Ramon Allones Specially Selected - MSU FEB 19 (VVRW#1)

[david9985]

I reviewed a stick from the same box a year ago almost to the day: it wasn't ready to smoke then and this is the first time I've touched them since. It's a pleasant, still evening and we are allowed to meet in gardens again (England) as of the start of this week. So I have the rare treat of company in the form of a couple of mates!

Construction is good, seems well filled and a good weight. Draw is perfect.

It opens well but I'm finding it difficult to label the flavours. The stewed raisin flavour isn't as pronounced as I've had before but the overall package is much more enjoyable. I've had to go and look at some others' previous reviews of RASS to prompt me in flavour identifiers... one of the reviews on the Int Store by VKUTT comments "The RASS is a great example of fruit being savoury". This sums it up well at the moment.

As the stick progresses there is of wood, little bit of peppery spice and a caramel like sweetness every now and again. It is very nice!

The enjoyment of the stick continues right to the very end. At around 1h45min this is as long as I've ever got out of a robusto. There were no real amazing standout flavours but the overall enjoyment of this stick was very high. The best way I can think to describe the experience was that there was a real chewiness to the smoke that was just fantastic. I rarely get to the point of nubbing a cigar but this one just about got there and I was still fully enjoying it when I set it down. It has clearly benefitted from another year's rest and a slightly lower (63%)RH. 92.

[Silverstix]

Nice review!  I have an April EPM 2018 box that I've been sitting on for the 3 year mark - took one out last night and planning to fire it up this weekend 👍

[david9985]

Thanks! Hopefully yours are approaching the sweet spot!