RAMON ALLONES PHOENICIO (ER LIBANO 2008) (SvHC)

[prshah25]

Cigar gauge - 54

I usually smoke thinner and/or shorter cigars which require about 30 minutes to smoke as I am usually pressed on time. This week I finally got some time to myself  and decided to go for the big gun - Ramon Allones Phonecia 30th anniversary.  I bought a box of these beauties back in 2008 and unfortunately this was my last one. 

Construction

The stick is firm with a dark brown wrapper. The bands look really royal.

 

 

First Third 

The cigar lit up easily and I was immediately hit with some coffee and nutmeg.  There was also some sweetness in the background which was extremely pleasant on the tongue. I did notice some spice on the retro hale. The burn was almost perfect and ash was firm and whitish grey. 

 

Second Third 

In the second third, coffee notes are more prominent. The sweetness is still lurking in the background and there is still some spice on the retro hale. The burn was razor sharp but ash was slightly flaky in this third. Body is medium. All in all, I am thoroughly enjoying this cigar.

Final Third

Spice disappears in this third and honey makes an appearance along with dark coffee and creamy notes. This was my favorite part of this cigar and all I can say that this third was 30 minutes of pure bliss. Body is a solid medium.

Conclusion

When I smoked this cigar in 2008 I remember it was a strong cigar. I knew this had a very good potential to age and rightly so aging has done wonders to this cigar. The draw was also spot on allowing for ample smoke production. It took me 1.5 hr to smoke this cigar. 

I will rate this cigar a solid 96 and its the best cigar I have smoked this year.

Thank you all for reading this review. Wish me luck in the draw ?