Orion21 Posted March 23, 2012 Posted March 23, 2012 Back Story I had heard great things about the RACF from other FOH members, but always tempered by the comment "these are the RA version of the RyJ Cazzy -- so BEWARE." Maybe it was the element of danger associated with these cigars that drew me to them or maybe the fact they almost killed Rob and Smithy when they reviewed them almost two years ago. I am normally not attracted to really strong cigars, but the perfecto shape along with Rob's view that these would be really good in 18-24 motivated me to buy a box and hope. Boy was I rewarded The cold draw was loaded with sweet wood, barnyard and spice that made my lips tingle.... ut oh. First Third The cigar was hard to light due to a tightly packed foot and once lit the burn was horrible. Once I got past the visually unpleasing burn I started to notice the flavors and oh boy was there flavor!!! They mirrored the cold draw, but 10 times as bright, robust -- whatever you want to imagine. It was a crescendo of sweet wood, sweet white pepper spice, wood and leather. It was overwhelming to be honest. It wasn't so much that it was strong as just in your face with BIG flavor. The burn was corrected with a lot of coxing by the 1.5 inch mark. 94 points Second Third There are no changes in flavor from the first to second third of the cigar with once exception -- the smoke has taken on a very thick and slightly chocolate cream. The initial huge flavors have noticeably mellowed. I am not disappointed at all because it becomes incredibly smooth and dare I say elegant? Yes, elegant and smooth thru the end of the second third. Finally the burn is spot on. 94 points Final Third I have removed the RE band and now I start to notice the white pepper spice return. My lips are tingling and I can feel the nicotine. It's not intrusive though, quite the opposite. It's almost like the cigar is saying "you should have seen me 12 months ago, you got lucky." The spice is sweet, the tobacco and leather flavors are clean. There is zero harshness or tartness in this cigar, wonderful. The draw got tight at the end because of a knot in the head, but by that time I am to the nub. 1 hour 35 minutes. 93 points Summary Mission accomplished! The RACF has mellowed and is ready to smoke and if you have been patient waiting for them you will be rewarded. After the Behike 52 I smoked two nights ago this is my favorite cigar of the year. I am going to put 5 in my singles humidor and let the remainder rest for another year. It will be so interesting to see how these progress over time. I can't think of a better long term aging candidate even though they are smoking so well now. Overall score: 94 points
Puros Y Vino Posted March 23, 2012 Posted March 23, 2012 Another stellar review Aaron. The RACF is a classic. Great looking and smoking cigar.
headstand Posted March 24, 2012 Posted March 24, 2012 Great review! The first CF I had was back in October. Enjoyed the half I smoked - it was more than I could finish then (I must be a lite-weight). You're tempting to try another
CanuckSARTech Posted March 24, 2012 Posted March 24, 2012 Great review, Aaron. Well done. Thanks for sharing!
maverickdrinker Posted March 24, 2012 Posted March 24, 2012 nice review Aaron. Looks like I will have to try one soon.
Professor Twain Posted March 25, 2012 Posted March 25, 2012 Fine review. I still have 3/4 of a box and haven't touched them in a while. Definitely time to revisit.
Ghabanos Posted March 25, 2012 Posted March 25, 2012 Nice. Rob was gracious enough to send me one from a poker game. I really like them and am planning on buying a Couple boxes
Skitalets Posted March 25, 2012 Posted March 25, 2012 Going to light up one of these tonight. Thanks for the review!
isa Posted March 25, 2012 Posted March 25, 2012 Wow, great review Orion, thanks One question abt the RACF - in the recent months, have ppl found it consistently smoking well - in other words, a normal box is good enough or one should better go for a HQ/PSP box?
cottierm Posted March 26, 2012 Posted March 26, 2012 Thank for the review Orion! I tasted this one last summer and here are my take on it at that time: "Nearly two years after its launch the proper ageing of this stick is still a long way from being reached but at least you can try to smoke it now. Starting with its appearance, this is a gorgeous cigar: beautiful claro, and still oily, wrapper which should not fool you because the leaves used for both the filler and the binder are much darker and therefore the whole product is pretty much medium- to full-bodied. Shape is great as well: medium-size perfecto which rests comfortably in your fingers. Taste starts with fresh grass and wood before moving to its main flavours at the moment: nuts and pepper. ‘Nutty’ is not the perfect adjective to use here, as a matter of fact ‘almondy’ would describe this cigar’s taste better. There is a hint of bitterness at the end but all in all this is a pretty round spicy cigar. If you want to pair it with something to drink, I would suggest a Knockando Single Malt Scotch Whisky which also has this predominant almondy taste. Remember: it is still a young cigar which will give you much more pleasure in a couple of years. 85 (at this stage)." Happy to see that things are (slightly) improving! Best, Michel
maverickdrinker Posted April 6, 2012 Posted April 6, 2012 started today with a RA RE Asia Pacific Celestial Fino. Wanted to see how they were developing. Very impressive. These have transformed into something very delightful. When they first came out, they were overpowering and harsh. Hints of amonia overtones when the box was first opened. Mucho Fuerte. Now, the cigar has really come together. Still have a nice richness to it however, there are no hints of amonia at all. A hint of cocoa, creme brulee and a touch of earthiness. Long finish as well. The flavours just envelop your mouth and nostrils when you retrohale. A nice 1 hour, 15 minute smoke as this cigar really forced me to focus on the flavours. Impressive as I tend to smoke fairly quickly. A very enjoyable afternoon on the deck. Having said this, I think that these will continue to develop over time. Glad I have a couple of fivers to smoke through before cracking the boxes. Well worth firing one up to see the development if you are familiar with this cigar. Might have to search out a few more boxes of these......
laficion Posted April 6, 2012 Posted April 6, 2012 Great review and photos Orion. Too bad that my experience with this vitola was not as good as yours, but I guess I smoked mine to early. Well done mate .
isa Posted April 7, 2012 Posted April 7, 2012 started today with a RA RE Asia Pacific Celestial Fino. Wanted to see how they were developing. Very impressive. These have transformed into something very delightful. When they first came out, they were overpowering and harsh. Hints of amonia overtones when the box was first opened. Mucho Fuerte. Now, the cigar has really come together. Still have a nice richness to it however, there are no hints of amonia at all. A hint of cocoa, creme brulee and a touch of earthiness. Long finish as well. The flavours just envelop your mouth and nostrils when you retrohale. A nice 1 hour, 15 minute smoke as this cigar really forced me to focus on the flavours. Impressive as I tend to smoke fairly quickly. A very enjoyable afternoon on the deck. Having said this, I think that these will continue to develop over time. Glad I have a couple of fivers to smoke through before cracking the boxes. Well worth firing one up to see the development if you are familiar with this cigar. Might have to search out a few more boxes of these...... Its good to have your thoughts on the RACF - thanks
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