Cigars.ie

12 Robustos of Xmas, Day 9: Ramon Allones Specially Selected

The 12 Robustos of Xmas, Day 9:
Ramon Allones Specially Selected

Although not one of the most popular, the Ramon Allones brand is one of the most respected amongst the cigar enthousiasts. The marca is famous for producing full bodied cigars, with strong and toothy flavours and dark wrappers. Today we will be reviewing the Specially Selected, the robusto of Ramon Allones. The Specially Selected was first released in 1980, originally in cabinets of 25 (now discontinued) and later in dress boxes of 25 and cabinets of 50. I reviewed this robusto back in May and found it pleasant but hot and acidic towards the end. I have smoked some better onces since and I hope I will get to rate this one even higher.

Appearance & Prelight 13/15

Following the Ramon Allones standards, this Specially Selected is very well presented. It is box pressed and has a dark and oily wrapper with minimal veins, a few wrinkles and no imperfections. The triple cap is rounded and well applied. The cigar is well packed and firm, with the foot being spongier. Strong aromas of coffee and honey are present and the prelight draw is good, slighly firm.

Flavour & Body 23/25

The cigar starts off very strong, nutty and spicy. During the first third an interesting smokey barbeque appears, with sweet and sour notes (no, I didn’t have take-away before blazing)! An acidic taste tickles the back of my throat, as I continue smoking through, an unpleasant but familiar flavour in the Specially Selected. The flavours are sharp and complex. Earth and fruits can also be identified in the second third. In the last part, the take-away and acidic flavours dissapear,  with a sweet spiciness taking over. This is the cigar’s sweetspot, with earth, grass, leather and peat also joining the mix. Complex and full bodied, the cigar finishes deliciously.

Draw & Burn 23/25

The cigar starts burning sideways in the first half. The draw is perferct, despite the solid bunch, and the cigar delivers a thick and rich smoke with a long, spicy finish. The ash is solid, grey in colour and stays in the cigar half way down. When it falls off  in reveals a perfectly shaped coal and the burn gets even and stays like that until the end.

Overall impression 33/35

I was happier with this Specially selected, compared to the one reviewed in May. Even though it was slightly acidic on the first half, the other half paid off. Complex and well balanced, the cigar presented some flavours that I have only experienced before in my local Chinese, and never got hot or harsh. The flavours were sharp and the body was full, typical example of the marca. Not a cigar for the beginner or a smoker with an empty stomach!

TOTAL 92/100