Ramon Allones Specially Selected - JUN 07

[dochowl]

Given a little incentive, I figure now is a good time to write a review for the Ramon Allones Specially Selected. Just to preface this, I've had probably 6 or 8 of these over the last few years and have never been all that impressed. Not sure if it was the construction, the age, the blend, or just my mood, but they have always fallen short in my book. So here's my thoughts:

Construction: Surprisingly good. I've seen some real dog rockets of these, but this particular cigar was quite nice. Slight reddish-brown wrapper, a couple of noticeable veins, perfectly bunched.

Pre-light: Flavor here was slightly sweet with a natural tobacco taste.

1st third: I'll start by saying that this cigar puts off a perfect smoke. The smoke itself is thick and leave a nice coating on the inside of the mouth. As for flavors, there is a subtle dried fruit taste that is quite good. At one point, there is almost a muted orange flavor that I haven't tasted before in a cigar. That quickly passes and we continue with a medium bodied, pleasant smoke.

2nd third: dried fruit flavor has disappeared, leaving only a slightly sweet tobacco flavor. From time to time, there are hints vanilla, with a nice light cream texture. Good, but nothing spectacular.

Final third: this cigar is still a solid medium. Not harsh, but with enough flavor to keep me interested. I've been waiting for some bit of pepper or spice, but haven't seen any. By the end, this cigar has pretty much moved on to an earthy tobacco flavor. Not a lot to describe here. Pleasant, but uninspiring.

Conclusion: All in all, this one has been better than most of the others I've smoked. Solid construction, good flavors, good burn. I'd give this one an 87/100.

[lemmycaution]

Great review! I have some 08's that are really harsh and not like ones I've had in the past. Like a lot of people I usually love these. That's just the way it goes...

[LeafLover]

IMO, it's good but not as good as other people state. There are better, and there are worse. My palate doesn't give it a perfect 10. Maybe an 8.5 at best. And that's just me.

[investandprosper]

I have fired up a single RASS in my lifetime, about a month ago. I'm not sure the age, as it was given to me in a trade, but it smoked exactly as you described. Sweet, creamy, medium bodied with heaps of smoke. I love it when a cigar gives off a sweet tasting smoke, so much that you taste it on the tip of your tongue when taking a draw. So far the RASS, Cohiba Robustos, and Opus X XxX have had that characteristic for me.

Great review!

[laficion]

Great review Dochowl,

I don't normally go for a Robusto very often, I'm a Corona Gorda guy,

but I do enjoy a great RASS.

However I'd go more towards a RA Small Club Corona anytime for it's richness.

[dochowl]

However I'd go more towards a RA Small Club Corona anytime for it's richness.

Completely agreed, as is seen in my half box of RASS and 5 boxes of RASCC that I have in the humidor. The RASCC has a ton of great flavor and for me has always been a pleaser.

[ajgagnon]

I've only had two RASS in my lifetime, but they were so different from one another I thought I'd post here. One was from a shop in the interior of BC, Canada, where I happened to be, and it had a light, floral taste profile that was really unexpected. I took notes otherwise I would be doubting myself, but I swear I tasted chamomile!

The second was bought in Santiago de Cuba this spring and it was the darkest, richest thing. I usually like that dark, aromatic character, but this was a bit like charred cedar and dark coffee, and was almost too much. If this is how they're supposed to taste, however, I can see people lining up for them (those that like the brooding). I can't tell with a dark cigar whether it's youth or just the blend that I was picking up on, but on another trip, I'll definitely try one again. Not likely something I'd ship though.

Cheers!

[micha]

Great review, I totally agree with your impression. Just had one and it actually might have been a bit worse. Predomenant tobacco flavour, some nice sweetness in the smoke but apart from that very muted flavours (mostly fruit). I'm even

getting some harsher nicotine taste.

Compared to my recent smokes (Coh Siglo I, Partagas D4, P2, Upmann Mag 46) it feels like playing in a different league. 85 max.

Maybe just a bad one. I'll give it another chance but based on this stick it doesn't impress me at all and would be something I could quite happily miss out on.

[dochowl]

I gotta believe this is one of those cigars where box selection is critical. If I choose to give these another go, it's likely worth going HQ or PSP.

[micha]

I gotta believe this is one of those cigars where box selection is critical. If I choose to give these another go, it's likely worth going HQ or PSP.

That would probably make the difference, and of course letting them rest in the humidor for quite a while. Think they really need to reach a certain age.