The RA Eminencia is a Franciscos measuring a little over 5 and 1/2 inches with a ring gauge of 44. It was originally issued in 2005 for the Swiss market and re-released this past year. I have not smoked a 2005, so I cannot say how this compares with that release. I paired it with some Cabo Wabo Anejo Tequila 
The cigar has a nice, slightly oily wrapper and a good feel to it. The smell at cold reveals nothing in particular and a test draw is perfect. The first few puffs are smooth and provide for a lot of smoke. The burn is solid for a young cigar and require only minor touch-ups throughout. For the first inch or so, it is a creamy and slightly sweet cigar. Almost has a candy like sweetness; hard to describe. It is decidely medium-bodied to start with but slowly builds up throughout.
The cigar becomes a little richer and more full-bodied towards the middle, but still is lacking the finesse and depth of some young RASS and RAG*. It does have a very long finish that is pleasant and construction is top-notch. About the half-way point, spice is noticeable along with subtle dried fruit/ floral notes.
Towards the end, the cigar loses the little complexity it did have and becomes just straight forward tobacco. It is unusually strong imo; more so than any other young RA I have had. I lay it down with about an inch left.
Overall: 88 mainly because it is so young. Hopefully this cigar will get better with age as all the trademark RA is there along with a little more strength. Anyone remember how the '05s smoked when fresh?"
*The August '07 RAGs are fantastic. I smoked three on back to back days and all were consistently smooth and rich and lacking any youthfulness.
The cigar has a nice, slightly oily wrapper and a good feel to it. The smell at cold reveals nothing in particular and a test draw is perfect. The first few puffs are smooth and provide for a lot of smoke. The burn is solid for a young cigar and require only minor touch-ups throughout. For the first inch or so, it is a creamy and slightly sweet cigar. Almost has a candy like sweetness; hard to describe. It is decidely medium-bodied to start with but slowly builds up throughout.
The cigar becomes a little richer and more full-bodied towards the middle, but still is lacking the finesse and depth of some young RASS and RAG*. It does have a very long finish that is pleasant and construction is top-notch. About the half-way point, spice is noticeable along with subtle dried fruit/ floral notes.
Towards the end, the cigar loses the little complexity it did have and becomes just straight forward tobacco. It is unusually strong imo; more so than any other young RA I have had. I lay it down with about an inch left.
Overall: 88 mainly because it is so young. Hopefully this cigar will get better with age as all the trademark RA is there along with a little more strength. Anyone remember how the '05s smoked when fresh?"
*The August '07 RAGs are fantastic. I smoked three on back to back days and all were consistently smooth and rich and lacking any youthfulness.
