2006 Ramón Allones Specially Selected

[ritan]

Ramón Allones Specially Selected '06

Vitola: Robusto

Size: 50 x 124 (4.9")

Box Code: POS MAR06

I’m running low in the humidor, so I pull a couple boxes of RASS out of storage.

A young RASS has its moments and its place, but an aged one is hard to beat. Given two, maybe three years – more if you’re patient – they’ll explode with flavor and complexity.

Box code POS MAR 2006. Flawless construction. Oily, dark oak wrappers. Nicely filled, firm to the touch. Just slightly pressed from the dress boxes.

And when you pull them out, the aroma pulls you in – rich tobacco, spice and fruitiness.

For me, the RASS is a staple. Always there, always dependable. The girl next door. My Ms. Hathaway.

Time to rekindle the good love.

It’s late on a Sunday afternoon before I find some time to indulge. The street-side café is quiet enough – a few scattered tables of local girls with their expat boyfriends. But I know what I’m here for, and their chatter will not sway me.

A double espresso, and my Ms. Hathaway.

I clip the robusto with my Palio, take a cold draw. Toasty tobacco with a hint of cinnamon. The familiarity is reassuring, and the anticipation is gentle. A careful light, a puff and the classic Cuban twang eases its way into my consciousness.

She seems hesitant at first. The draw is slightly firm, and she needs a pull or two before she seems to remember who I am. Then she envelops me with her smoky embrace.

Ah, welcome spiciness. And with the pepper comes the distinct flavors of cedar, leather, raisins. A hint of mocha, too. The conversation is rich, her laughter is warmth in my head. Then the teasing lick of a slightly sweet citrus finish – the subtlest touch.

My word, how she has matured. MRN had obviously tasted her charms when he alluded a few years back to her potential: “This could be the best robusto in current production.”

And here she is, today. Impressive, proudly in her prime. No longer the girl-next-door, she graces your palate, all sweetness, spice and satisfaction. Revealing something new with every breath, with every draw.

I am absolutely besotted. Not a strong cigar, but full-bodied, and a flavor profile that sings with exceptional depth and complexity.

It’s over before I’m ready. We kiss goodbye, and then she is gone.

On the quiet drive home, my head is slow to clear. The memory lingers, and with it the promises of good things to come.

[Rushman]

Nice review. My fave Robusto, young or aged

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=20.630177,-87.069945

[maverickdrinker]

great review. I love an aged RASS. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[CaptainQuintero]

lol that was a little bit "it puts the lotion in the bucket" for my taste

[hdryder]

Great review for a great cigar. Thanks for sharing

Cheers

Richard

[Nino]

Nice review and pictures .... - thank you for sharing !!

I love the RASS and anything RA, so I had to check my stock - I also have RASS POS 2006 from MAY.

Will see how they match...

[mk05]

...what the hell haha

[winelover]

Ritan - quite simply the best review I have read in a long time. You sum up RASS so perfectly. They aree gorgeous sexy cigars that have an honest value and are often overlooked by those searching for the holy grail (i.e. CC noobs who buy behikes). I too had a box of the same code which were amongst the best examples of RASS I'd ever seen. I couldn't keep my fingers off them and finished the box quickly.

Thanks again.

G

[bacalao]

Great review... like them too much to have ever had an aged one.

[kuzi16]

this is one of the first CCs that i had. it is the first that i actually enjoied.