Ramon Allones 8-9-8 (2002)

[kirill]

This was the last of one from my little private RA tasting series. The overall result of which is by the way, that I envy Rob for his job more than ever. Got half a box of 898 in a box split two years ago and because I cherish the few remainders, it has been a while since I last smoked one. It has gotten quite cold here in the last days, so I smoked the 898 in one of the very few pubs that still allow cigar smoking in my neighborhood.

It had a very promising scent that reminded me a little of a beeswax candle.

After lightening up, it immediately shows that this is not a young cigar anymore. It delivers a very balanced performance, flavours of cedar wood, maybe oak as well (taking a look at the flavour wheel at the moment), very much integrated with a nice leathery aroma. The burn is a bit irregular and on multiple occasions the cigar threatens to extinguish, so it's bit of a diva in that respect.

On the other side it rewards with an excellent, complex dark cherry flavour in the second third. There it is finally, the Ramon Allones fruit flavour, that I couldn't find in any of the other vitolas that I tried recently. In this cigar it comes in the form of stewed plum and overipe cherry flavour. Very distinctive and quite interesting with the background of cedar wood and leather flavours. Towards the end those took the upperhand again and the fruity flavours disappeared.

Overall, this was by far the most complex smoke of the cigars I reviewed. The flavours were clearly defined in their own and well integrated into the whole at the same time. Outstanding cigar, if one would want to criticize anything than that would be that it came across very much as a serious cigar. It was elegant but in bit of a stern way, overall more the kind of friend that you want to have a deep discussion with as opposed to the mate you go out partying - that would be the RASSC.

[Fatshotbud]

Thanks for your review - I have been sitting on some of these and sounds like they are coming ready.

Was wondering - of the pictures you posted, which best represents the color of the wrapper.

The ones I have look dark and oily - kind of in between your second and third picture from the top.

BUD

[greenpimp]

Very nice review. This cigar is near the top of my list to try. Wonderful marca and size.

[Fatshotbud]

Very nice review. This cigar is near the top of my list to try. Wonderful marca and size.

Getting tough to find I imagine....

[dmuchow]

Makes me want to light up the last of my 5er from 2001.

[shrink]

Thanks for the review. My favorite cigar.

[Don Candido]

Nice review. I had one of these recently with some age. It was elegant.

[anacostiakat]

Good review! Thanks.

I also acquired a tener of these from a friend some time ago. I have smoked one or maybe two but have been saving them.

You review is right on! These as excellent and should be savored.

[El Presidente]

What a travesty it was to kill these off. Fantiastic Review Kirill.

898 Partagas and RA would see me out quite nicely if I were to be subject to two only two cigar types for the rest of my days.

[bassman]

Limited experience here. One box of 01s and three of 02s. The 01s are thoughly mediocre. Just started the second box of 02s & the 02s are among the best of any cigars I've ever smoked.