Interestingly enough I am currently smoking a Paratagas 898 and tasting that same odd bitterness/ chemical taste. I have had multiple out of this box and never experienced this. I'm guessing I drank something that coated my palette and it's throwing the taste off.. Maybe I'm over thinking it though.. Haha
And I think the RA Extra are good smokes. Not great but good enough to have a box in my opinion. Love the size and it's great in the morning/ afternoon with coffee. In my opinion.