Popular Post Habana Mike Posted October 19, 2014 Popular Post Posted October 19, 2014 Ramon Allones Petit Belicoso RE Gran Bretaña GUT JUL12 52 x 125 (4.9") Petit Pyramid According to HSA, these were manufactured with selected leaves from the Vuelta Abajo and comprise a special and unique production of 5,000 individually numbered boxes of 10. This from box #1010 This H&F blend Ajay commissioned is superbly constructed with a smooth and silky caramel-colored Colorado wrapper. Consistent feel the length of the stick and once clipped, a perfect draw with just the right amount of resistance. Tastes of graham cracker and stable on the cold draw, bouquet presents toasty and woody notes. As I light with a soft flame it opens with a burst of nougat, earth and dried fruits. Medium bodied, richly flavored, voluminous smoke production. Pairing with a pour of the Arran Malt Amarone Cask Single Malt (50%ABV, non chill-filtered, no artificial coloring). Splash of burn water to open it up and ease the heat. Amarone casks are an interesting choice for aging which I've not seen before. The wine is essentially made from raisins. The grapes are dried on straw mats prior to pressing and fermentation. The Amarone is typically very deep red, full and rich with a hint of sweetness and alcoholic heat. Perfect with an Osso Bucco. The Scotch carries through these characteristics quite nicely. With no age statement I can only assume it's been aged a minimum of 3 years and most likely less than 9. Based on its raw heat and lack of subtleties I'd say somewhere between 5 and 7. The Amarone cask lends a pinkish cast to the dram. As an aside, the Arran distillery opened in 1995 so their first 'official' Scotch was released in 1999. Happened to be in Edinburgh in 2004, stopped in Robert Graham's on Rose Street and, among others, picked up a bottle of the single release Arran Rum Cask (260 bottles) at 9 years old. Excellent, shame no more.... Middle third brings almond and biscuit to the table, earthiness dissipating to a backdrop. Ash, a clean light gray, holds firm dropping just a little more than an inch about 30 minutes in. The malt pairs exceptionally well with the cigar, a multitude of flavors dancing across my palate. Toffee, heather, chocolate, melon and sea salt from the dram. Leather, earth raisin and cedar from the cigar. Final third picks it up a notch presenting a darker earthiness, stewed fruit and a subtly sweet brown sugar note. 80 minutes later she lays down for the night, sweet dreams..... While quite nice now, I believe another couple of years and these can come even closer to greatness. Glad a box and a half to go. 5
bradbrennan Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 "Tastes of ... stable" nicer version of barnyard? Sounds like a great pairing! Care to put a rating on it?
Habana Mike Posted October 19, 2014 Author Posted October 19, 2014 "Tastes of ... stable" nicer version of barnyard? Sounds like a great pairing! Care to put a rating on it? I generally avoid numeric ratings as I prefer more the acerbic and existential. So my scale falls towards: Wow! I liked it alot 'twas OK Meh, maybe I'd try another Never again This one falls between 'Wow!' and 'I liked it alot'. Guess that would make it around 90ish (4.5/5) Stable encompasses hay, manure, saddle, horse sweat and weathered wood 3
MattW Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Great review! Perhaps I'll try another... I've only had one and it was about a year ago, was a very dull cigar and not that enjoyable... But as I say, after that review maybe they're worth a revisit!
SofaKing Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 Nice review. I might need to find some of these
johndalton44 Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 Great review. Can't wait to see what a few more years will do for these.
Habana Mike Posted October 21, 2014 Author Posted October 21, 2014 Great review! Perhaps I'll try another... I've only had one and it was about a year ago, was a very dull cigar and not that enjoyable... But as I say, after that review maybe they're worth a revisit! Please do and let us know what you think!
trader1974 Posted October 28, 2014 Posted October 28, 2014 Beautiful cigar and it sounds delicious! Thanks for the review.
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