to develop into the great cigar its older production was. i, along with some others, tend to think the difference will most likely mean that the cigar will get better with age, but may not reach the same bar as older models. as said by a good friend, i guess we will find out.

[jeht]

Interesting! Thanks for the info

[Jimmy2]

They are using age tobacco now in Cuba for there cigars i think since late 05 .Thats why i think most Cuban cigars in the last 3 years have been great out of the box.Also as a cigar smoker for years this is what i like to see where i can open a box and enjoy my cigar right now.Aging if thats what your into i think they will only get better as the tobacco in the last 3 years has been excellant quality.

[harwellplant]

They are using age tobacco now in Cuba for there cigars i think since late 05 .Thats why i think most Cuban cigars in the last 3 years have been great out of the box.

do you know this for a fact?

there are a number of theories that have been raised as to why more recent production cigars are more "smokeable" at a young age - aged tobacco, "cooking" the tobacco, using dryers and other modernizations in the barns and warehouses.....

i've read and heard persons who claim to know for a fact that each one of the three is the truth....

[Colt45]

do you know this for a fact?

there are a number of theories that have been raised as to why more recent production cigars are more "smokeable" at a young age - aged tobacco, "cooking" the tobacco, using dryers and other modernizations in the barns and warehouses.....

i've read and heard persons who claim to know for a fact that each one of the three is the truth....

HSA has claimed to be using three year aged ligero, two year aged seco, and one year aged volado since late '05 / early '06.

I suppose we can know this as fact no more than we know as fact they're using aged tobaccos in Els or Reservas.

[Jimmy2]

One thing we can agree on is they are smoking great out of the box fresh overall the past 3 years ..They have changed something for the better at least i think so as i love the flavor profile of a young tasty cigar Yummy....Keep it up Habano's S.A.

[smk819]

Sorry, I misinformed. Since I just got them I assumed they were '08s, but they are '07s.

[jeht]

Thanks anyway smk.

<<shaking head>> Not one comment on an 08' RASS

[bassman]

And none from me either! I have a box from FEB 08, but don't plan on cracking it for a while. Never cared for fresh RASS. My AGO 06 box is just starting to get they way I like a RASS to taste.