Ramon Allones Petit Corona - OSU MAR00

[pnutbutrsangwich]

Having recently happened upon a box of these discontinued marevas, I had built up quite a high expectation of how well they might smoke. Often times, these expectations get built up so high that no cigar could really ever live up to them, leading to disappointment regardless of how great the smoke is. This is especially prevalent when dealing with cigars that are somewhat hard to find. I tried to keep this in mind while smoking this one.

The cigars in this box have a colorado maduro shade to them with relatively little oil sheen. To be quite honest, they are no beauty queens. Despite being from the "scary era" of 2000, these have a normal, if actually a little bit loose fill. The draw on this particular example was right in the sweet spot. Not too loose or too tight. Prelight draws yield little of interest. Just some mild, mild must and woods.

Upon the initial lighting, there is blast of strong woods. The woods are quite complex as there are notes of charred woods, but also notes of more aromatic, floral, potpourri woods as well. Underneath this, there is a very subtle fruit sweetness that is difficult to identify (black cherry? tart apple). These flavors continue through the first half of the cigar with only mild development. One this is made quite clear, however. Despite this cigar's diminutive size, it is very, very, strong!

The smoke has a quality about it that can slice through anything that may already be on your palate. This is one of those cigars that might be well suited to the nightcap of a long day of smoking or perhaps as a cigar you would have almost immediately after a spicy or saucy dinner meal.

As the second half progresses, the fruity sweetness that was only mildly present in the beginning fades away almost entirely. Any sweet notes that continue to make their presence known are certainly more of the "woody sweet" variety. Some black coffee-bitterness comes in as the cigar burns down to the nub.

These PCs are an interesting counterpoint to the Specially Selected. Despite sharing the same bands, these are two very differently blended cigars. While the RASS is all about complexity and softness, the PC is about slicing strength. Which one is better? Well, that's really an apples and oranges comparison. It's not really about which tastes better, but more about which cigars fits your needs at the time.

(Pics coming tonight)

[aavkk]

very interesting read, thanks. I have heard very little about these cigars and frankly anything RA peaks my interest.

[El Presidente]

Another excellent review. Every Marque should have a "bruiser" a Marque bully. Disgrace that these were sent to the discard bin of HSA.

[BobbyRitz]

Nicely done, Tom.

The sample you smoked (and I tried) while together recently was both strong and floral.

I look forward to your pictures.

Best,

Rob

[Don Candido]

Thanks for the review Peanut Butter...

[pnutbutrsangwich]

very interesting read, thanks. I have heard very little about these cigars and frankly anything RA peaks my interest.

Tis a shame amongst shames that this is not the only, nor is it the worst example of this! The PC is a mere "toady" to the bully that the Corona once was. I think the Punch line got this treatment the worst with the deletion of the SS#2. Fortunately they also deleted the fairy Black Prince to balance it out

As for pics... my camera is all screwed up right now. I might be able to retrieve them... or I might have to smoke another one