LIVE REVIEW: 2011 EL Ramon Allones Allones Extra

[maverickdrinker]

I was thinking of Nino as I selected cigars for this competition. This was a cigar that he gifted me when we first met at the LCDH at the Hotel Commodoro last November. He knew that I was excited about this release and made sure that was the first cigar that I smoked together.

The 2011 Ramon Allones Allones Extra weighs in at 44 ring gauge and 5.6 inches. The factory vitola name is Fransiscos.

The band on this is striking. White on green. An old school classic. I think Habanos did a great job in putting this together.

The wrapper is a deep, dark brown, almost black. The feel of the cigar is rustic and toothy. Heaps of vanilla and chocolate emanate from the wrapper. It reminds me of coco puffs cereal. LOL A ittle barnyard as well. The smell is intoxicating.

The triple cap is expertly applied. Overall, the cigar is firm when squeezed. The middle gives a little more give than other spots. I hope that this won't be a problem.

Cold draw from the foot is a hint of woodiness and dried fruit. A quick punch and some additional cold draws reveal a nice sweetness to this cigar, mixed with chocolate and dried fruit.

Time to take this to the flame.

[maverickdrinker]

The draw on this is while firm. Noticably more resistant than cigars that I have enjoyed recently.

As I smoke through the first third, all I can think of is marachino cherries dipped in honey. What is noticable is the lack of earthiness, leather that I have enjoyed in RAs. There is a hint of this however, sweetness dominates and coats my palate.

The burn line is razor sharp. Took to flame very easily. I was happy to see that the wrapper wasn't flame retardant that some ELs have been.

The ash is greyish white. Cinnimon is starting to come out to complement the marachino cherry/honey combination. Still absent is that hit of earthiness and leather that I expect from a Ramon Allones.

The flavours are very distinct so far. I will be curious to see how this cigar changes as we get to the 2nd third. There is a nice smoothness to the cigar, considering its age. No harshness whatsoever right now.

[maverickdrinker]

Starting to hit the 2nd third. The sweetness has changed somewhat. I can only compare it to freshly toasted chiabatta bread that has a good lathering of honey marmalade. The strength of the cigar has picked up slightly. The earthiness is trying to get some attention over the dried fruit notes. Wild stuff!

The draw continues to be firm. Ample billows of smoke though. Just hit the sqishy centre and no change in the draw. Whew! I was worried about that.

Burn line continues to be sharp. No touch ups so far.

A hint of cocoa joins the ever faint earthy flavour. Still MIA is the leather notes. Maybe in the final third?

[maverickdrinker]

And there it is. Switcharooney!!!! As I start to smoke the final third, a plethora of flavours hit me like a freight train. Honey, dried fruit COMBINED with earthiness, leather, chocolate and expresso all come at me at once. It's like someone turned up the volume on the alarm clock so you are shocked into waking up. LOL

The strength has picked up significantly as well. The youthfulness of the cigar finally emerges! Not harsh in any way, just pure power. Having said that, there is a mellowness to this cigar.

The draw has gotten a little firmer though. The smoke isn't billowing out of it as the previous 2 thirds.

Roasted nuts are now also in play. WOW! This is some ride. Had to do a retouch as the wrapper is starting to become fire retardant.

[maverickdrinker]

Final Impressions: This was a very 'different' cigar. Enjoyable but different. I would call this a 'change of pace' cigar as the traditional Ramon Allones flavour profile is not apparant.

It seems that Habanos SA blended this to mute the earthy, leathery, nutty flavour characteristics and amplified the sweetness/honey/dried fruit characteristics of the blend.

Will let these sleep for awhile and see how it develops over time.

[khomeinist]

That last photos is excellent. Thanks for sharing your review. I agree with your final thoughts.....

[isa]

Very interesting & detailed review - thanks Art

[CanadianKodiak]

Fantastic review of what may now be one of my favotites!