Ramon Allones Gigantes

Description

The leather chair creaked softly as I settled in, watching the Caribbean sun dip toward the horizon from the terrace of my favorite Havana lounge. In my hand lay something special—a cigar that commanded attention not just for its impressive size, but for the legacy wrapped within its oily Cuban wrapper. This was the Ramon Allones Gigantes, a Double Corona that promised to transform the next two hours into something memorable.

I’ve always believed that certain cigars choose their moments, and the Gigantes is no exception. At nearly eight inches of carefully aged Cuban tobacco, this isn’t a smoke you light casually during a quick break. It’s a commitment—one that rewards patience with complexity that evolves beautifully from first draw to final puff.

Technical Specifications

Flavor Journey Through the Thirds

What makes the Gigantes truly special is how it transforms throughout the smoking experience. I’ve smoked dozens of these over the years, and the consistency of this evolution never fails to impress me.

Opening Third: The Welcome

The first inch delivers a surprisingly gentle introduction. Don’t let the size fool you—this cigar’s bark is definitely not worse than its bite. I’m greeted with notes of fresh toast and new leather, accompanied by a spicy tang that tingles the palate without overwhelming it. There’s often a hint of rich stewed fruit in the background, complemented by a creamy smoothness that sets the stage for what’s to come.

Middle Third: The Development

Here’s where things get interesting. The coffee notes emerge, intertwining beautifully with those established leather tones. I’ve found that quality specimens develop lovely mocha characteristics here, with delicate florals beginning to peek through. The body builds from its mild opening to a solid medium strength, though it never feels harsh or aggressive. This is where the proper smoking technique really pays off—rushing through this section would be a genuine disservice to the cigar.

Final Third: The Grand Finale

The last portion is where the Gigantes earns its reputation. Cinnamon and chocolate notes take center stage, often accompanied by an intriguing green tea character that I’ve rarely found in other Cuban cigars. There’s frequently a subtle licorice hint that appears and disappears like a ghost, adding complexity without dominating the profile. The earthy flavors that were subtle earlier now bloom fully, creating a symphony of nutty, floral, and creamy notes that persist beautifully through the final draw.

Construction and Appearance

Ramon Allones has maintained exceptional construction standards since this regional release first appeared, and the Gigantes showcases Cuban craftsmanship at its finest. The wrapper, sourced from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region, displays that characteristic oily sheen that Cuban tobacco enthusiasts know and love.

In my experience, authentic Gigantes feel substantial in hand without being unwieldy. The wrapper is typically smooth with minimal veining, and the construction is firm but not overly tight. I’ve rarely encountered draw issues with properly stored specimens, and the burn tends to be remarkably even for such a long smoke. The ash holds well—often reaching an inch or more before requiring attention.

The iconic Ramon Allones band adds to the visual appeal, and honestly, there’s something satisfying about the way this big cigar looks when properly presented. It’s the kind of smoke that makes a statement without being ostentatious.

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

The Gigantes isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. This is a cigar for the patient smoker who appreciates complexity and has the time to truly experience what it offers. If you’re relatively new to Cuban cigars, I’d recommend building up to this one—not because it’s overwhelmingly strong, but because its subtleties are best appreciated with some experience.

This makes an excellent post-dinner smoke, particularly after a substantial meal when you have nowhere else to be for the next few hours. I’ve found it pairs beautifully with quiet evenings, good conversation, or simply solitary contemplation. The medium strength profile means it won’t knock you over, but the complexity ensures you’ll never be bored.

For special occasions—anniversaries, celebrations, or those rare perfect evenings—the Gigantes delivers an experience that justifies its premium positioning. It’s not an everyday smoke for most people, but when the moment calls for something exceptional, this cigar rarely disappoints.

Storage and Aging

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the Gigantes’ exceptional character. I keep mine at 65-68% relative humidity and around 65-68°F (18-20°C) for optimal results. These cigars benefit tremendously from proper aging—I’ve found that specimens with 2-3 years in a well-maintained humidor develop remarkable depth and complexity.

The information I’ve gathered from years of storage experimentation suggests that the Gigantes handles humidity fluctuations better than some other Cuban vitolas, but consistency is still key. A quality humidor with reliable humidity control is essential for preserving the wrapper’s oils and ensuring proper aging. For detailed guidance on proper cigar preservation techniques, I’ve found that consistent monitoring and gradual adjustments yield the best long-term results.

If you’re planning to age these cigars, I recommend checking them quarterly and rotating positions occasionally. The larger ring gauge actually helps with aging stability, as the additional tobacco mass provides some buffer against environmental changes.

Perfect Pairings

Given the complexity and smoking time of the Gigantes, beverage selection becomes particularly important. I’ve experimented with numerous pairings over the years, and several combinations consistently enhance the experience.

For rum enthusiasts, a quality aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15 Year or Santiago de Cuba 20 Year provides complementary sweetness without overwhelming the cigar’s subtle notes. The caramel and vanilla notes in aged rum harmonize beautifully with the chocolate and cinnamon flavors that emerge in the final third.

Whisky lovers should consider single malts with minimal peat influence. I’ve had excellent results with Glenfiddich 18 Year or Macallan 15 Year Double Cask. The sherry cask influence in these whiskies echoes some of the nutty, fruity notes in the cigar without creating competition.

For non-alcoholic options, quality aged coffee works wonderfully, particularly during the middle third when the cigar’s own coffee notes are most prominent. A rich Cuban espresso or a smooth Colombian brew provides the perfect counterpoint.

Wine pairings require some thought—I’ve found success with mature Tempranillo or aged Rioja, where the earthy undertones complement rather than clash with the cigar’s complexity.

Identifying Authentic Cigars

With Cuban cigars commanding premium prices, authentication becomes crucial. Authentic Ramon Allones Gigantes come with several identifying features that guarantee legitimacy when purchased from authorized sources.

The band should display crisp, clear printing with no bleeding or smudging. Genuine Cuban holographic seals, when present, show distinct color shifts when viewed from different angles. The wrapper should feel supple but not dry, with that characteristic Cuban tobacco aroma of hay and cedar immediately apparent.

Construction quality is perhaps the most reliable indicator. Authentic Cuban cigars display consistent craftsmanship—even wrapper color, proper weight distribution, and seamless cap application. The foot should show a clean, even tobacco arrangement without loose or protruding pieces.

Purchase from reputable vendors who guarantee authenticity and provide proper storage conditions. Legitimate retailers will be transparent about their sourcing and offer detailed product information. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is—quality Cuban cigars require significant investment in sourcing, shipping, and proper storage.

Cutting and Lighting Technique

The Gigantes’ size requires some consideration when preparing to smoke. I prefer a straight cut for this vitola, removing just enough of the cap to expose the filler without damaging the wrapper structure. A quality cigar cutter is essential—cheap cutters can crush the cap and ruin the draw.

For lighting, patience pays dividends. The larger ring gauge means more surface area to ignite evenly. I use a butane lighter or cedar spills, rotating the cigar slowly while applying flame to the foot. The goal is an even cherry across the entire foot—rushing this process often leads to uneven burning that can persist throughout the entire smoking experience.

Once lit, take slow, measured draws. The Gigantes responds well to a relaxed smoking pace—about one draw per minute allows the flavors to develop fully while preventing overheating. This thoughtful approach to smoking ensures you experience all the complexity this cigar offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Ramon Allones Gigantes take to smoke?

Plan for 2-3 hours depending on your smoking pace. I typically spend about 2.5 hours with a Gigantes, though I’ve stretched exceptional specimens to nearly 3 hours when savoring particularly special occasions. The key is not to rush—this cigar rewards patience.

Is this cigar suitable for beginners to Cuban cigars?

While not overwhelmingly strong, the Gigantes is better appreciated with some Cuban cigar experience. The complexity and subtle flavor transitions are more meaningful when you have a reference point for comparison. I’d recommend starting with shorter Cuban vitolas before committing to this substantial smoke.

What’s the best way to store Ramon Allones Gigantes long-term?

Maintain 65-68% relative humidity and 65-68°F temperature in a quality humidor. These cigars age beautifully—specimens with 2-3 years of proper storage develop remarkable complexity. Check out professional humidor setup guides for detailed storage information.

How can I tell if my Ramon Allones Gigantes is authentic?

Look for consistent construction quality, proper band printing, authentic Cuban tobacco aroma (hay and cedar), and purchase only from authorized dealers who guarantee authenticity. The wrapper should have that characteristic Cuban oily sheen and supple feel.

What makes the Gigantes different from other Ramon Allones vitolas?

The size allows for extended flavor development and complexity that shorter vitolas can’t match. The longer smoking time means more opportunity for the blend to evolve, particularly in the final third where the most interesting flavor combinations emerge. It’s essentially the Ramon Allones blend given room to fully express itself.