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3 out of 4 for my short smoke series! Here's comes the lil' RASCCal!
First Impressions
There's a lot going on here to be excited about. This cigar smells beautiful. The outside has some blemishes, but otherwise has a lovely dark toothy wrapper in a slight box-pressed format.
I couldn't wait to get it cut up, lit up and start enjoying!
PXL_20240208_113205133.jpgPXL_20240208_113208748.jpgPXL_20240208_113211681.jpg
Lighting Up
Almost immediately I am amazed by how smooth this cigar is, I had expected a bit more punch. The flavour profile is immensely delicate, making it hard to discern any single flavour profile. The smoke output from the very beginning is incredible and makes for a very satisfying draw. As I continue my journey I am able to pick out some very light woody spice, maybe some dried red fruit. Overall it feels harmonious and balanced, an excellent start.
PXL_20240208_114130719.jpgPXL_20240208_115030122.jpg
Continuing the first 1/3rd, I can only say this: creamy, rich, extremely enjoyable.
As I progress into the 2/3rd, the flavour begins to develop. I start getting some toffee notes on the palate, some coffee on the retro. Excellent. The smoke output remains high, and I am hopeful for a continuation of the cigar. Very soon, my hope turns bitter, just as the cigar does.
PXL_20240208_115512701.jpg
Moving towards the back end of the 2/3rd and into the final, the flavour shifts dramatically. The harmony is ruined, the balance out of whack. Bitterness creeps in and doesn't let go. The delicate flavours are gone, the developing flavours barely got a chance to say hello. I am left alone.
PXL_20240208_120233716.MP.jpgPXL_20240208_121336389.jpg
The final 3rd is bitter. Occasionally there's a brief hint of that coffee note and a touch of spice on the retro that isn't totally unenjoyable, but it's not enough. The smoke output remains incredible, but the flavours are now unwanted. I say goodbye not long after removing the band.
PXL_20240208_121744306.jpg
Final Thoughts
A story of two halves. I think I understand fully why these and other Ramon Allones are appreciated with age. There is so much excellence here that is entirely let down by something which is probably due to not having the time to rest.
The first half was incredible. The smoothness was outrageous, only the tiny tingle in my mouth indicated the strength of the tobacco. To have that continued through the experience would have made this one of my all-time favourite smokes, but alas it was not to be.
I wish I had a time machine and could go back to store a couple of boxes in my youth. Instead, maybe I'll need to stash a few for my future, and hope the flavours move in the right direction.
Final Score
6/10
First Impressions
There's a lot going on here to be excited about. This cigar smells beautiful. The outside has some blemishes, but otherwise has a lovely dark toothy wrapper in a slight box-pressed format.
I couldn't wait to get it cut up, lit up and start enjoying!
PXL_20240208_113205133.jpgPXL_20240208_113208748.jpgPXL_20240208_113211681.jpg
Lighting Up
Almost immediately I am amazed by how smooth this cigar is, I had expected a bit more punch. The flavour profile is immensely delicate, making it hard to discern any single flavour profile. The smoke output from the very beginning is incredible and makes for a very satisfying draw. As I continue my journey I am able to pick out some very light woody spice, maybe some dried red fruit. Overall it feels harmonious and balanced, an excellent start.
PXL_20240208_114130719.jpgPXL_20240208_115030122.jpg
Continuing the first 1/3rd, I can only say this: creamy, rich, extremely enjoyable.
As I progress into the 2/3rd, the flavour begins to develop. I start getting some toffee notes on the palate, some coffee on the retro. Excellent. The smoke output remains high, and I am hopeful for a continuation of the cigar. Very soon, my hope turns bitter, just as the cigar does.
PXL_20240208_115512701.jpg
Moving towards the back end of the 2/3rd and into the final, the flavour shifts dramatically. The harmony is ruined, the balance out of whack. Bitterness creeps in and doesn't let go. The delicate flavours are gone, the developing flavours barely got a chance to say hello. I am left alone.
PXL_20240208_120233716.MP.jpgPXL_20240208_121336389.jpg
The final 3rd is bitter. Occasionally there's a brief hint of that coffee note and a touch of spice on the retro that isn't totally unenjoyable, but it's not enough. The smoke output remains incredible, but the flavours are now unwanted. I say goodbye not long after removing the band.
PXL_20240208_121744306.jpg
Final Thoughts
A story of two halves. I think I understand fully why these and other Ramon Allones are appreciated with age. There is so much excellence here that is entirely let down by something which is probably due to not having the time to rest.
The first half was incredible. The smoothness was outrageous, only the tiny tingle in my mouth indicated the strength of the tobacco. To have that continued through the experience would have made this one of my all-time favourite smokes, but alas it was not to be.
I wish I had a time machine and could go back to store a couple of boxes in my youth. Instead, maybe I'll need to stash a few for my future, and hope the flavours move in the right direction.
Final Score
6/10
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