For the discerning aficionado, the dawn of 2018 brought with it a remarkable release that bridged the gap between Cuba’s storied past and its modern craftsmanship. The Ramón Allones Emperadores Extra emerged as a centerpiece of the Replica Antique Humidor Series, offering a tangible piece of history to those lucky enough to acquire it. This release was not merely a new cigar; it was a carefully curated event, presented in a limited-edition, numbered humidor that immediately signaled its status as a collector’s item. With a production run capped at 50 cigars per cabinet, this offering serves as a profound nod to the legacy of one of the island’s most enduring and historic cigar manufacturers.
The Revival of the 109 Vitola
At the heart of the Emperadores Extra lies its unique physical structure, defined by the "109" vitola. This format is a rarity in the modern landscape of Cuban cigars, having been removed from standard production lines. The decision to utilize this discontinued shape was a bold move, designed to offer enthusiasts an experience that is largely unavailable through standard retail channels.
The dimensions are substantial and commanding. Measuring 184 mm (approximately 7 ¼ inches) in length and sporting a ring gauge of 50, this cigar demands time and attention. It is a format that allows for a complex evolution of flavors, providing a lengthy smoking session that changes in character as the combustion moves down the barrel. The heft of the cigar, officially weighing in at 17.30 grams, speaks to its hand-rolled construction, ensuring a draw that is firm yet yielding, a hallmark of premium Cuban tobacco artistry.
A Collector’s Presentation
True to the ethos of the Replica Antique Humidor Series, the packaging is as significant as the tobacco within. Habanos S.A. designed this series to recreate the aesthetic of historical packaging, turning the vessel into a museum-quality display piece. The Emperadores Extra is housed in a specially designed, numbered humidor. This cabinet-style box is far more than a shipping container; it is a preservation chamber intended to protect the integrity of the cigars for years to come. The limitation to 50 units per humidor adds an air of exclusivity, making it a sought-after prize for connoisseurs who value the intersection of woodworking and cigar culture. It is a product designed for the shelf of a serious collector, blending the romance of the 19th century with the quality control of the 21st.
Heritage and Brand Legacy
Ramón Allones is a name that commands deep respect in the pantheon of Cuban brands. As one of the oldest manufacturers on the island, the brand carries a weight of history that few competitors can match. The launch of the Emperadores Extra on January 1, 2018, was a strategic move to honor this lineage. By pairing a discontinued vitola with a presentation style that evokes nostalgia, the brand successfully honored its past while demonstrating its current capabilities in rolling and blending.
There is an air of mystery regarding the band configuration of this specific release. While many modern releases are heavily documented regarding their branding, official records regarding the specific band used for the Emperadores Extra remain vague. This ambiguity only adds to the allure for the serious smoker, inviting speculation and close examination of the cigar's aesthetic details.
Detailed Specifications
For those seeking to understand the technical composition of this unique offering, the details are outlined below:
- Product Name: Ramón Allones Emperadores Extra
- Series: Replica Antique Humidor Series (Réplica de Humidor Antiguo)
- Factory Name (Vitola): 109
- Dimensions: 184 mm (7 ¼ inches) in length
- Ring Gauge: 50
- Official Weight: 17.30 grams
- Construction: Totalmente a mano (Handmade)
- Packaging: Numbered humidor containing 50 cigars
- Release Date: January 1, 2018
