Pre-light Experience

Of the three samples smoked, two of them had copious amounts of glue on the wrapper and around the band. One of the three had a cracked food and visible signs of wrapper damage. The reason I picked this box up was because the wrapper color was significantly darker than releases from past years I’ve smoked. The wrapper had an aroma of spicy cedar and dry barnyard. In the foot I picked up mostly hay.

First Third

The first third opens up with notes of dry cedar, some hay and underlying light spices. The spices are intensified on the retrohale, and bring along some sweetness. On the post draw I’m getting some drying mouthfeel. As the first third settles in, I get some toasted nuttiness along with light pepper. Some cocoa starts to develop around the 12 minute mark. At the halfway point of the first third, there is a significant amount of post draw hay.

Second Third

The second third transitions with light espresso which evolves with the cocoa to become a rich mocha flavor. The toasted nuts from the first third fade along with the post draw hay.

Final Third

No notable flavor transitions going into the last third. Flavors are mostly consistent, and there aren’t any strength changes.

Burn

Even with the defects in construction, the burn was flawless with a razor sharp burn line and no touch-ups required.

Draw

The draw was all over the place on the samples. The first cigar, which had the poorest construction, had a perfect draw. The second cigar had a significantly tight draw, while the third was very open.

Overall

Despite draw and construction issues, the Ramón Allones Specially Selected delivered the typical flavor profile that I have come to expect and enjoy. There is a touch more espresso in this box than I remember from previous years. Overall, I’m glad I picked up the box and I’m sure I will work through it far faster than I should.

John McTavish

SCORE

6.52

Cost/Point

N/A

Scoring System

Personal Cigar Review: Ramón Allones Specially Selected