Ramon Allones holds a small but significant place in cigar history: in 1837, Don Ramón Allones became the first manufacturer to put colorful lithographed labels on his cigar boxes. Before him, cigars came in plain wooden boxes. After him, the industry was transformed into the art form we know today—those beautiful, ornate boxes that collectors prize almost as much as the cigars inside.
But beyond the historical footnote, Ramon Allones has quietly developed a reputation among the cigar cognoscenti as one of Cuba's most rewarding smokes. The brand produces relatively few vitolas, and production runs are smaller than the major houses, giving every Ramon Allones a "small batch" character that larger brands simply can't replicate. The Specially Selected is widely considered one of the finest Cuban robusto formats available—if you can find it.
Complete Guide to Ramon Allones Product Lines
Specially Selected - The Flagship
The Specially Selected is the cigar that built Ramon Allones' modern reputation—a robusto so good it converts skeptics.
- Ramon Allones Specially Selected - 4.9" x 50. Exceptional robusto with depth and complexity.
- Ramon Allones Specially Selected - Alternative presentation.
Classic Line
- Ramon Allones Coronas - 5.5" x 42. Traditional corona format.
- Small Club Coronas - 4.3" x 42. Compact format for shorter sessions.
- Ramon Allones Gigantes - 7.5" x 49. Large format for extended smoking.
- Ramon Allones Belicosos - Torpedo format with concentrated flavors.
Casa del Habano Exclusives
- Ramon Allones Superiores Casa del Habano - LCDH exclusive with enhanced character.
Estupendos
- Ramon Allones Estupendos - Grand format for special occasions.
Ramon Allones Size and Strength Comparison
| Vitola | Line | Size | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Club Coronas | Classic | 4.3" x 42 | Medium-Full |
| Specially Selected | Flagship | 4.9" x 50 | Medium-Full |
| Coronas | Classic | 5.5" x 42 | Medium-Full |
| Gigantes | Classic | 7.5" x 49 | Full |
Ramon Allones Flavor Profile
Ramon Allones delivers medium-to-full body with remarkable complexity—the "small batch" production shows in every puff.
Primary Flavor Notes
- Earth and minerals - Rich terroir character.
- Leather - Well-aged leather throughout.
- Coffee - Medium roast, balanced intensity.
- Cedar - Aromatic wood backbone.
- Black pepper - Building spice, especially in final third.
- Dried fruit - Subtle sweetness in longer formats.
How to Identify Authentic Ramon Allones
The Band
- Crossed keys emblem - Distinctive logo should be sharp
- Red and gold coloring - Rich, consistent tones
- Embossed elements - Raised texture
Best Drink Pairings
- Cognac VSOP - Classic pairing for the Specially Selected.
- Aged rum - Cuban rum complements the earthiness.
- Full-bodied red wine - Rioja or Ribera del Duero.
- Espresso - Coffee notes meet coffee drink.
Ramon Allones Limited Editions
- Ramón Allones Extra 2011 - Special format release.
- Supremas Italy Edition - Italian regional edition.
- Belicosos France Edition - French regional edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ramon Allones historically significant?
Don Ramón Allones was the first to use colorful lithographed labels on cigar boxes in 1837, transforming cigar packaging into an art form that persists today.
Is the Specially Selected really that good?
Yes. The Specially Selected routinely appears in "best Cuban robusto" lists and converts skeptics. The small production runs ensure consistent quality that larger brands struggle to maintain.
Why is Ramon Allones hard to find?
Limited production. Ramon Allones doesn't produce the volume of major brands, which keeps supply tight and maintains the "small batch" character that defines the marca.