RASCC OSU FEB03

[SuperT]

RASCC - OSU FEB03

4 3/8 x 42

This thing was beautiful! Semi box-pressed, dark almost maduro like wrapper, OILY AS ANY CIGAR I'VE EVER SEEN!, slight tooth, superb construction and only one minor vein. WOW!! This was rolled by a pro!

The cigar smelled of tobacco and had that distinct 'barnyard' smell.

I clipped the end of the cigar (Xikar'd it) and discovered a deep dimple under the cap. I took a little draw (pre-light) and the firm draw had a sweet tobacco taste to it.

I toasted the foot and I got the cigar going and put my triple torch lighter away. The first puff produced a nice mouthful of smoke, LOADED with spice and pepper. Whoa, the back of my throat was tingling. Each puff produced a similar flavor of spice and nuts. The ash burned gray and had little white speckles to it. The first of the ash fell when I place the cigar in the ashtray, about a 1/2 inch into it (the ash wasn't all that firm).

The cigar went through very noticeable changes as I smoked it. The first 1/3 was a spicy powerhouse. I was getting a bit worried, thinking I haven't been hurt by a cigar this size. . . EVER! Then it started to mellow out as it picked up hints of earth and wood w/ the subtle spice in the background. The middle is where I tasted the most pronounced of the classic Cuban profile, when you really know what you are smoking. The last 1/3 had much less of a punch and it's flavors all came together in a smooth tasting cigar.

The cigar burned evenly, had no runs and required little attention to keep it going. It NEVER came close to burning hot and had a wonderful aroma.

Over all a superbly constructed cigar. It had plenty of flavor and perfect smoking characteristics, but the flavor wasn't entirely to my liking. I'm not a spice lover as I love the cocoa, coffee, chocolate flavors more. As good as it was (being objectionable - I don't think you rate a cigar poorly just because it doesn't appeal to you), I just don't know if another order is in my future. To me the RASS is still king of the RA line.

90/100

[El Presidente]

Great review!

RAG, RASS, RASCC = perhaps the most consistent Marque Cuba produces.

[dogbreath]

One of my favorites. Trying to age a box if I can keep my hands off them. Thanks for the review!

[Ginseng]

Great to hear that my 05's will be ready to smoke in two more years. ;-)

Nice review.

Wilkey

[idesign]

Great review! I only have a few left from an 05 box that I was trying to stay out of.....:-(

[shrink]

Super Review, T!

Never met an RA I didn't like. But for me, the KING is, and always will be, the Ramon Allones 8-9-8 Barnizado.

The king is dead. Long live the king.

[SuperT]

» Super Review, T!

»

» Never met an RA I didn't like. But for me, the KING is, and always will

» be, the Ramon Allones 8-9-8 Barnizado.

»

» The king is dead. Long live the king.

Thanks! I was not fortunate enought to have sampled an 8-9-8 and I've yet to lay my lips on a piece of RASS I didn't enjoy! So for me, RASS is king, with RAG close behind.

[Tampa1257]

Tony,

Very nice review. Spot on as far as the flavors are concerned. Sorry that the RASCC is not your cup of Habanos, that just means there are more for me! :-D

[waldo]

One of my favorites in that size. (ask Lisa):-P

Don't feel bad about not liking it. I think people seem to either love or hate the RA line.

[cigarnv]

Very nice review! Great little cigar that just gets better with age.

[Phailure]

Nice review! I definitely need to try me some of these. If they're anything like the RASS, then I'm sure they'll be yummmmyyy

[1f1fan]

Nice review.

I have some early 04 RASCC that are dark, oily little spice bombs also. I have only smoked 2 - I decided the rest of the box will get time to age (2-3 more years) before trying another. The strength is overpowering, hopefully a few more years of age will bring the complexities out.

[Taino]

I think this is a cigar that must have some age on it (2 years up), otherwise they have a very short end and do not fully express themselves.

Lovely little bugger