Ramon Allones Gigantes OER MAY 21 (R&RRW)

[BettyHumpder]

Cigar: Ramon Allones Gigantes

Drink Pairing: Water. Lots of water after the imbibing I did over the weekend. A couple old fashioneds would pair well, though.

Total Smoke Time: 2hr 15m

Rating: 92

Review: I don't often see Gigantes floating around, so when a box came up for sale earlier this summer at a reasonable price (reasonable by last year's standards, too) I jumped at it. My bank account didn't love me but I rarely regret buying a box of cigars unless they end up plugged. Such is the case with this box of OER MAY 21 Gigantes. I've smoked a few, given away at least one, and find them to be enjoyable. I love the double corona format. I've never understood the hesitation at the price point. If I smoke one double corona a day, it's usually cheaper than a couple good coronas or robustos, and certainly the piramides that I enjoy. I could live off double coronas, if only they were more readily available. Looking at you, Sir Winstons. I wonder what will happen to these with a few years. They don't have any young cigar punch. They're quite good already. I'd be interested to hear from others that have aged their stock. New notes? More transitions?

Cold draw: Honey and light fruit.

Initial light: First few puffs are very bright. Honey, grass, floral. Not at all what I expect from RA.

First Third: The notes from the initial light are gone after the first inch. RA profile creeping in. Darker than the initial profile but lighter than the RASS. Still a bit grassy, a light pepper on the retrohale. Touch of caramel but not much. Nutty. Light earth. Limited smoke production until inch 3 and then it starts churning out smoke like a coal plant. Construction excellent. Medium body.

Second Third: Flawless construction and smoke quality/quantity. Slow burn due to its heavy tobacco pack which is thankfully not impeding the draw. The cigar has settled in. Now it's all leather and nuts. Grass, floral, and any of the lighter notes have left the building. 

Final Third: No noticeable flavor profile changes other than the intensity turned up a bit closer to medium-full. I stepped away from this one shortly after removing the band. Could have smoked another inch or so but it was starting to get hot and I had stuff to do. Plus I've got a Tatuaje Pumpkin cigar that I'll be smoking later. Wanted to keep a bit in the tank for tonight's Halloween Herf.

Scoring: 

• Construction: 9.5/10
• Flavor: 8.5/10
• Performance: 9/10
• Sub-total: 90
• Bonus Points: 1 point for band that didn't rip when removed; 1 point for no touch-ups required
• Final Score: 92