LIVE REVIEW: Ramon Allones Asia Pacific Estupendo

[maverickdrinker]

Live Review: Ramon Allones Asia Pacific RE Estupendo

Received this in a box pass that I put together a few years ago. Had to head to the garage to practice a presentation to Senior Management tomorrow so I figured 'What the hell? Let's smoke this bad boy as I think I'll need 1 1/2 hours of practice time in.

The wrapper is a dark, leather brown colour. A deeper shade of brown than I usually see in the older RA regionals.

Triple cap looks good and the cigar is nice and firm. I've been keeping my singles humidor at 59 degrees and I find it has really made a difference, in terms of dryness and draw. I hope that the streak continues.

Not much aroma emanating from the wrapper. Very faint traces of chocolate but that's about it. Cold draw from the foot reveals little as well. I am wondering if I should get a back up cigar, just in case this is a dud.

A quick punch into the cap and we are ready to go. Another cold draw reveals a very slight hint of leather and cedar with a tease of sweetness. Maybe my palate is off tonight from the nachos I had at the baseball game tonight. (Jays vs. NY Yankees. Jays kicked their ass tonight)

One more draw before I light it up and I instantly think of a candy cane. WTF? LOL

Well, time to light this bad boy up.

[maverickdrinker]

Well, at the final third and here are my impressions. This is a very different RA profile that other Regionals. Not really a plus or a minus, just different. More woody, cedar notes. Absent is the dried fruit and leather characteristics that I have come to enjoy in a RA.

Overall, the cigar is well constructed. Burn line was straight. No touch ups throughout the cigar. Ash was a dirty grey and held on for a good inch to inch and a quarter. Ample amount of smoke and draw was effortless.

The cigar itself was very smooth. No harshness at all, almost too delicate throughout 1st and 2nd third of the cigar.. I tend to like RA with a bit more fuerte to them. The good news is the aftertaste is quite long and delightful. What lacks in initial flavour is compensated with a longer finish of cedar, earth and a very small hint of sweetness.

The strength does increase in the final third however, the cigar isn't that complex. Pretty straight forward with little change as you smoke it. A decent, well constructed cigar however, I am not convinced that they are worth the premium put on Regional cigars.

Full disclosure: I didn't focus as much on the cigar as I would have liked as I was practicing a presentation. I think I will have to fire up another one to give it a fair shake.

[Puros Y Vino]

You've been on an RA bender Art. Another fine review. Shame that this stick didn't exhibit trademark RA flavours.

[cottierm]

Very nice review, Art. What kind of camera do you use?

Best,

Michel

[isa]

Thanks for the review - great

I hav also found it to be a bit mild

[maverickdrinker]

Very nice review, Art. What kind of camera do you use?

Best,

Michel

[/quote

HI Michel,

I took the pictures on my blackberry torch