Claudius Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Ramon Allones Specially Selected Gran Robusto (Exclusivo Benelux) TEB SEP 07 Here's a nice and round RASSGR from a SLB of 50. They were made in the Partagas factory and put in these appealing boxes in September 2007. These were released in SPBs of 25 and in SLBs of 50, in very small numbers. As you can you on the picture below, only 204 SLBs of 50 were made! This Dobles (50 ring gauge and 155 mm or 6.1 inches long) is Colorado in color and appears to be well-constructed with no soft or hard spots. The wrapper feels thin, fragile but very smooth. The foot appears nicely bunched and firm. Pre-light aroma is an ever-so-slightly sweet but fruity / floral impression. The wrapper leaves a sweet aroma on the lips. Draw appears easy yet slightly resistive; probably around 45 on the tester. Setting the foot on fire will be a great opportunity to show off my "Africa" lighter. The foot catches fire rapidly by turning it for about 40 seconds above the flame. This is quite fast for such a ring gauge. I put the cigar in my mouth without using the lighter and take a draw. I turn the cigar around and see an evenly lit foot. Nice The first puffs reveal medium thick yet very aromatic smoke that appears medium-bodied. The aroma is slightly sweet, fruity and a little floral. It has the typical Ramon Allones spice that tickles your tongue and makes your mind go crazy trying to determine what this or that aroma was that you tasted for a fraction of a second. The ash is solid and the cigar burns straight. After half an inch, a hint of nuts appears and joins the spicy, fruity, slightly floral mix of aromas. I personally love this slightly fruitier-than usual-RA profile, but I have to confess that the body may be a hint lighter than I'd like. Into the second third, the fruit evolves into what Rob calls "stewed fruit" and the spice evolves into a slightly creamy, leathery texture. The smoke has become thicker, and after it is expressed, it leaves a salty layer on the tongue. The burn has become a little uneven without requiring intervention and the ash is still rock solid. As we start getting into the last third, the smoke gets really thick and rich. Not to the point where you need a knife and fork like with an Estupendo, but very thick and rich nonetheless. The fruit is on its way out as the spice gets serious and peppery. I'm enjoying this part immensely and am probably smoking the Dobles a little too fast as it now gets very spicy: my tongue and palate feels like I have put a piece of habanero pepper in there just to see how hot that may be. In summary, I would say that this cigar is extremely complex, a large but nonetheless appealing format, lacking a little bit of strength. I'm not sure why, but I think this cigar will age extremely well and become a fantastic, highly complex Gran Robusto. 91 with a potential of 94.
Jimmy2 Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Nice review Cluadius and a very nice cigar too. Also i think if any line out of Cuba needs a new cigar in there lineup it should be RA line..
Stalebread Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 All of a sudden, I'm feeling the need for a little trip to Brussels. Thanks for the compelling review.
Stalebread Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 . . . Also i think if any line out of Cuba needs a new cigar in there lineup it should be RA line.. What with this Gran Robusto and the Belicoso to choose from, I think it would be a tough decision as to what the new cigar in regular production lineup would be.
kjellfrick Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Great review, Claudius! Haven't tried mine as I thought they needed some time, but after such accolade I'm lighting one up tonight!
BobbyRitz Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Very well done, C. The best is yet to come with these. Rob
kjellfrick Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 I smoked my first one, and just finished it a minute ago. I agree on most of what you say about it,Claudius, but I did have a slightly different beginning. Just after lighting it up the smoke was very desiccating. It just left my palate and nose screaming for humidity. Quite a lot of pepper in there too... When that part was over, after about 1-2 cm, I had a long joyous ride with fruity RA flavours, and a final section that increased in woodiness and bitter flavours in a very tasty manner until the very end. Great cigar and very enjoyable!
mkz Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Great review Claudius!! Suddenly got an urge to visit my father in Belgium...
shrink Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 It has the typical Ramon Allones spice that tickles your tongue and makes your mind go crazy trying to determine what this or that aroma was that you tasted for a fraction of a second. Superb review, Claudius! Very nice photos, too. From your description, it would seem that a few years will bring out the best in this cigar. Your comment illustrates why Ramon Allones is the most complex full-bodied marca.
Don Candido Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Claudius- This was an excellent, very enticing review. Thanks.
Guest rob Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Great review and write up Claudius. I have a unopened box of these.... and was waiting for the right time to crack them open - your review may have just pushed me to crucify one.
El Presidente Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Bravo Claudius! Fantastic review! You are right in that the opening of Ramon Allones is like no other cigar in the world. I look forward to it every time
Mr. Japan Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Bravo Claudio, I liked this review, straight !
android Posted December 4, 2008 Posted December 4, 2008 Very nice Claudius....I have a box that just arrived....had my girlfriend hide them in the humi for me. Ha Ha
dedomenico Posted December 4, 2008 Posted December 4, 2008 A friend gave me one to try. I look forward to trying it after this review!
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