Within the vast and storied annals of Habanos, few discontinued vitolas evoke the sense of lost artistry quite like the Ramón Allones 8-9-8 Cabinet Selection (2). While the brand itself remains a pillar of the Cuban industry, this specific expression vanished from regular production schedules in 2002, leaving behind a legacy that has only grown in stature among serious collectors. For a cigar to survive for nearly three decades on the market, only to become a sought-after relic, it must possess a certain timeless quality that transcends passing trends. This particular release is a testament to the classic era of Cuban cigar making, representing a profile and construction style that has become increasingly rare in the modern age.
A Golden Era of Production
The timeline of the 8-9-8 Cabinet Selection (2) spans a transformative period for Cuban tobacco. First appearing on the global market during the mid-1970s, the cigar enjoyed a lengthy run that cemented its status as a staple for the Ramón Allones marca. Its production lifecycle concluded exactly a quarter-century later, with the final batches rolling off the tables in 2002. Today, it is officially categorized as a discontinued regular production item, though its scarcity suggests a status closer to a limited edition.
Enthusiasts often distinguish this release by referring to it as the "Varnished" version. This colloquial title pays homage to the lustrous finish applied to the wooden boxes, a visual cue that signaled premium quality during its heyday. While the official designation remains the Cabinet Selection (2), the varnished presentation remains a defining characteristic in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to purchase them new.
Dimensions and the Dalias Vitola
At the heart of this release lies the "Dalias" vitola, a factory name that denotes a specific size and shape highly regarded by traditionalists. Measuring 170 mm (approximately 6¾ inches) in length and boasting a ring gauge of 43, this format offers a smoking duration that sits comfortably between a robusto and a double corona. The Dalias provides a slightly slimmer profile compared to the thick "robusto" trend of modern times, allowing for a different concentration of flavor and draw resistance.
The construction details highlight a commitment to old-world standards:
- Vitola de Galera: Dalias
- Dimensions: 170 mm length with a 43 ring gauge
- Presentation: Hand-finished varnished cabinet boxes containing 25 cigars
- Arrangement: The classic 8-9-8 layout (three layers)
- Band: Standard Ramón Allones band C
The "8-9-8" nomenclature itself is derived from the internal arrangement of the cigars. Unlike standard boxes where cigars lie flat in rows of 12 or 13, the 8-9-8 configuration stacks the cigars in three layers—eight on the bottom, nine in the middle, and eight on top. This method not only allows for better aging potential by letting air circulate around the cigars but also creates a visually stunning presentation when the lid is opened.
Sensory Profile and Enthusiast Reception
Judging by historical consumer feedback, the Ramón Allones 8-9-8 Cabinet Selection (2) delivered a performance that was as consistent as it was enjoyable. Aggregated reviews from aficionados paint a picture of a smoke that mastered the art of equilibrium. Across key metrics—elegance, balance, strength, complexity, and aftertaste—the cigar maintained a steady score of 4.0 out of 5. This uniformity in scoring is rare, indicating that no single aspect of the smoke overpowered another.
The overall rating of 4.33 out of 5 suggests a smoking experience that was harmonious and deeply satisfying. The strength was present enough to command attention, rated at a solid medium, while the complexity and aftertaste offered enough nuance to keep the palate engaged throughout the long smoke. It was a cigar that demanded respect but offered a gentle, balanced reward in return.
Legacy and Collectibility
Since its discontinuation over two decades ago, the Ramón Allones 8-9-8 has transitioned from a shelf regular to a collector's trophy. The varnished boxes, often found with well-aged cigars inside, represent a snapshot of Cuban blending from the 1980s and 90s. Collectors often draw parallels between this release and the Ramón Allones 8-9-8 found in the Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor, a special edition that further cemented the prestige of this specific vitola shape within the brand's portfolio.
Today, finding a box of the 8-9-8 Cabinet Selection (2) is a challenge, as stocks have dwindled significantly in the global market. For the modern smoker, this cigar serves as a benchmark for what Ramón Allones was capable of producing during its most prolific decades—a blend of strength and refinement that has earned its place in the history books.
