Liga Privada Ratzilla

November 25th 2020

I had smoked three of these before the one in question, over the course of three months. The first one was quite tasty but too small for my liking. Unlike other cigars, the 'transitions' which people mention in reviews, were quite obvious, building up to an intense, rich, delicious, but unsatisfying, due to the size, conclusion.

The one I smoked on the 25th was a dud. No flavour, no finish, no body. What could have gone wrong? I stored it well in one of my humidors. In fact, I smoked a Rocky Patel Edge Maduro from the same humidor the day after the dud. The RP Edge was fine; a bit dry, but still full of flavour, long finish, not much strength - it's aged five years - but no problems.

I think we must face the fact that every now and then we're going to find a dud or two. 

I considered tossing it after the first inch. But I recall the previous Ratzilla was rather dull during the first inch but picked up. Next one, I'll give two inches. It will be interesting to see how many duds there were in that beautifully crafted box. 

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill

 

16th November 2020

This is the last of a box that my wife bought for me at the duty free shop in Athens airport, last year. The first one I smoked was so bitter and rough in appearance that I assumed that they were fakes, put them away and didn't consider them again for at least six months. Then they improved. 

The cigar in this review is the last of the box of ten. It started out with a brilliant flourish of strength and flavour. I was impressed. Maybe I should order a box of them online. They're around $12 each; a little pricy. (I think the wife paid $8 in Athens.) But what the hell! If they are delicious and strong, it would be worth paying the price.

Then the cigar started going down hill. Flavour and body dissipated and a harsh, sour tasted prevailed much to the end. No doubt another year or two aging would be clear out the ammonia. But who needs it? There are much finer cigars which don't require so much waiting for half the price. I abandoned my desire to buy another box and bid farewell to the last of my collection. It was still a pleasant 70 minutes.