Ramon Allones 898 Varnished

[Colt45]

No codes - this cigar was part of the January '06 special, and was

considered aged, so at least a couple of years old.

Looked and felt nice, with a slighlty rustic wrapper. The draw was tight, but very smokeable, - smoke volume was inconsistent.

After an inch, I used a skewer and could feel the plug give way - it

was about 3/4s of the way down by the foot.

The draw remained firm (nice), but smoke volume increased

dramatically.

Flavor wise, this started out very spicy - white pepper - and remained

so for the duration. Throughout there were notes of leather, toasted

nuts, rich tobacco, and intermittent dark fruit.

The most distinct component was the coolness of the smoke - the only

way I can describe it is the sensation of mint jello - smooth and cool.

After looking back at reviews of this cigar, I see Ginseng had a similar

experience.

Overall, a very enjoyable cigar, in an excellent format.

[Tampa1257]

The Ramón Allones 898 is one of my favorites. They were discontinued in 2002, so the cigar you enjoyed had at least 4 years on it I love the fruity almost raisin quality of the rich smoke.

[Colt45]

Tampa, thanks for the follow up. I was hoping the fruit notes would

come more to the fore, but in this particular sample, they remained

but a tease.

In my initial post, I had meant to pose the question of age regarding these.

This cigar seemed to really have the stuffing to gain something with more time.

I'm wondering what members' experiences are with this cigar, with

more time on them?

[CIGARHead]

» Tampa, thanks for the follow up. I was hoping the fruit notes would

» come more to the fore, but in this particular sample, they remained

» but a tease.

» In my initial post, I had meant to pose the question of age regarding

» these.

» This cigar seemed to really have the stuffing to gain something with more

» time.

» I'm wondering what members' experiences are with this cigar, with

» more time on them?

Colt45,

I have a box from either 02 or 01..cant seem to remember and too much of a lazy hungover pieace o chit to go check. I love this cigar. You nailed down the dark fruit that I think is present in all Ramon Allones'.

Being 4 or 5 years old my 898s have a ton of potential. Great now - classic in another 5 years.

[Colt45]

Sorry, I meant to put this in the review forum.

[shrink]

A truly great cigar. Everything about it is first-rate.

[tandblov]

An excellent cigar, A real shame they discontinued it. RA is by far my favorite. I wish they had more vitolas to choose from.

Hopefully they Beli will become a global release, although I have read conflicting information about this. It is too bad this dahlia was discontinued as it is one of my favorite formats.

Buy as many boxes of these as you can. You will be glad you did in the coming years.

[Tampa1257]

» Sorry, I meant to put this in the review forum.

Actually Rob has posted a requirement / criteria for the Review Forum, I'll see if I can find it, but as a minimum, you would need to know the year of the cigar and I believe he also stated that it requires a rating as well. Maybe Rob can repost his desires on what qualifies as a review vs general discussion.

[El Presidente]

» » Sorry, I meant to put this in the review forum.

»

» Actually Rob has posted a requirement / criteria for the Review Forum,

» I'll see if I can find it, but as a minimum, you would need to know the

» year of the cigar and I believe he also stated that it requires a rating

» as well. Maybe Rob can repost his desires on what qualifies as a review vs

» general discussion.

I am relaxed on review formats. When Jason is back from Holdiays I will have him post a review form as used by Habanos s.a for it's tastings. members can use this as a guide but again I do not want to get too stuck up on format.

In regards to the Cherry Ripe flavour of the SC line, I find it a regular feature. It is a mix of molasses sweetmess but with a definate stewed fruit base. This is concurent with an almost Montecristo milk coffee flavour.