For the discerning aficionado, few pursuits are as thrilling as the hunt for a Regional Edition cigar. These exclusive releases, reserved for specific geographic markets, often represent some of the most intriguing expressions of a brand’s potential. Among these sought-after treasures is the Ramón Allones Specially Selected, a cigar that was strictly allocated to the Dutch market upon its debut in 2013. This particular offering provided smokers in the Netherlands with a unique opportunity to experience the brand's bold character through a distinctively compact lens.
A Unique Format for a Modern Era
The most striking aspect of the Ramón Allones Specially Selected is its dimensions. While many traditional robustos measure closer to five inches, this release adopts the Petit Robustos vitola. This format is specifically designed for the modern smoker who desires the thick ring gauge synonymous with the robusto category but lacks the time required for a full-length smoke. By shortening the length to just 102 mm (approximately 4 inches) while maintaining a substantial 50 ring gauge, the cigar promises a concentrated delivery of flavor in a more manageable timeframe.
This "Robusto Corto" specification creates a smoking experience that is intense from the first draw. The reduction in length alters the combustion dynamics, often resulting in a punchier profile as the flavors have less distance to travel and cool before reaching the palate. Weighing in at 9.59 grams, the construction feels dense and substantial in the hand, signaling the high-quality craftsmanship that went into its creation.
Dutch Exclusivity and Design
As part of the prestigious Edición Regional program, this cigar was created solely for the Netherlands, known in the cigar world as Países Bajos. The program mandates that the tobacco used must be aged for a minimum of two years, ensuring a refinement that matches the exclusivity of the release. Ramón Allones, one of the oldest brands in Havana, is known for its full-flavored, aromatic blends, and this regional variant was crafted to honor that heritage while catering specifically to Dutch preferences.
Visual Identity and Packaging
The aesthetic presentation of the Specially Selected leaves no doubt regarding its special status. Each cigar is adorned with the classic Ramón Allones band, known technically as "band D," which evokes the brand's storied history. However, it is the secondary band that catches the eye—a distinct Regional Edition band that explicitly identifies the cigar as an exclusive product for the Dutch territory. This dual-banding serves as an immediate visual marker of the cigar's limited nature.
The presentation extends to the box itself. The Specially Selected was distributed in slide-lid boxes, a traditional style that harkens back to an earlier era of Cuban cigar production. These were not standard boxes; they were individually numbered, adding a layer of collectability for those who manage to acquire them. With a total production run capped at just 2,000 boxes, each containing 25 cigars, the scarcity was built into the release from the very start.
A Collector’s Perspective
The combination of the Ramón Allones brand prestige and the strict limitation on supply has cemented this cigar's status in the secondary market. For collectors, the numbered box is a crucial detail, transforming the item from a simple bundle of tobacco into a tangible piece of Cuban cigar history. The limited run of 2,000 units means that the total number of existing boxes is incredibly low, making unopened examples increasingly rare as the years pass.
- Vitola: Petit Robustos (Robusto Corto)
- Length: 102 mm (4 inches)
- Ring Gauge: 50
- Release Year: 2013
- Market: Netherlands (Países Bajos)
Ultimately, the Ramón Allones Specially Selected stands as a testament to the Edición Regional program's success. It offered Dutch enthusiasts a private audience with a historic brand in a format that respects their time without sacrificing the depth of the smoking experience. Whether enjoyed now as a flavorful robusto alternative or stored away as a collectible artifact, it remains a highlight of the 2013 release calendar.
