Ramon Allones 8-9-8 Barnizado (OSU MAR02)

[shrink]

“A Feast for the Senses”

I love the ritual that accompanies the taking of each Ramon Allones 8-9-8 Barnizado: The varnished box is reminiscent of an antique jewel case. I lift it from the humidor, unlatch the brass clasp, and then gently open the lid. I eagerly fold back the waxed paper to reveal the classic beauty of the 8-9-8 presentation, enjoying how the bright yellow ribbon contrasts sharply with the dark, mottled brown cigars. Even the band is timeless, a Ramon Allones “family crest” in rich gold, red, white and brown. I feel that I have invited an honored guest, a well-dressed gentleman from another era, into my home.

As I raise the open box to inhale, I embrace the deep, generous, inviting aromas. The essences are of age and fermentation, as if I have stepped into a dank root cellar, redolent of preserved fruits and vegetables. Simply decadent, I think. I select the “ripest” candidate, like I would choose a plump fruit for dessert.

The Dalia is one of my favorite vitolas, second only to the Corona Gorda. I love how firm and smooth my 8-9-8 feels as I roll it between my fingers; the way it greets my lips like a lover. After moistening the cap in my mouth, I clip it, noting the unusually dense and springy tobacco.

More than anything else, a well-aged Ramon Allones reminds me of the smells and tastes of the holiday season. Scented candles burning on the mantle. Pots of steaming apple cider spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves and honey. Trays of freshly baked tarts, filled with preserved raisins, apricots and prunes. A dark bittersweet chocolate bundt cake crowned with candied cherries. And, of course, cedar logs blazing in a stone fireplace.

My companion ignited readily, and burned very slowly, allowing me to savor it more deliberately than I would an “ordinary” cigar. The burn was razor sharp, and although the draw was a bit firmer than I prefer, I didn’t mind a bit. The experience was mesmerizing.

All too soon, my friend had to leave. But he had a parting gift. The finish was just like a mug of hot mulled wine: strong and warm, culminating with a residue of tannic allspice. And just enough nicotine to leave me gently intoxicated. I leaned back in my chair, full and completely satisfied.

Sadly, the Ramon Allones 8-9-8 is on the endangered species list, and there is no telling if it will be resurrected. If you haven’t experienced this classic gift from the island, you owe it to yourself while they are still available.

[Phailure]

Nice Review! You're making me drool over here.

[GoatLocker]

Great review. I'm glad I grabbed a couple boxes while I could. Each one I smoke is one less left though.

[strayvector]

Nice review. Will have to try to find some.

[ironman]

Very nice review, thank you. I have a box that I open every so often, that smells like a box of chocolate's :-P

Ironman

[puros71]

Damn good review!

[jay8354]

Excellent Review!

Now I have to add this to the 'must try' list.

[Curmudgeon]

Very nice review of a very nice cigar!

[CIGARHead]

Great review man. After reading this on Sunday, I pulled my 2nd RA 898 out of my box of 25. Mine are from '02 and are very tasty. I cant wait to see how these develop over the next few years.

[Elric]

Excellent review of an excellent cigar!

[swl]

Very nice review!

[Loki]

Very nice review. I've always wanted to try one of those.:-(

[thschrminm]

Nice review... Now to finish buying up all the boxes left in the cigar world!!!

[cybermadhatter]

Nice.

I especially like the holiday cheer references.

Very fitting for this cigar.

A real treat!

» Nice review... Now to finish buying up all the boxes left in the cigar

» world!!!

»

»

GOod luck

[Tampa1257]

Bob,

I enjoyed the complete picture you painted with the review! I truly love the RA 898, and hording a box of ABR 02s for another 5 years or so, one of these days, I'll be able to enjoy this fruitfull banquet of flavors on my palate again! Nicely done.

Tampa

[Arkay]

Nice Review!