For the discerning aficionado, the landscape of Cuban cigars is defined as much by the legends that remain as by those that have faded into history. Among the most notable departures from the modern humidor is the Ramón Allones Petit Coronas. Once a cornerstone of the brand’s portfolio, this cigar offered a specific expression of the classic Cuban profile for over forty years. Its absence from store shelves since 2002 has transformed it from a daily smoke into a sought-after collector's item, representing a bygone era of manufacturing where specific dimensions reigned supreme.
The Historical Significance of the Marevas
The story of this cigar is deeply intertwined with the history of Ramón Allones itself. As one of the older brands in the Cuban registry, the marque has always been associated with robust flavors and meticulous construction. The Petit Coronas entered the market well before the seismic shifts of the 1960s, establishing itself as a standard-bearer for the brand.
What made this release significant was its status as a regular production item. Unlike the limited edition special releases that dominate headlines today, this vitola was a workhorse—a staple offering that smokers could rely upon for consistency. Its production run, spanning from the mid-20th century through to the new millennium, provided a continuity that is rare in the tobacco industry. The decision to cease production in 2002 marked the end of a significant chapter, narrowing the brand's focus and leaving a void in the catalog where this classic size once resided.
Technical Specifications and Construction
To understand the appeal of the Ramón Allones Petit Coronas, one must look closely at its physical dimensions. In the factory nomenclature of Havana, this cigar is classified by the Marevas name. This specific factory vitola is revered for its proportions, which many consider the "Goldilocks" zone of cigar sizes.
- Dimensions: The cigar measures 129 mm (5⅛ inches) in length, making it slightly longer than the average Petit Corona but shorter than a Corona Grande.
- Ring Gauge: With a ring gauge of 42, it offers a slightly thinner draw than modern preferences, which typically skew toward 50+ ring gauges. This slender format forces the combustion to be efficient and concentrates the flavor profile on the palate.
- Weight and Build: Weighing in at 8.46 grams, the cigar is entirely handmade. This construction method ensures a firm bunch and a draw that balances resistance with airflow.
The 42 ring gauge is particularly important to the smoking experience. It allows the wrapper leaf to contribute significantly to the overall taste, a characteristic that many seasoned smokers argue is lost in thicker cigars where the filler tobacco dominates the blend.
Packaging Evolution and Presentation
Over its four-decade lifespan, the presentation of the Ramón Allones Petit Coronas underwent distinct changes that are now vital for authentication and dating. The cigar was adorned with the standard bands associated with the brand—specifically bands B and C—which signaled its place within the regular lineup rather than a special edition status.
Collectors will note that the packaging existed in two primary forms, reflecting the changing trends of the era:
- Slide Lid Boxes: In its earlier years, the cigar was housed in 50-count slide lid boxes (SLB). This presentation style was popular for export and offered a sense of grandeur and volume. However, this format was phased out during the 1980s, making these boxes rare finds today.
- Dress Boxes: Following the discontinuation of the slide lid format, the cigar transitioned to a 25-count dress box. This cabinet style became the standard presentation for the final two decades of production.
The shift from 50-count slide boxes to 25-count dress boxes mirrors a broader industry trend toward more manageable, consumer-friendly packaging sizes, while the dress boxes offered a more refined aesthetic suitable for display.
Remembering a Discontinued Classic
The discontinuation of the Ramón Allones Petit Coronas in 2002 removed one of the most traditional vitolas from the brand's arsenal. While the Marevas size exists elsewhere in the Cuban portfolio, the specific blend and presentation offered by Ramón Allones created a unique identity that is now missed. The cigar serves as a benchmark for what a classic Cuban Petit Corona should be: balanced, structurally sound, and rich in heritage. For those who track the evolution of Cuban tobacco, the absence of this specific model highlights the constant evolution of the Habanos portfolio, where even established classics are not immune to retirement.
