Cuban Cigar Reviews

Country of origin: Cuba

Dimensions:  4 3/8 inches by 42 – ring gauge

Date smoked: Saturday 09/06/08

Time:  5:45 PM – 6:18PM

Location:  Afternoon at my smoking patio.

Accompanying drinks:  Filtered water, carbonated water, Cappuccino

Color of wrapper:  Light coco brown wrapper.  The seams held an earthen contrast as if dipped and the excess shaken.

Construction:  Very firm with one vexing knot toward the cap.  The cap was marked with beautiful contracting lines of thinning dark earth reminiscent of an artist’s dry brushing technique.  Thin veins in the dainty wrapper brought definition and added texture that was tactually pleasing.  A gem for the hand and eye.

Pre-light Aroma:  Floral with overtones of hibiscus

Cut:  Guillotine

Pre-Light Draw:  very slightly restricted airflow with Honey and wood.

Combustion:  Torch lighter.

Post Light Aroma:  Wisps of smoke arose, entreating me to a floral bouquet intertwined with nuts and clover honey.

Initial Draw:  I was pleasantly surprised to find my concern unwarranted stemming from the knot found close to the cap.  This cigar produced an even draw, albeit only a moderate volume of smoke.  Lightly toasted tobacco with honey sweetness lingered on the palate.   Buried in the background were ripe comice pears, toasted pine nuts, and clover honey.  Playing in the breezeless sky the smoke invited me to take in its pleasing bouquet.

First third:  The polite introduction of toasted tobacco gently expanded to heartier tobacco while never loosing its balance of floral nuttiness.    Moderate amounts of smoke were produced with the bouquet moving toward woodiness and ripe fruit.  The burn was acceptable, but not completely straight.  No attempts were made to correct the minor imperfections of the burn as the ash held perfectly tight.

Second third:  The second third opened with further expansion of toasted tobacco and burning apple wood.  Still maintaining balance, the fruit and nuts evolved to Christmas spice with roasted pine nuts dominating the ultra clean finish.  Tight white ash scored with black tiger stripes held firm.  The second third continued a stealthy increase of strength toward the finally.

Final third:  At no time overwhelming, this medium bodied smoke continued to escalate in strength.  Toasted tobacco, sweet clover honey, and veiled in an ultra clean finish was Christmas spice.  The end the smoke became increasingly hot and dry.  The last ¼ inch became slightly tannic.      

Synopsis:  Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas are balanced in flavor and strength from start to finish.  Medium bodied and perfect for an afternoon smoke this polite cigar boasts toasted tobacco, sweet honey, and woody spiciness.  In this reviewer’s opinion, the consummate companion for this little gem is coffee cut with milk and plenty of sugar.

Start: 11:05 PM Finish: 12:01 PM

Food: Lemon Chicken with fried rice and vegetable potstickers

Drink: S. Pellegrino over ice

Location: Front of my house. No breeze and 72 deg.

Pre light aroma: This cigar was full of chocolate, spice, and the smell of sweet tobacco.

Construction: This was in great condition. It had a beautiful light coco brown color and had no visible veins or discoloration.

Pre Light: I made a clean cut with my Xikar cigar cutter and took a pre light draw. It was a perfect draw and promised to be a fine smoke even before my lighter ever came close to the foot.

Light: As usual the Xikar cigar made an exemplary cut. Feeling very “Tim the Tool man” I used a food prep blow torch to ignite the stick. No burn correction touch up’s were ever necessary.

Taste: The initial draw was cardamom, leather and allspice. It was as clean as the night I was smoking. There was no change ¼ ways through the cigar. After the first ¼ of the cigar dark coco became more pronounced and grew along with plenty of leather. It had a very tight grayish black ash the clung tight to the stick and was going nowhere. There was ample smoke upon each draw. The smoke started to build at the ½ way point and became a little peppery. This cigar looked like a work of art with its ash still in tact ½ way up the cigar. The ash was a light charcoal grey. Now coffee, leather and heavy spice permeated the air and my neighbor who does not enjoy cigars came out and asked what I was smoking. I replied a great stick and he commented on how wonderful the bouquet was. The spice clung to my palate and intensified through the rest of the stick. The ash finally gave way and fell off to reveal a clean edge that held straight the rest of the smoke. The last ¼ of the cigar picked up intense power. Were talking vitamin “N” here. Rich earthy tobacco, leather, and heavy spice. This mixed with the intoxicating aroma and a healthy dose of nicotine held me in place. I nubed this cigar and only as my fingers were singing did it get a tad harsh.

Synopsis: Phenomenal! From the lovely bouquet to the complex taste I found this smoke a delight. Smoke this cigar on a full stomach. My only complaint would be that it was only an hour. I could have smoked this till I turned green. A must have for any serious cigar aficionado.

URL: http://www.cubanlous.com/ramon-allones-specially-selected-cigars-p-222.html