Ramón Allones Grande

[ayedfy]

Had a wonderful night of cigars and whisky with Laz on Thursday. He graciously offered me one of these unique cigars. It's a big sucker, so we had the time to sit down, discuss it, and write some tasting notes.

Ramón Allones Grande. 2008 Spanish Regional Release for Altadis SA. Vitola size: 7.1x49.

Cold observations: Good construction, gorgeous wrapper. Rich spices on the foot. Peppery, a touch of vanilla bean. Great draw, strong chilli notes coming through on the cold draw.

Opening third: Allusions are delivered, with mountains of spice on the initial draw. Bitter espresso opening up, and quickly taking over some of the earthy spice (in flavour, although the spiciness keeps up with a white pepper heat). Dry, with a bold, full body. There's also a coy creaminess and subtle passionfruit sweetness lurking in the distance, showing up (just for a second) every couple of draws.

Middle third: Noticeable drop in body down to a cool medium. Still bone dry and bitter. The sweetness that was teasing in the first third has disappeared now. More espresso, rounded off slightly with a dark earthiness, and a somewhat creamy texture that gradually unfolds as this stage of the cigar progresses.

Final third: Small lift in body at first (although not to the level found in the first third), before dipping slightly again towards the very end. Fresh woodiness (new oak, and a hint of maple). Brown leather, toasty, with a savoury salty quality introducing itself on the draw; pork crackling and mushroom. There's also a herbal element to it; oregano, and a pinch of speamint. Dry hay, and an unexpected and substantial return of the passionfruit from the first third in the last couple of draws.

Conclusion: A very interesting cigar with plenty of engaging development and complexity. Predominantly dry and bitter, and I would have liked to see even more diversity (either with some more creaminess or sweetness) to balance that out a touch - particularly in the opening.

I'd recommend pairing this with a sweeter, smoother beverage. Laz mentioned that this would make a good summer cigar, and while I wasn't so sure with this flavour profile, it would certainly go well with the sweeter summer drinks (cocktails). Plus, I forgot that not everyone gets to enjoy Brisbane's 23°C winters, so a two-hour monster like this might not be the best choice if it's unpleasantly cold!

89/100

[Marker]

A little too long for our -30C winters.

I did have one about a month ago. Really enjoyed it with some Yamazaki 12. I find the spicy cigars pair very well with a non spicy scotch or bourbon. Buffalo trace, four roses bourbon or Aberlour scotch.

Would give it a 92/100

[ayedfy]

A little too long for our -30C winters.

I did have one about a month ago. Really enjoyed it with some Yamazaki 12. I find the spicy cigars pair very well with a non spicy scotch or bourbon. Buffalo trace, four roses bourbon or Aberlour scotch.

Would give it a 92/100

We paired this with the Four Roses Small Batch. It was nice, although I think it was still a little too dry to complement this cigar best. I could see it going well with a nice rum, and maybe the Aberlour.

[maverickdrinker]

Thanks for the review. Got 2 boxes in recently and haven't cracked it yet.

[jsoftz]

I enjoy reading your reviews.. Keep up the good work!

[ramon_cojones]

My favorite dc, loads better than the lusi and I love partagas.

[westg]

My favorite dc, loads better than the lusi and I love partagas.

Easy...thankyou for the review Ash

[LLC]

I've had a couple from a box a while ago and really enjoyed them.

[Ophidion]

I'm smoking one from my TEB SEP 08 box tomorrow night. Curious to see how mine are as I have yet to smoke one.

[maverickdrinker]

about to fire one up.....