Thoughts on the Robusto Sampler

[Bighead33]

Like a child waking up on Christmas morning I rushed into the office when my secratary called to say a package was waiting for me. Once I determined that it was not ticking I tore into it with the enthusiasm of holidays gone by.

I'm a newbee to Cuban Cigars and I keep that firmly in mind as I comment on the first of the dozen cigars that came in the robusto sampler. (I'm aware that I should let them mellow for a while in the humidor, but I've never been one for self-control).

The first up was the Ramon Allones. I'm trying not to be overly influenced by the video review but I must say that this cigar was not all that flavorfull. Beautiful construction (the cigars arrived in perfect condition) with no soft spots or signs of unraveling, the pre-light aroma was tobacco and chocolate.

I found the taste to be relatively uniform all the way through. Dusty espresso and some grass. Enjoyable but not mind-blowing. It does not bother me as much as it does others that a cigar's taste does not evolve as it is smoked. I just ask that it be flavorful.

I should state that my frame of reference at this point in my smoking hobby (I love calling it a hobby as opposed to a vice. . .) is how the Cubans I have recently smoked compare to the non-Cubans that I get in the local cigar shop. I'm drawn to the powerful flavors of Cohiba, Partagas, Montecristo and the like, and I think I have a nacent understanding of the "Habana flavor." The Ramon Allones was missing much of what I have come to enjoy in my limited experience with these forbidden fruits.

I truly appreciate the opportunity to buy a sample of these wonderful cigars so that I may come to know what I like for more substantial purchases in the future.

[Ellery]

I feel the same. Got the same sampler and let it sit in the humidor for about 2wks. And when I lit it up, the flavor was a bit bland, not really building up. I too am new to the whole cuban cigar world. The same wk, I lit up a Cohiba Siglo II, and a Padron 26 80th anniversary. The Cohiba was by far the best. Much more satisfying, and much better than any NC I've smoked.

[Colt45]

I've almost finished an '05 box of RASS. They've all been fairly bland and one dimensional. Many members love them, and I don't doubt that

they can be very good cigars. Perhaps my box was an exception, but with so many great cigars, I'm not in a rush to try more, other than perhaps

a few recent vintage singles.

I guess the point of a sampler is to find what you may like, or not

[jeromeroselli]

Right off the truck, that happens with a lot of cigars.

You've got to give them 30 days.

I know it sounds crazy, but I've had a lot of instances when lacking self control I end up regretting not waiting for

them to settle.

[hoyopr]

Bh33 & Ellery, great way to discover new cigars with the samplers. My experience was to select a few different brands and specific cigars from those and pickup 3 or 4 of each. As was mentioned a fairly common thought is to let newly arrived cigar rest at least 30 day, I've also rushed that and sometimes wished I'd waited. Haven't tried the RASS yet, not a big robusto fan but do really enjoy the Siglo two. Thanks both for sharing your notes.

[Ellery]

Bh33 & Ellery, great way to discover new cigars with the samplers. My experience was to select a few different brands and specific cigars from those and pickup 3 or 4 of each. As was mentioned a fairly common thought is to let newly arrived cigar rest at least 30 day, I've also rushed that and sometimes wished I'd waited. Haven't tried the RASS yet, not a big robusto fan but do really enjoy the Siglo two. Thanks both for sharing your notes.

Yeah, Im trying my best to let the rest of them settle in the humi. I figure another wk, should be good. Then I could gorge myself and really find out which ones I like.

[jeromeroselli]

Like I said it's sort of sounds crazy, I know. Sort of like.. "whatever, these guys are nitpickers" but the difference between a cigar OTT and one that's been chillin for a month is 100%. Try it for yourself, you'll see.

For my money, the Coro is hands down my favorite Robusto, so I recommend saving that for dead last. Runners up include RASS and SLR. (In order)

Colt.. RASS are flavorful. I don't find them to be anything other than med-med full. You might have a box of duds.

I once had a Siglo II off the truck that could have been a cigarette. 2 months later they had settled down and became the epitome of what a Cohiba should be. A flavor bomb.