RA Allones Extra 2011 LE Review: Weekend 'Passed Over' Review Comp

[archosaur]

I picked up three singles of this cigar a little over a year ago, mostly out of curiosity. Generally not into the LEs but I was drawn in by the sweet throwback band and the polarizing reviews - I had to try it.



I have passed it over time and time again...mostly due to the negative reviews. I've read that that this cigar is more Nicaraguan than Cuban in taste, and I haven't smoked a Nicaraguan in years...but I remain open minded so this competition created all the incentive needed

Construction appears good, aroma at cold is spicy barnyard, I clip the cap and the draw is perfect. Let's rock and roll.

Opening is a blast of spicy black pepper, at this I'm a little concerned...but the first third settles into fairly straightforward espresso and bitter chocolate. Maybe a subtle touch of roasted nuts here and there. I remain optimistic...but construction issues arise and I find myself needing multiple relights as the cigar wants to go out.



Second third gets darker still, very dark bitter roasted coffee with some earthy/soily (dirty?) notes. The wrapper doesn't want to burn and frankly, I'm losing interest. No cream, no bread/dough, no milk chocolate, no fruit, no sweetness of any kind...basically, none of the flavors that I love about Cuban cigars.

Then, towards the end of the 2nd third, I start getting ashy/burnt paper notes, and there is no enjoyment in this. I give it a few minutes to improve, but it does not and I let it expire before I get into the 3rd third.



Overall, this cigar was a disappointment and I completely get the 'this is more non Cuban than Cuban' sentiment. Ultimately, considering the construction issues and one dimensional flavor profile, this was just not an enjoyable smoke for me.

I'd give it an 80, factoring in 5 points for the cool band

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[billh1]

Nice review...sorry about the poor experience with the stick though. Thanks for sharing.

[joejack11]

I felt the same about the ra as you. I'll do my revisit next week or so . Still have about 20 from the box

[godpheonix]

i noticed from the pic that you have a lighter colored wrapper that i normally see. mine are super dark an oily and they have all been really good to excellent for me. and i've also heard from others that they didn't like them very much and all seemed to have those lighter colored wrappers.maybe there really is something to that for this cigar.

[saver]

Thanks for sharing.

[squizz]

Ill being trying these soon, i hope it will have been performance

[joejack11]

mines has the dark oily wrapper as well.. draw is good, but would say it taste alot like nica tobacco.

[TheMonk]

Thanks for another short review.