Review: RA Gigantes (Late 14/Early 15)

[PatrickEwing]

Believe this was a first quarter ‘15, but may have been late ‘14. Also believe that impending family duties will relegate further DCs to the sidelines but hell of a cigar while I can.

Cigar

1/3: Faint hints of the formerly concentrated stewed fruit profile. Occasionally announced itself but on the whole the fruity character has been relegated to the periphery. I’d argue it’s entered a secondary phase that’s eminently enjoyable but not as striking. 

2/3: Baking spices smashed to the fore but all too fleeting. Christmas at 3pm, fire is on, but then quickly settled.

3/3: More of the same but I hope that’s not too cheap to say. Refined and satisfying. I fall further into my chair and the book is tossed to the table. Wonderful burn. 

Drink

Hudsons Baby Bourbon: This frustrated me. At the outset, pleasing hits of fine bourbon spices and noticeable fruit characteristics. But this summarily concludes like a hot knife through cold butter. Bit of a fight but then done. No finish. A void. 

Blantons: This is quality. Nose reminds me slightly of a good rum but not quite the buttery banana feel of an El Dorado. Once drunk, quick heat, tongue coating and then contentedly settles for a long ride. 

Summary: Noted are the early rich qualities of a RAG. Fruit and more. May be worth pursuing on its own merit and calling it a day. But don’t discount the class it can provide a few years in. 

[RDB]

Interesting review. I’m very new to RA, and just smoked my first the other week: a Specially Selected. I loved the rich fruity profile.

Do folks here think the fruitiness in RA fades with age? 

[PatrickEwing]

26 minutes ago, RDB said:

Interesting review. I’m very new to RA, and just smoked my first the other week: a Specially Selected. I loved the rich fruity profile.

Do folks here think the fruitiness in RA fades with age?

Others with more experience should chime in but I’d say no. RASS, Superiores and RAG have all demonstrated the rich fruit for me. With this one it simply evolved. More refined, not faded. If you enjoyed the RASS then it will be up to you to decide at what stage you prefer it. 

[JohnS]

Nice review @PatrickEwing! You've described how I like my ideal Ramon Allones Gigantes cigar smoking experience in terms of flavours! ?

@RDB, I concur that in general the fruitiness in Ramon Allones cigars remains (and I agree, becomes more refined), what fades or diminishes is the strength and cocoa and/or coffee flavours.

[earthson]

16 hours ago, RDB said:

Interesting review. I’m very new to RA, and just smoked my first the other week: a Specially Selected. I loved the rich fruity profile.

Do folks here think the fruitiness in RA fades with age? 

RASS was my first true cigar love and if memory serves (it doesn't!), the ones from '06-'09 weren't as fruity as more recent specimens ('14-'16).

Had some '09 RAG up until recently and I miss those sorely! Definitely elements of fruit in them, though the musty, honeyed earthiness is what won me over!

[KavalanWhisky]

I smoked a late 2017 one last week, my first ever and boy it was a revelation! Such a wonderful smoke with tons of development and flavour punch. Very smooth for such a young cigar. I normally smoke 2-3 RASS a week but these are stellar in comparison.