Within the storied annals of Habanos, few brands command the historical reverence of Ramón Allones. As one of the older names in the Cuban cigar lexicon, the brand has produced countless iterations of premium smokes, but few are as quietly influential as the Allones Specially Selected (1). This specific vitola served as a cornerstone of the brand’s mid-century identity, offering a smoking experience that bridged the gap between the pre-revolution heyday and the post-revolution consolidation of the Cuban tobacco industry. For collectors and historians, this cigar represents more than just tobacco; it is a tangible artifact of a transformative period in Havana's export history.
A Legacy Forged in the Mid-20th Century
The origins of the Specially Selected (1) trace back to the vibrant decade of the 1930s. During this era, the global appetite for Cuban tobacco was insatiable, and manufacturers were refining their portfolios to meet the demands of discerning international smokers. Ramón Allones secured its position in this competitive market by introducing this vitola as a standard, regular production item. Unlike the limited edition releases that define the modern market, this cigar was designed to be a reliable workhorse—a consistent representation of the brand’s robust flavor profile available year-round.
For roughly four decades, this particular format remained a fixture in humidors around the world. Its lifespan covered a tumultuous time in Cuban history, surviving through the turbulence of World War II and the dramatic geopolitical shifts of the 1959 Cuban Revolution. The fact that the cigar remained in production until the early 1970s speaks to its enduring popularity and the quality of its construction during a period when many other brands faced consolidation or disappearance. The run finally came to a close in 1972, marking the end of an era for this specific configuration.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
For the modern cigar enthusiast accustomed to today's standards, the dimensions of the Allones Specially Selected (1) offer a fascinating glimpse into the preferences of past generations. While contemporary smokers often gravitate towards thick ring gauges, this vintage release favored a more traditional and elegant silhouette. The physical attributes were strictly defined to ensure consistency across decades of hand-rolling.
- Vitola: The specific factory name for this shape remains unverified in historical records, but it is distinct from the modern Robustos that would follow.
- Dimensions: The cigar measured 130 mm (approximately 5⅛ inches) in length with a ring gauge of 48.
- Weight: Each unit was estimated to weigh in at 11.20 grams.
- Presentation: Smokers could purchase these in standard dress boxes containing 25 cigars, a classic presentation style for premium exports.
- Band: It featured the standard Ramón Allones branding of the time, devoid of the extra embellishments found on special releases.
The Smoking Experience
While flavor profiles of discontinued cigars are largely left to speculation and rare vintage reviews, the 48 ring gauge suggests a draw rich in flavor. This thickness allows for a greater amount of filler tobacco, typically resulting in a complex, cool smoke. At 5⅛ inches, the burning time would have been ideal for a substantial yet manageable session—longer than a typical robusto but shorter than a churchill—fitting perfectly into the social rhythms of the mid-20th century.
The Transition to a New Generation
The discontinuation of the original Specially Selected (1) in 1972 did not signal the death of the name, but rather an evolution. The Cuban tobacco industry was undergoing significant modernization during the 1970s, optimizing sizes to suit changing global tastes. Following a brief hiatus, Habanos revitalized the moniker in 1975 with the launch of a redesigned Specially Selected.
This successor, while carrying the same name, featured modified dimensions intended to refresh the offering for a new wave of international consumers. The transition highlights a common practice in Cuban cigar history: the preservation of a prestigious name attached to a slightly altered physical format. For the discerning collector, however, the distinction is vital. The original (1) variant, with its specific 130mm length and pre-1972 provenance, remains the definitive version for those seeking the authentic taste of mid-century Cuba.
Collectibility and Final Status
Today, the Allones Specially Selected (1) holds a mythical status among serious collectors. Because it is a discontinued regular production item, finding a well-preserved box is a rarity. These cigars serve as a benchmark for the Ramón Allones brand, showcasing the strength and character that defined the label before the standardization of the modern era. While the 1975 successor continued the lineage, the original stands alone as a testament to the craftsmanship and stylistic preferences of a bygone age.
