Ramon Allones Small Club Corona

[jay8354]

Please note the following:

I haven't done a review for a long time so the standards have slipped. Also, my palate is quite a bit off.

With that in mind, these are only my humble opinions and limited knowledge in the face of far superior beings that form this forum.

Ramon Allones Small Club Corona

* Box Code: POS FEB 06

I recently purchased a sampler of these from Czars due to the time constraints of having a baby daugther in our lives. Even when my dear wife was pregnant, I found that I simply did not have the time / opportunities to have a long smoke.

So it was that on one of my regular calls to Lisa (got to keep in touch with my favorite supplier) that I mentioned this. Lisa got Rob on the phone, after a good long chat (got to love the work phone) he mentioned that RASCC are good new, easy to smoke and due to the sizing - quicker than a DC .

Now I got these in May 07. I left them for over a month before I tried the first one. At that time, the RASCC was faultless in the construction. Tan Wrappers, no hard spots, a bit veiny but all very good. Initial draw was average but no problems. Once I put the torch to it, took a few puffs, it was ok. I have to say that I was disappointed with the results. Might have been biased from the expectations I placed on it. The whole experience did not surprise me or in any sense memorable. Very one dimensional throughout.

Tonight, since I had a rare time after work and a window of quiet time, I thought I will re-visit it again.

So got a glass of Cardinal Cisneros Pedro Ximinez and with an open mind, punched the RASCC.

Again, Construction was perfect. Excellent Wrapper, no hard spots, smelled of leather on the nose. Initial cold draw was perfect, just a bit tight. Torch it and burn was even.

Volumes of dense smoke all packed with flavour bombs, not harsh but it is like they are all dancing on my palate at once. Pepper, Cocoa, spices everywhere. It settled a bit after a few more puffs but the flavours were like subtle reminders that they are still there. This continued all the way for the first third of the cigar.

The next part the profile change, more cream and cocoa notes dominated. The smoke was smoother and calmer. If only Vanilla was there.

The last third was the most powerful of the cigar, all I tasted were Pepper, Cedar, Leather. This continued right to the very end,

I would have to say that IMHO this for me a light medium cigar. Due to the age, I think that it is around a 83. Not sure what happened to the first one I tired but am very pleased to have re-visited. This will be now my go to cigar. Seems to be that (correct me if I am wrong) most people on this forum like this cigar young. I will be interested to hear from those who have smoked some aged RASCC for comparsions.

Also, I think that I have unfairly paired it with the Sherry both times, in hindsight, should have some rum with it instead.

PS: I will be sending a sample to my mate Fuzz to see what his thoughts are on this. Good to compare our notes and findings

[Moglman]

Thanks for the review. Be sure to set some aside for a special time 5 or 10 years down the road. They won't disappoint.

[bassman]

Yes, give them time. The only RA that tastes good to me young is the Estupendo. My 04 RASCC are starting to taste great.

[Colt45]

Thanks for the review. I'd have to agree that these should be better with time.

[Mike33]

Nice review. I've got a review coming in the next few days of a '98 RASCC.......stay tuned ;-)

[CIGARHead]

One of my favs. Ive smoked 'em young and with a bit of age and one big standout to me is the fruit nuances that are associated with the Ramon Allones line become more dank and bold.

Great Review!

[tigger]

Nice review!

I prefer them with some years on them, but they're not bad from the getgo, for sure.

[El Presidente]

Nice review Jason

The 30 day rest period applies to even domestic shipments and that is particulalry the case with young boxes. With the 07 RASCC we may have only received it a day or a week prior which means that it has flown in from PCC Hong Kong. They would have received it a week prior where it has flown in from the warehouse faciity in Havana. That is a hell of a lot of km/miles in a short period of time and it also explains how your second tasting was dramatically better.

Now on the next one....dry box it for 24 hrs. Review again ;-)