A Heritage Forged in Smoke and Innovation
Ramon Allones is not a cigar for the uninitiated. It is a piece of history. For the experienced aficionado, it represents one of the oldest and most respected names to come out of Cuba. It is a benchmark for rich, full-bodied flavor. Founded in 1845 by brothers Ramón and Antonio Allones, the brand was a true pioneer. Long before marketing was a science, Ramon Allones was the first to introduce colored lithographs for its box art. It was the first to place bands on individual cigars. It invented the ‘8-9-8’ box style. This is a brand built on innovation that has settled into a timeless, powerful tradition.
As a heritage brand, its position is clear: it is a connoisseur’s choice. Produced by Habanos S.A. in the legendary Partagás Factory in Havana, it delivers a consistently robust and spicy profile. This rewards a developed palate. In Thailand, this prestige makes it a prime target for counterfeiters. The country’s high excise taxes create a thriving black market for fakes. These mimic the famous red-and-yellow boxes but contain nothing but disappointment. Buying a genuine Ramon Allones requires absolute certainty in your source. It demands a verified, legal retailer who can prove authenticity beyond a doubt.
A critical distinction exists. There is the original Cuban Ramon Allones. There are also its non-Cuban counterparts. After the Cuban revolution, a separate line was established. It is now produced in Honduras by General Cigar Co. Another version is famously produced in Nicaragua by A.J. Fernandez. While these non-Cuban cigars are respected, they use different tobaccos. They offer a different experience. This guide focuses primarily on the original Cuban icon.
Notable Lines & Vitolas: The Signature Expressions
The flagship of the Ramon Allones portfolio is the Specially Selected. This classic Robusto (4⅞″ × 50) is the quintessential expression of the brand’s character. It offers the full spectrum of Ramon Allones’ rich, complex flavors. Smoking time is around 45 minutes. This makes it both accessible and deeply satisfying. Its consistent quality and bold profile have made it a favorite among seasoned smokers. It is a benchmark for the Robusto vitola worldwide. It was even ranked by Cigar Aficionado as one of the top cigars of the year. This cements its status as a must-try for any serious enthusiast.
Another vitola of note is the Small Club Coronas. This cigar has a factory name of Minutos. Its dimensions are a ring gauge of 42 and a length of 110mm (4⅜″). The official weight is 7.46g. It is a handmade cigar, and it comes in a dress box of 25 cigars. It is a pre-1960 release and is still in current production. Tasting notes for the Small Club Coronas include dominant flavors of Wood, Cocoa, and Leather, with additional notes of Fruit, Raisin, Nut, Spice, and Earth. Smaller notes include Dried Fruit, Toast, Tobacco, Baking Spice, Coffee, Pepper, Twang, Anise, Bitter Chocolate, Cedar, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cream, Dried Fruits, Mocha, and Shortbread. Source: Cuban Cigar Website
| Line / Vitola | Wrapper | Strength | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specially Selected (Cuban) | Cuban | Medium-Full to Full | Cocoa, coffee, leather, earth, spice, with hints of fruit and nuts. |
| Gigante (Cuban) | Cuban | Medium-Full to Full | A longer smoke with similar rich, earthy, and spicy notes as the Specially Selected. |
| AJ Fernandez (Nicaraguan) | Nicaraguan Medio-Tiempo Habano Oscuro | Full | A powerful, spicy profile with notes of pepper, dark chocolate, and espresso from aged Nicaraguan tobaccos. |
Specs & Manufacturing: The Heart of the Flavor
The classic Ramon Allones is a Cuban ‘puro.’ This means that every component: the wrapper, the binder, and the filler, is made from 100% Cuban-grown tobacco. This is the source of its unmistakable flavor profile: an earthy, complex character that cannot be replicated anywhere else on earth. The knowledge of how cigars are made in Cuba is passed down through generations. The construction of a Ramon Allones is a testament to this craft. Each cigar is hand-made, with a firm feel, a well-applied cap, and a clean draw that offers just the right amount of resistance. This ensures an even burn and a firm, white ash.
In contrast, the Nicaraguan version by AJ Fernandez showcases the power of a different terroir. Its wrapper is a rare Medio-Tiempo Habano Oscuro leaf. This is a sun-ripened tobacco known for delivering immense richness and strength. The binder is a spicy Nicaraguan Corojo ’99. The filler blends aged Criollo ’98 and more Corojo ’99. This combination of Nicaraguan puros results in a distinctly bold and peppery smoke. It is a modern interpretation of a classic name, rooted in the potent volcanic soils of Nicaragua.
Storage & Care: Protecting Your Investment
A full-bodied, complex cigar like a Ramon Allones is particularly sensitive to its environment. Its intricate blend of flavors, from smooth milk chocolate to rich coffee and spice, can be muted or destroyed by improper storage. In the high humidity of Thailand, this is not a suggestion; it is a critical necessity. The delicate Cuban wrapper leaf is prone to damage if humidity levels fluctuate. This leads to cracking or an uneven burn that ruins the experience.
Maintaining a stable environment is the only way to protect your investment. It ensures the cigar smokes as the master blenders at the Partagás factory intended. For daily storage, cigars are best kept at 65–70 °F (18-21°C) and 65–70 % humidity. For long-term aging, 60 % humidity and low 60 °F (around 15-16°C) is recommended. In coastal Thailand, tighter humidity control is demanded. Cigar Emperor’s medical-grade humidor maintains a precise 22°C / 70% RH, using a Swiss filtration system and American Cedar lining to preserve every cigar in peak condition. For the complete details on how to achieve this, refer to the definitive guide on how to store cigars properly.
Buying & Availability in Thailand: The Unwavering Standard
For a brand with the history and prestige of Ramon Allones, authenticity is everything. The only way to guarantee you are smoking a genuine Cuban original is to purchase from a verified and legal source. Cigar Emperor is an officially certified Habanos S.A. retailer. We provide an unbroken chain of custody from Havana to our medical-grade humidor. This is your shield against the rampant counterfeit market. In July 2022, authorities seized over THB 10 million in counterfeit tobacco in Chanthaburi. In January 2024, a network was dismantled, averting THB 45 million in revenue loss. These incidents highlight the ongoing threat of illicit products in Thailand.
Every Ramon Allones cigar is 100% legally imported, with full Thai FDA registration and the required excise duty stamps. Thailand’s Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2535 requires importers to submit an ingredient list and secure a certificate from the Ministry of Public Health before importing cigars. The Excise Department also publishes procedures for importing tobacco, detailing ATRIG application and excise stamp requirements. Imported cigars attract an excise duty of 10% ad valorem or THB 0.50 per gram. This transparency is the core of the Cigar Emperor standard. It ensures you receive a genuine, perfectly preserved product every time. The availability of specific vitolas can be confirmed by checking the Cigar Emperor price list. To understand the full context of buying cigars in the region, see our complete guide to how to shop cigars in Thailand.
Related Brands for the Ramon Allones Smoker
Aficionados who appreciate the robust character of Ramon Allones often explore other brands. These offer similar profiles in strength and complexity.
- Partagás: Made in the very same factory as Ramon Allones, Partagás cigars share a similar full-bodied, earthy, and spicy flavor profile. They are considered a close cousin to Ramon Allones. They are a natural next step for those who enjoy its power.
- Bolivar: Another icon of full-strength Cuban cigars, Bolivar is known for its immensely rich and powerful flavors. It is a brand for the experienced smoker who seeks intensity and complexity, much like Ramon Allones.
- Plasencia: For those who enjoy the powerful Nicaraguan interpretation of Ramon Allones by AJ Fernandez, the cigars of Plasencia offer another deep dive into the world of Nicaraguan puros. Brands like the Alma Fuerte deliver bold, vibrant notes of chocolate, plum, and spice. You can view the full Plasencia range on the Cigar Emperor price list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Ramon Allones a ‘pioneer’ in the cigar world?
- Ramon Allones introduced several innovations. They were the first brand to use colorful, detailed lithography on their cigar boxes, transforming simple packaging into art. They were also the first to put decorative bands on individual cigars. This established a practice now synonymous with premium cigars. Finally, they invented the ‘8-9-8’ box format. This is a round-sided box with three layers of cigars (8 on top, 9 in the middle, 8 on the bottom). This design is still used for certain special releases. You can read more about the brand’s unique history on its Wikipedia page.
- What is the difference between a Cuban and non-Cuban Ramon Allones?
- The original Ramon Allones is a Cuban ‘puro’ produced by the state-owned Habanos S.A. Its flavor is derived entirely from Cuban tobacco. The non-Cuban versions are owned by a different company (General Cigar) and are made with tobaccos from other countries, such as Honduras or Nicaragua. This results in a different, though often still excellent, flavor profile. The Cuban version is known for its classic earthy spice. The Nicaraguan version, for example, is known for a more peppery and intense character.
- Why is the Specially Selected so popular?
- The Specially Selected is popular for several reasons. Its Robusto size is considered ideal by many smokers. It offers a full flavor experience in a manageable smoking time of about 45-60 minutes. It perfectly embodies the classic Ramon Allones flavor profile of cocoa, coffee, and spice. It has a long history of high quality and consistency, making it a reliable choice for connoisseurs. Its reputation is backed by high ratings from publications like Cigar Inspector.
- Is Ramon Allones a good cigar for a beginner?
- Generally, no. Ramon Allones is a medium-full to full-strength cigar. It has a complex flavor profile that can be overwhelming for an inexperienced palate. It is best appreciated by seasoned smokers who are accustomed to powerful cigars. A beginner would be better served by starting with a milder cigar to develop their palate first. For recommendations, see our guide to the best cigars for beginners.
