When Habanos S.A. decided to revive a dormant vitola from the 1970s for their 2011 Limited Edition series, cigar connoisseurs took notice. The Ramón Allones Allones Extra emerged as a prized resurrection, offering smokers a chance to experience a size that had disappeared from production for over forty years. This release demonstrated how Cuba's premium cigar industry balances heritage with modern craftsmanship, bringing a forgotten classic back into the hands of discerning enthusiasts.
Resurrecting a Classic Format
The Allones Extra represents a fascinating case study in cigar brand history. Originally part of Ramón Allones' standard lineup during the mid-twentieth century, this particular vitola vanished from factory schedules sometime during the 1970s. For four decades, the尺寸 faded from memory, becoming a footnote in the brand's catalog rather than an active offering.
Habanos S.A.'s decision to reinstate this size as part of their prestigious Edición Limitada program spoke to their commitment to preserving cigar heritage. The Limited Edition series has long served as a vehicle for reintroducing vintage vitolas, and the Allones Extra fit perfectly within this tradition. By selecting a size with such historical pedigree, the company reminded smokers that Cuba's cigar legacy extends far beyond current production catalogs.
Technical Specifications
The physical attributes of this Limited Edition release reflect careful attention to construction quality. Manufactured at the renowned Franciscos factory, the Allones Extra measures 143 millimeters in length—approximately five and five-eighths inches—with a ring gauge of 44. This moderate dimensions places it squarely within the classic Corona Gorda tradition, offering a smoking experience that balances complexity with accessibility.
Each cigar weighs in at 9.94 grams, a weight that ensures adequate smoking time for those who appreciate lingering over their selections. The construction is entirely handmade, adhering to the traditional methods that define Cuban premium cigars. Notably, all tobacco components underwent a minimum two-year aging process before being selected for production, a standard practice for Limited Edition releases that ensures enhanced depth and smoothness in the final product.
The presentation maintains the elegance expected from special releases. Each cigar arrives in a dress box containing 25 units, packaging that protects the product while providing an aesthetically pleasing storage solution. The bands deserve particular attention—each stick features a reproduction of the original Band B design, a deliberate choice that connects modern smokers to the brand's historical roots. A secondary band identifying the 2011 Limited Edition designation accompanies this heritage band, clearly marking the cigars as part of an exclusive release.
Enthusiast Reception and Ratings
Analysis of twenty-two detailed enthusiast reviews reveals consistent satisfaction across multiple evaluation criteria. The Allones Extra earned four out of five points for elegance, indicating that reviewers found the smoke refined and sophisticated in its delivery. Balance received the same rating, suggesting that the blending achieved an harmonious integration of flavors without any single element overwhelming the others.
Strength measurements also returned four out of five, positioning this release as a medium-bodied option rather than an intensely powerful smoke. Complexity ratings matched this score, with reviewers noting layered flavors that revealed themselves gradually throughout the smoking experience. The aftertaste category received identical marks, implying a pleasant lingering quality that left smokers satisfied rather than seeking immediate refreshment.
The cumulative assessment yields an overall rating of 4.14 out of five, a solid score that reflects dependable quality rather than extraordinary excellence. This rating places the Allones Extra among the respectable offerings in the Limited Edition pantheon— cigars that deliver consistent performance without reaching transcendent heights.
Extended Offerings and Collectibility
For collectors intrigued by this vitola, additional versions exist within the Ramón Allones portfolio. The Allones Extra Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor represents a special presentation of this same size, though housed in distinctive packaging intended for collectors' display cases. These supplementary releases demonstrate that the revived format has garnered sufficient interest to warrant multiple special interpretations, cementing its place in the brand's modern identity.
The 2011 Limited Edition Allones Extra ultimately succeeded in its mission: bringing a historically significant vitola back into circulation while maintaining the quality standards expected from Cuba's elite cigar program. Whether purchased for immediate consumption or retained as a collectible artifact, this release continues to offer smokers a tangible connection to Cuba's rich cigar-making heritage.
