Ramon Allones Specially Selected

Description

The cedar box creaked open in the dim light of that Havana tobacco shop, releasing an aroma so rich and complex it stopped me mid-conversation. There, nestled in perfect rows, lay cigars with wrappers the color of aged mahogany, their oily sheen catching the afternoon light filtering through the shop’s weathered windows.

That was my introduction to the Ramon Allones Specially Selected, a Cuban robusto that has become one of my most trusted companions for those evenings when I want something substantial but not overwhelming. Since that day in 2018, I’ve probably smoked through dozens of these, and honestly, they never fail to deliver that perfect balance I crave.

Construction and Appearance

The first thing you’ll notice about the Ramón Allones Specially Selected is its impeccable presentation. The wrapper displays a gorgeous milk-chocolate brown hue with an oily, almost lustrous finish that speaks to proper fermentation and aging. I’ve found very few veins on most specimens I’ve encountered, and those present are barely noticeable.

What really impresses me is the triple-rounded cap. It’s expertly crafted, showing the kind of attention to detail that separates Cuban cigars from their competitors. The construction feels firm in hand – not rock hard, but with that perfect give that suggests proper filling. The foot has a slightly spongy feel when you press it gently, which I’ve learned indicates good airflow potential.

These come box-pressed, which gives them a distinctive squared-off appearance that I personally love. There’s something about that shape that feels substantial, purposeful. The draw on every one I’ve smoked has been exemplary – never too tight, never too loose.

Flavor Profile Journey

First Third: The Welcoming

Right from the first puff, the Specially Selected announces itself with a complex opening that’s become one of my favorites in the medium-bodied category. Cedar dominates initially, but it’s not harsh or raw – more like the inside of a well-aged humidor. Sweet hay notes weave through, creating this wonderful foundation that reminds me of late summer afternoons.

The cracked pepper hits your palate with just enough bite to keep things interesting, while black cherry sweetness emerges on the retrohale. What really sold me on this cigar was discovering that honey-sweetened coffee note about ten minutes in. It’s like drinking a rich cappuccino, complete with that creamy sweetness that coats your palate.

There’s also a mild almond character that adds sophistication to the blend. The pepper is lively on both nose and tongue, and I often pick up subtle salt hints on my lips – a signature characteristic I’ve come to associate with quality Cuban tobacco.

Middle Third: The Development

This is where the Specially Selected really shows its pedigree. The flavors deepen and become more complex, transitioning into richer leather and earth tones that speak to the Cuban terroir. That black cherry sweetness persists, but now it’s joined by more pronounced coffee notes and a honey character that adds depth without overwhelming the earthier elements.

Marzipan – yes, marzipan – makes an appearance here that initially surprised me. It’s subtle but unmistakable once you identify it. The nuts become more prominent, creating this wonderful interplay with the sweet coffee that transitions gradually from bitter black coffee to creamy smoke.

What I love most about this section is how cool the cigar stays. The smoke becomes thick and rich, coating your palate with each puff in the most satisfying way. Each puff is layered with complexity that keeps you engaged without being overwhelming.

Final Third: The Crescendo

The final act brings the strength up to medium-full territory, becoming more peppery and spicy while maintaining that mouthwatering blend of flavors that makes you not want the experience to end. This is where the cigar shows its very full bodied potential, though it never crosses into harsh territory if you pace yourself properly.

The finish is strong and memorable, with those earthy espresso bean notes really coming through. Just don’t smoke it to the nub – I learned that lesson the hard way when the heat and bitterness overwhelmed those beautiful final flavors.

Technical Specifications

Perfect Pairings

After trying numerous combinations over the years, I’ve found that the Specially Selected pairs beautifully with complex liquors, particularly as an after-dinner smoke. The depth and sophistication of this cigar demands equally complex companions.

My go-to pairing is a aged rum – specifically something like a 15-year-old Zacapa or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva. The honey and sweet coffee notes in the cigar create this incredible harmony with the caramel and vanilla in aged rum that’s absolutely sublime.

Cognac works wonderfully too, especially something in the XO range. The leather and earth tones in the middle third complement the grape character beautifully. I’ve also had great success with peated Islay Scotch – the smoke-on-smoke combination might sound overwhelming, but the sweetness in the Specially Selected actually tames the peat in the most elegant way.

For non-alcoholic pairings, a rich espresso or Cuban coffee creates wonderful synergy with those earthy espresso bean notes in the final third.

Cutting and Lighting Technique

With that beautiful triple cap, you want to be careful not to cut too much. I use a sharp guillotine cutter and take off just enough to create a clean opening – maybe 1/8 inch at most. The goal is to preserve the cap’s integrity while opening up that perfect draw.

For lighting, I always use cedar strips or butane torch – never regular matches or fluid lighters that can impart off-flavors. Take your time with the toast, rotating slowly to create an even char across the foot. The Specially Selected tends to light evenly due to its excellent construction, but patience here pays dividends in even burning throughout the smoke.

I’ve found these Cuban cigars respond well to gentle handling, so don’t rush the process. Let the tobacco do the work.

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

The Ramón Allones Specially Selected is ideal for intermediate to advanced smokers who appreciate complexity without overwhelming strength. If you’re new to cigars, this might be a bit much for your first Cuban experience, but it’s an excellent choice once you’ve developed your palate a bit.

This is my favorite local brand cigar for special occasions – celebrations, quiet evenings when I want to truly focus on the smoking experience, or when I’m entertaining fellow aficionados who appreciate quality. The one-hour smoking time makes it perfect for those moments when you have time to really savor the experience.

Business smokers will appreciate its balanced strength – flavorful enough to be engaging, but not so strong that it’ll knock you over during a afternoon meeting or evening networking event.

Authenticity and What to Look For

Unfortunately, the popularity of Cuban cigars means fakes are common, and the Specially Selected is no exception. Here’s what I’ve learned to look for to ensure authenticity.

Genuine boxes carry the Habanos Packing Code CB-UW-C/L-12,13-n-25 on cedar dress boxes of 25. The box itself should feel substantial, with clean edges and proper Habanos seals. Any spelling errors or cheap-feeling packaging should raise immediate red flags.

The cigars themselves should have that box-pressed shape I mentioned, with consistent construction across all specimens. The wrapper should be oily and smooth with minimal veins. The triple cap should be perfectly formed – sloppy caps are often a giveaway of counterfeit cigars.

When you light an authentic Specially Selected, you’ll get that perfect draw, even burn, and solid grey ash I described. Fakes often have poor draw, uneven burning, or ash that flakes and falls prematurely. Always buy from trusted Habanos merchants to avoid disappointment.

Storage and Aging Potential

Like all premium Cuban cigars, the Specially Selected benefits significantly from proper storage and aging. I keep mine in my humidor at 70% humidity and 70°F, which I’ve found maintains that perfect smoking condition.

What’s fascinating about this cigar is how it develops with age. Fresh boxes are excellent, but specimens aged 1-2 years show remarkable depth and complexity enhancement. The pepper mellows slightly while the coffee and chocolate notes become more pronounced. I’ve got some from 2019 that are absolutely singing right now.

For long-term storage, proper humidity control is crucial. Too dry and you’ll lose those beautiful oils; too humid and you risk mold or burn issues. If you’re serious about cigars, invest in a quality hygrometer and proper humidor setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Specially Selected compare to other Ramon Allones vitolas?

The Specially Selected sits in the sweet spot of the Ramon Allones line – more complex than the smaller vitolas but not as intense as the larger formats like the Gigantes. It’s got the signature Ramon Allones character but in a very approachable package that’s perfect for regular smoking.

Is this a good cigar for beginners?

I’d recommend building up to this one. While not overwhelmingly strong, the complexity and Nicaraguan-style earthiness might be lost on newer smokers. Start with something milder and work your way up to appreciate what this cigar offers.

How long should I age these before smoking?

They’re excellent right out of the box after proper acclimation to your humidor (2-3 weeks). However, 6-12 months of aging really allows the flavors to marry beautifully. I’ve found the sweet spot to be around one year of aging for peak complexity.

What’s the best time of day to smoke a Specially Selected?

This is definitely an evening cigar for me. The complexity and medium-full body make it perfect after dinner with a good digestif. I wouldn’t recommend it as a morning or lunch smoke – save it for when you can really focus on the experience.

How can I tell if my Specially Selected has gone bad?

Look for obvious mold, cracking in the wrapper, or an overly spongy feel that suggests the tobacco has dried out. When you smoke it, off-flavors, harsh burning, or lack of the characteristic sweetness can indicate storage problems. Proper storage as detailed in quality Cuban cigar guides prevents most issues.