Current production Ramon Allones Superiores

[dangolf18]

How are 2016 Ramon Allones Superiores smoking? Any experience with boxes with the ETP factory code? Thanks. 

[NSXCIGAR]

My last box of ETP DIC 15 was fairly unremarkable. Also been hearing somewhat similar things about very recent RAS production. Seems like 15-16 may have been a bit of a downturn for these.

[89alpinem3]

Just had a dic 16 yesterday and first half was good second half was pretty young. Will need rest

[golfgar]

I've smoked 5 of the 15's in the last two weeks and while they were good, they were not blow your skirt up good.  At this point I'll leave what I have to sit for a while, but not sure how much they will improve as the flavors were rather more muted or dull than other RA offerings in my very humble opinion.

 

 

[treberty]

I really enjoy smoking my 2015 right now, but I think they will be even in a couple of years .  Got some beautiful boxes in Havana last year... and 3 more recently.  

[BMWBen]

I have a ETP ENE 16 box that i wish I had 10 of, they're good now but show potential of getting even better with more time

[PatrickEwing]

I have some 15s (think ULA?) that were a downward departure from the 14s I initially got. I only have a few of those left and they are being left in the bullpen for awhile. Hopefully things start to look better because it is a damn good cigar when done well. 

[planetary]

I've had a few from a PSP-graded 50 cab from ULA APR 15.  They have been very good.  ...Which reminds me it's time to take another core sample to see how they're coming along at 2 years.

[NSXCIGAR]

3 minutes ago, planetary said:

I've had a few from a PSP-graded 50 cab from ULA APR 15...

You sure about that? 

[Engineer99]

I picked up a box of these on a whim when they were on special. I have (had) no idea how these are, but given the premium price and track record of RA, I didn't think I could go wrong. They're napping away for a future sampling...

[PatrickEwing]

50 minutes ago, NSXCIGAR said:

You sure about that? 

Blasphemy! 

[NSXCIGAR]

I'm a bit suspicious when it comes to letting these rest as 13-14 RAS were pretty much ready to rock fresh. I really saw no need whatsoever to age them. The several boxes of 15s I've had were absolutely nothing like the 13s and 14s. I rated the 13s and 14s 90-92 and the 15s 87-89. Hopefully they come around for you guys but I wouldn't hold out too much hope...I just think it was an off period similar to 15 PLPC, BPC, and a few others.

[planetary]

1 hour ago, NSXCIGAR said:

You sure about that? 

Mea culpa.  This is about Superiores, not RASS.  Retracted!

[99call]

Smoking 2016 Superiores in rotation with Upmann Mag 50s and Epicure Especial.  I can confirm the Superiores are a massive step down in class. Really disapointing as RA has always been my bogie line.  I've heard so many great things (rich cake spice etc) but having smoked probably about 50 sticks in this line most from different boxes, I'm sad to say it's magic has alluded me, at every turn.    The only slight flavour profile I've picked up from the  2016 Superiors (and its very very muted) is 'lotus biscuits' the little carmelised biscuits you get free with coffee in Europe that have a touch of cinnamon

[Mycroft]

I have ULA early 2015s. Very good, and well priced, but I hand picked them myself from a local dealer. First ones I have had. Got them on a whim because they looked so brilliant.

[wabashcr]

Disappointing to hear.  I'm down to just 1-2 from a ULA SEP 14 box that has been remarkable.  I'd hoped the transition into 15/16 boxes would stay at that level.

[MaxG]

My ULA JUN 14 box is fantastic.  Looks like I should keep looking in that timeframe, and avoid more recent offerings.

- MG

 

[BarryNY]

No wonder why I see the 2016 boxes being "given away"....relatively speaking....

[fabes]

8 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

I'm a bit suspicious when it comes to letting these rest as 13-14 RAS were pretty much ready to rock fresh. I really saw no need whatsoever to age them. The several boxes of 15s I've had were absolutely nothing like the 13s and 14s. I rated the 13s and 14s 90-92 and the 15s 87-89. Hopefully they come around for you guys but I wouldn't hold out too much hope...I just think it was an off period similar to 15 PLPC, BPC, and a few others.

I agree with this. The 15s I had were very inconsistent. Some great, others just not sure what they wanted to be. And too many underfilled for a box of 10. Glad I held on to a box from '12. Almost ready to dip into those. 

[1LegLance]

I picked up 7 boxes (10 count) in Havana last week and have already gone through 2 of those between smoking there and with my sons & freind since return. Every one has been wonderful all spice to coffee cake good. I remember DIC 16 but will have to double check the factory code.

 

[NSXCIGAR]

40 minutes ago, 1LegLance said:

 I remember DIC 16 but will have to double check the factory code.

 

Please let us know as I'm holding off on RAS purchases this year until I can confirm positive feedback going forward. DIC 16 is a super-recent code so I'm curious to see how very recent production compares with 15 and early 16. Very hopeful these get back on track as it's such a great option in the lineup especially with Corona Gordas so scarce these days.

[Fugu]

My feelings exactly @wabashcr and @NSXCIGAR. Was about to stock up following the excellent '12-'14 production. Until this thread I had said - a safe blind buy!. But now might have to take a closer look. Thanks for the heads up, folks!

Edit: Same holding for RASS possibly, anyone?

[encephalization]

With the RASS being my favorite regular production cigar, I was really excited when the Superiores released. I must admit that even the 2012-14s I've smoked didn't wow me but the few 2016s I've smoked have been outright bad.

Seeing how big of a brand (or number of vitolas at least) RA used to be, I'd love for them to expand their lines but for now I think I've bought my last Superiores unfortunately.

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[Aardwolf]

 

 

 

21 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

 

 

 

 

 

My last box of ETP DIC 15 was fairly unremarkable. Also been hearing somewhat similar things about very recent RAS production. Seems like 15-16 may have been a bit of a downturn for these.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have an ETP February 16 box that I've had two out of and they were not good.  First one the wrapper was 'fireproof', second one burned slightly better but I didn't enjoy it.  I moaned about it and a kind BOTL sent me a 2012 to sample but I'm yet to, the first couple put me off. <Don't ask about the storage conditions, I'm down in the low 60's like the 'pros'

[NSXCIGAR]

1 minute ago, Aardwolf said:

I have an ETP February 16 box that I've had two out of and they were not good.  First one the wrapper was 'fireproof', second one burned slightly better but I didn't enjoy it.  I moaned about it and a kind BOTL sent me a 2012 to sample but I'm yet to, the first couple put me off. <Don't ask about the storage conditions, I'm down in the low 60's like the 'pros'> 

Yet another confirmation of the sub-par 15-16 RAS. Not representative at all of past RAS (12-14) which are really very good, and IMO the best Corona Gorda until the 15-16 Punch Punch arrived. Something happened with these, as is the case with quite a few cigars in 15-16.

15-16 is really an odd period. Some cigars that had been great just fell off like PLPC, BPC, RyJ, RAS, SLR and some that had been in the dumps for years roared back to life like the Dip 2, BCG, Punch Punch, much Partagas, much Cohiba, Trini.