I just don't get it

[Projectal]

I'm wondering if you guys can help me out.

As I'm new here, before I get to my point, I'd like to make a few comments about myself to give you some perspective. I've been smoking NCs for about five years, and have only recently, within the last three months, plucked up the courage to start purchasing CCs online. As a result, I am able to smoke really bad cigars down to the nub while maintaining a smile on my face. In addition to this, I have the palate of an infant. I have two tastes; me likely, and yuck. However, I have found a cigar that introduced me to a third taste, but I'm not sure what to call it.

After doing my research, and based on the love this cigar received in countless reviews and best of lists, I finally took the plunge and purchased my first box of CCs. To be fair, I purchased it from another vendor before I found FOH, but have no reason to suspect the authenticity of the cigars. It is a box of RASS, box code LAU NOV 16. I've smoked a few from the box, and I am staggered by how much I HATE this cigar. Every time I have lite one up, I am consumed with the desire to chuck it, find the nearest porta potty, and lick the interior surfaces clean to rid my mouth of the taste. Every once in a while, I get the stewed fruit reference everyone seems to talk about, but mostly I just get something worse than yuck (that third taste I mentioned above).

In addition to the taste, I can't seem to keep it lit. I've heard of flameproof wrappers, but this cigar takes it to a new level. I think NASA should purchase the leaves they are using to use as the heat shield on the next space craft. My guess is they will stick to the ship better than the tiles they used in the space shuttle, and I'm certain they are less flammable. I'm open to the possibility that my new wineador is not quite right yet. I am trying to keep it at 65 deg, 65%RH, and I have dry boxed the last two cigars. Lastly, although some of my other cigars have occasional burn issues, I've seen nothing even close to the RASS, so, although I'm sure I have room to improve my cigar storage, I'm not convinced this is causing the burn issues.

Perhaps they are just too young? I'm not sure I believe this, as all but two of my boxes are every bit as young, and I have enjoyed some great cigars. Even the ones that haven't knocked my socks off have been good. What worries me about this, is I'm 44 years old. I don't think I have the 40 years these seem to need to even out.

So, I'm led to believe there are only two possibilities; one likely, and one not so, at least in my limited opinion. I either received a bad box of cigars, or these need to go down for a really long nap. Now, I really want to like these and be able to join the RASS fan club, but if I'm completely honest, I don't think I can get there. Additionally, I think this may have scared me away from the marca completely. Maybe I'll buy a couple singles from Rob to see if he can change my mind, but I can't help but think, what's the point? There are lots of other cigars out there.

Am I way off base here?

Al

[torrenfoot]

Can't give you any advice, but excellent use of adjectives.

[Dimmers]

You cant go wrong with buying packs of singles to see work out what you like and don't like

[soutso]

Hi,

Wet cigars taste awful. Cigars that won't light or remain lit are usually too moist. They'll taste awful. 

I suspect that you need to store these cigars as close to 60-62RH and 65-70 degrees Celsius as best your storage equipment allows for. 

It will take several months for them to acclimatise. Put in those conditions for at least three months before you sample one.

Good luck and enjoy!

[El Presidente]

When did they arrive and when did you smoke the first?

If it is anything under 60 days.....you are wasting your time. 

Then again.....RASS is a cigar people either love or hate. don't get too hung up about it. Try again in three months and if there are no element syou like, sell the rest and try a sampler of cigars. 

[clickbangdoh]

I dunno, from the description it sounds like these are way too damp, all the classic symptoms are there. I'd first determine if the device you are currently using to monitor your humidity is accurate (I've seen devices 10% off with some regularity...). Then, once that is determined to be at least reasonable accurate, lower the RH further to 62% and leave them for a nice months long (or longer) nap. If you live in a humid environment, you may still need to dry box if smoking outdoors, usually just having the AC running is enough to get the dry box to low humidity, but if you live in said environment and are insane enough to go without AC you may need to figure something else out.

[MahDooRow]

Projectal:  First of all... welcome!  Secondly, a couple of things come to mind based on the info provided.  The cigars are young (potential "problem" #1).  However, even a young RASS shouldn't cause the intensity of displeasure you describe above.  Storage conditions of 65/65 is in the realm of appropriate for CCs, but perhaps your relative humidity (rH) is a little on the high side (potential "problem" #2). You will find many on the forum who store at a rH of 60.  I find that my sticks smoke best when stored between 60rH and 62rH.  If your sticks are not staying lit I would bet your humidity level is higher than 65 rH (regardless of what your hygrometer says).  Wineadors can be very tricky and are frequently unstable.  Mine gave me fits for a few months before I finally figured out how to maintain proper conditions.

I would suggest taking your cigars out of the wineador and moving them to a BPA-free air-tight tupperware with a 62% large Boveda pack for 30-60 days.  Then try another one.  I'll bet it will hold a light and will burn properly.  If it still tastes like "poo-poo" then perhaps the RASS is just not your cup of tea.  They definitely are not my favorite CC.

I'd also suggest buying a sampler from the International store.  You will likely find other sticks you like much better than the RASS.

Good luck!  Keep us posted.      

[Mattygukas]

Same thoughts as the others and under a year I don't think you will get the true flavors anyway. I would start with calibrating your hygrometer as it could be way off. If that is the case then it is likely the answer.

Robs samplers are a good start too but remember they will need to acclimate too. We all get that excitement pressure to smoke early (before 6-8 weeks pass) and I almost always get pissed at myself. (Except PLPCs, they are immune to this for some reason).

Welcome and be patient & calibrate and you will be rewarded. I love the Boveda idea above too! You can also use Boveda packs to do a hygrometer calibration test. (And using a small ziplock bag.


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[NSXCIGAR]

1. Lay the rest down for 6 months and see if they improve before potentially wasting any more. It can help greatly. You'd be surprised.

2. It happens, and can definitely happen with RASS and pretty much any cigar with very few exceptions. You'd really have to stick to high batting average cigars like the Connie A or maybe a 15/16 Punch Punch to avoid a total blowout loss on a box. 

3. Spring for one of the FOH sampler packs. Hand picked by Rob and you're increasing your chances of getting at least one decent cigar out of the bunch. 

[Projectal]

All,

Thank you for the responses. 

Point taken regarding letting them sit and acclimate. Unfortunately, patience is a virtue I have been unable to attain to a great extent. That said, I have had this box for three months. However, if, as seems to be the consensus, I am having humidity control issues, they'll never have the chance to acclimate.

I have to say, I'm going to miss my NCs when they're gone. I have found them to be almost bullet proof and almost impossible to ruin as long as you don't let them crumble to dust. Oh well...just part of the learning curve.

I'll try the Tupperware and boveda pack idea and see what happens.

Thanks again,

[RijkdeGooier]

Projectal,

Classic first post

CC's are great but different to NC's in a few very important aspects.

1. The roll - NC's are rolled by doubling the leaves and CC's by bundling them. This makes for a different cigar. In a typical CC there is more tobacco by weight then an NC of the same size. As a result the draw will be more difficult and if not maintained the cigars tend to go out much faster than the NC's. As a result one should try to smoke slow and steady with CC's.

2. Age. NC's are typically good to go when they hit the market. They are kept in storage by the manufacturer until ready. CC's are not afforded that luxury anymore since the 1990's, since the Cubans 'need the money now'. Therefore this of us who like a more well-rounded cigar tend to let them rest upon arrival. Personally, I tend to smoke them with 5 years of age on them. My current RASS in rotation are from 2011 and have developed into a refined smoke.

3. Humidity. Again due to how the tobacco is rolled into the cigar, CC's tend to be more sensitive to the humidity then NC's. As a result many smokers find they smoke well at conditions (slightly) below 70 Rh.

Welcome to the world of CC's.

[Gargano]

Just like everyone else has suggested put them in the back of your humidor and forget about them for 6 mos to a year. Buy some other boxes of CCs that Rob is telling you that are smoking well young to enjoy what CCs have to offer. Revisit your RASS when they have some age on them & you are likely to see a big improvement. If you still don't like them sell them for what you paid or likely more. There are NCs that fall short of expectations as well. 1 box shouldn't ruin your opinion. It took 10 years for the PL belicosos to hit their sweet spot & the box that I bought many years go pissed me off up until the last year. Now they are excellent. That is just the game we all play with CCs.

[Ethernut]

@Projectal check out The Noob Thread I Never Read, specifically #2 entitled, "No one can tell you what cigar you like." Hope it (and the whole post frankly) at minimum helps provide some perspective...

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/topic/128357-the-noob-thread-i-never-read-on-cuban-cigars/

[BuzzArd]

8 hours ago, Projectal said:

I have to say, I'm going to miss my NCs when they're gone. I have found them to be almost bullet proof 

There's no reason at all to have to miss them. I still maintain a collection pf both NC and CC, athough admittedly my tastes for NCs has changed and I keep a much narrower sample range. You can have your cake and eat it too.  

welcome to FOH 

[PigFish]

You smoked a damp robusto from 2016... You might also enjoy dropping an anvil on your small toe or trimming your fingernails with a chainsaw!

To be honest, I don't recommend any of the above.

Welcome to the forum! -Piggy

[JR Kipling]

Everyone has given excellent suggestions. If you have a stash of NCs, you can smoke those till the newly arrived CCs have adequately rested at the proper temperature and RH. For guys who are completely new to cigars & are just building up their humidor, you might try a cob pipe and a pouch of Carter Hall or other pipe tobacco. That will give you something to smoke until your cigars are ready. These items are very inexpensive, and you may find that pipe smoking is something you enjoy in addition to cigars. (I like them both.) Even if you decide not to continue pipesmoking, this strategy has helped quite a few guys prevent their impatience from ruining good cigars smoked too early.

[Colt45]

My first Cuban box purchase were RASS. I was happy when the box was empty, and I've never bought or smoked another since. A large batch of PSD4s were worse.....

You've received some great advice already, but.... do not discount the fact that consistency of quality is an issue when it comes to Cuban cigars.

 

[dominattorney]

I gotta say, I have had the same problems with the RASS.  It might be you (90% of the time it is) but it could also be the cigars.  In my case, it was the cigars. 

[Winchester21]

Welcome Thanks for your honest approach. Too many people are wowed by the idea of smoking a CUBAN and they convince themselves to like it without a clue as to what is bad and what is great

Hereis my 2cents worth. Buy yourself a box of Cohiba siglos that Rob gives a thumbs for smoking great right off the get go. RASSis a tough deal right now and there are loads of poorly rolled BS garbage out on the net right now. Or better still pick up a few 1/2 or 1/4 boxes from 24/24 and you will have a cross section of the CC expierence. If you don't like any of these suggestions then CCs are not for you. I have played internet cigar roulette with similar results   

The himidity comments along with aging are spot on. This is the best place on the planet to buy fine cigars and receive good information. Don't get discouraged if you miss out in 24/24 offers. I could write a book about it. Just keep trying for the Cihibas, Montes, and Trinidads just to name some of the more popular brands

Once  again welcome and good luck 

[Projectal]

 

Classic first post 

CC's are great but different to NC's in a few very important aspects.

1. The roll - NC's are rolled by doubling the leaves and CC's by bundling them. This makes for a different cigar. In a typical CC there is more tobacco by weight then an NC of the same size. As a result the draw will be more difficult and if not maintained the cigars tend to go out much faster than the NC's. As a result one should try to smoke slow and steady with CC's.

2. Age. NC's are typically good to go when they hit the market. They are kept in storage by the manufacturer until ready. CC's are not afforded that luxury anymore since the 1990's, since the Cubans 'need the money now'. Therefore this of us who like a more well-rounded cigar tend to let them rest upon arrival. Personally, I tend to smoke them with 5 years of age on them. My current RASS in rotation are from 2011 and have developed into a refined smoke.

3. Humidity. Again due to how the tobacco is rolled into the cigar, CC's tend to be more sensitive to the humidity then NC's. As a result many smokers find they smoke well at conditions (slightly) below 70 Rh.

Welcome to the world of CC's.

 

 

This is interesting. I had no idea CCs were made differently than NCs. I guess ignorance isn't always bliss. It looks like a little research can enhance my experience by helping me understand the cigars themselves, and how to care for them properly. Thanks for the lesson.

[Projectal]

5 hours ago, PigFish said:

 

You smoked a damp robusto from 2016... You might also enjoy dropping an anvil on your small toe or trimming your fingernails with a chainsaw!

To be honest, I don't recommend any of the above.

 

 

This made me laugh, thanks.

[Projectal]

5 hours ago, JR Kipling said:

 

Everyone has given excellent suggestions. If you have a stash of NCs, you can smoke those till the newly arrived CCs have adequately rested at the proper temperature and RH. For guys who are completely new to cigars & are just building up their humidor, you might try a cob pipe and a pouch of Carter Hall or other pipe tobacco. That will give you something to smoke until your cigars are ready. These items are very inexpensive, and you may find that pipe smoking is something you enjoy in addition to cigars. (I like them both.) Even if you decide not to continue pipesmoking, this strategy has helped quite a few guys prevent their impatience from ruining good cigars smoked too early

 

I think this is good advice. Although I haven't purchased any NCs lately, I still have enough supply to last me several months. It'll be hard to keep my hands off the CCs for a couple months though.

[Projectal]

28 minutes ago, Winchester21 said:

 

Welcome Thanks for your honest approach. Too many people are wowed by the idea of smoking a CUBAN and they convince themselves to like it without a clue as to what is bad and what is great

 

 

This is so true. I remember my first couple from the box and trying to convince myself that they were great. I smoked them to the nub, while thinking in my head that I couldn't wait until thy were gone.

 

32 minutes ago, Winchester21 said:

 

Hereis my 2cents worth. Buy yourself a box of Cohiba siglos that Rob gives a thumbs for smoking great right off the get go. RASSis a tough deal right now and there are loads of poorly rolled BS garbage out on the net right now. Or better still pick up a few 1/2 or 1/4 boxes from 24/24 and you will have a cross section of the CC expierence. If you don't like any of these suggestions then CCs are not for you. I have played internet cigar roulette with similar results   

 

I have actually had some great luck with the 24/24. I've been fortunate to pick up some really good cigars, even though I haven't allowed them to acclimate. This is my dilemma. I understand that I should wait, but most I've purchased sure are tasty now.

[Projectal]

Thank you all again for your input and advice. I think I'm really going to enjoy being a part of this community.

Al

[BuzzArd]

2 hours ago, Projectal said:

 This is my dilemma. I understand that I should wait, but most I've purchased sure are tasty now.

If they're tasty now, smoke some now.  Taste is personal.   Give them 30 days in your humidor and dive in if they're in your taste wheelhouse. If you have several boxes you're working through a sample are bound to get some age on them and you'll get to experience what the wait is about. Nothing wrong with smoking what tastes good to you no mayter their age.   PLPC are known to be fantastic with several years on them, but try to keep El Pres out of a fresh box.... 

It can't be done.