As the 17th edition of the Festival del Habano in Cuba just wrapped up yesterday, we bring you the review of another amazing Habano paired with a perfect watch for the occasion. Ramón Allones is perhaps one of the most understated and underrated Cuban cigars, just like the wrist presence of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad in 18K rose gold. Just like with the 18K rose gold Rubber Clad, this amazing line of cigars doesn't scream 'look at me' like a Cohiba or a Montecristo; however, this brand is one of the biggest names in the history of Habanos, S.A. and one of the oldest in production since 1837.
After a long dreary overcast week in Milan —or Milano as we Italian speakers like to call it—, finally the clouds broke and the sun shone over the busy streets of the city and through the glass rooftop of the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. As we prepared to light up this fantastic cigar, we decided to go on a nice stroll down the Via Alessandro Manzoni all the way to the Via della Spiga.
A Galician by birth, Ramón Allones was the first cigar manufacturer to pack his cigars in boxes decorated with labels and stamped with his brand´s logo. He was the pioneer of the cigar packaging we know today. The Ramón Allones Short Perfectos Exclusivo Italia —as the name clearly states— are exclusively sold this year in Italy. Characterized by their intense and complex taste, this cigar is one of the top cigars we've had this year.
This wonderful cigar, 100% hand rolled with 'tripa larga' —long filler— leaves, is a robusto measuring almost 5" in length and with a 50 ring gauge. Once you light up this cigar, be prepared for some peppery notes along the first 10 minutes of smoking time and then leather and coffee for the first half of the cigar. Pretty much by the time we got to the legendary Teatro alla Scala, we were experiencing nice robust peppery notes.
As we made a right on Via Manzoni heading towards the Armani Hotel and the luxurious Via Montenapoleone —where the most exclusive watch shopping takes place—, the cigar started to evolve drastically. As we switched sidewalks —looking for that much needed sun we were refrained from for a whole week—, the Ramón Allones Short Perfectos Exclusivo Italia kept getting better and better.
As we walked down Via Manzoni there were two 'must stops'. One by Davide Cenci to get one of their Ferruccio knitted ties and the other by Valextra to get some exclusive —not your run-of-the-mill— leather goods. As we continued to smoke our 'short from perfect' Short Perfectos cigar and by the time we hit Via Montenapoleone, the cigar had turned way smoother but still rich and full in terms of flavor. This cigar with no occasional burn outs and with a nice and steady ash, just kept getting better and better.
After such a nice walk down Via Manzoni and approximately 35-40 minutes after being lit up, we arrived at the corner of Via della Spiga and Manzoni with a big smile on our face and with a cigar butt that was getting too intense to continue to be enjoyed. As we let the cigar go out, we took a quick turn to warm up inside the Vilebrequin boutique on Spiga and then replenish our swimwear collection for the upcoming warm months.
This cigar is definitely a 'must have' and one that will give you an unforgettable smoking experience that will last a whole afternoon. When you smoke the best, one is more than enough.
