Ramon Allones Allones Extra EL. - 21- Feb-2012

[Rushman]

Ramon Allones Allones Extra Edicion Limitada 2011 - 21-Feb-2012

Unknown Box Date

http://la5tahabanos.blogspot.com/2012/02/ramon-allones-allones-extra-el-21-feb.html

Initial impressions: This cigar was gifted to me by the owner of La Casa del Habano in Playa del Carmen. This being an edicion limitada, I would have hoped for near perfect appearance and construction. This was a bit rustic looking, but well made. Pre-light draw was perfect. Aroma at cold is a touch of sweet with notes of tea leaves and leather.

Opening: Right away, this cigar shows its strength and youth. I understand this cigar was made from 2 year old aged leaves, but its bucking like an unbroken bronco. Very strong from the start, burn is a bit funky. Aroma and smell still hints of tea leaves. Spicy as well. Flavors and strength are in your face, and the burn is just about all over the place the first ¼ inch.

First third: This cigar has complex notes of spices, tea leaves and an almost semi sweet character. Again, medium full. Some slight burn corrections needed throughout first third, but it settled down long before the second half.

Second third: The medium full to full strength accompanied by a spicy tea leaf flavor is working well. A very tasty cigar. Very long oily mouth feel and great big volumes of smoke.

Final third: The tea leaf character gave way to an oily baking cocoa flavor with a creamy strong finish. Still medium full to full. Some slight funky burns appeared late in the final third but nothing got out of control.

Conclusions: Say what you want about EL’s and RE’s, but this cigar had me entranced the whole way. Far from my finest smoking experience, but this little cigar delivered in flavor and strength. I would love to taste these 3-5 years from now.

---

I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=20.631727,-87.070579

[Scdalak]

Conclusions: Say what you want about ELand RE’s, but this cigar had me entranced the whole way. Far from my finest smoking experience, but this little cigar delivered in flavor and strength. I would love to taste these 3-5 years from now.

Couldnt Agree more, Smoked my first one last weekend, and although "good" far from my finest.... 3-5 Years on Ice they should go!!!!

[IcedCanuck]

I agree with your conclusion ... this cigar is one for the ages! On a side note did you get a little hungry while doing the review? Looks like you were chewing on the end of it.

[Rushman]

I agree with your conclusion ... this cigar is one for the ages! On a side note did you get a little hungry while doing the review? Looks like you were chewing on the end of it.

Not hungry. I do tend to chew them a bit between my front teeth. It's virtually impossible for me to smoke a cigar and not have it look like this. Been doing it for 20 years. I swear it adds to my smoking experience but who knows. On the plus side, nobody wants to take a draw on my cigars!

---

I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=20.631717,-87.070576

[Bahnofstrasse]

Nice review Rushman!

I have purchased 2 Boxes of these fine marcas to put away. I have enjoyed this cigar since it was first released. I have been able to hand pick my singles out of the LCDH Zurich so I have smoked some beauties.

Every now and then you get one that is a bit "rough", but I attribute that to the youthful tobacco. Yes it has been aged 2 years, but still things do sometimes take time. Like a fine Cabernet, that when tasted young, you just know that it has all of the component parts to turn into a masterpiece over time. This is my opinion of the RA Extra LE... Highly recommend this cigar to BOTL!

[RollsMD]

Great Review. I've smoked 3 that have been plugged. Still hopeful

[brazoseagle]

I really enjoy these!!!

[ramon_cojones]

Great Review. I've smoked 3 that have been plugged. Still hopeful

First two were plugged, third one was barely smokable. Very disappointed with this stick.

[Wicky]

I've also had construction issues with these. But there is something that makes me believe in them. Years from now.

[CanuckSARTech]

There's always going to be some kinks in production. But, I agree with the general thought that these will be epic in time. They're great now - time can only benefit dark, oily sticks such as these. Almost everything RA in the last four or five years have been damn near fantastic - they're putting out some great stuff with this lineup, IMO.

[Trimble]

Terrific review! Hope to try one soon.

[ramon_cojones]

Just attempted to smoke my 3rd one, plugged again.

[nonameno]

Hi Rushman,

Very nice review and pictures! I have a box from the Czar I am sitting on and not yet tried one. The weather also is playing a part in my not trying one yet....but, I may try one this spring, and then just let then rest for 5 years.

Thank you for sharing,

Curtiss

[cigcars]

Have sampled my one that came 3 weeks ago. Not the typical Ramon Allones flavor and can respect the construction. Flavor-wise - mmm...hmmm...uh, yeah.

[Dara]

Shared a box of these in Cuba and out of the box about 20% were plugged...great smoke though!

Talked to some cubans to see if they knew of any production issues at the factory but no opinions were forthcoming!

[LLC]

I've had four over the last few months (not from the same box) and each one had a great draw and flavor.

[cckandb24]

I have had 2 from my box I bought a few months ago and both were plugged. want to pull the trigger on another because i love the feel and look but havent even got the chance to smoke a full one yet. I am not sure what the issue is with the construction but it seems alot of others are experiencing as well

[Tarks]

Thanks for the review. I agree with you that these cigars will shine with age (5 to 10+ years). I just got 4 more boxes of these in today so you can kinda say I'm all-in on these. LOL.

[NMJoe]

I received my September 11 box yesterday. I'm hoping to keep them unmolested for the foreseeable future. I guess we'll see how that works out.

[mk05]

...