The Ramón Allones Specially Selected (RASS) is a legendary robusto and the flagship vitola of the marca, delivering the perfect balance of power and complexity. This 124mm x 50 cigar features a dark Colorado wrapper with rich flavors of cedar, black cherry, and espresso, evolving into leather and spice. A benchmark Cuban robusto with impeccable construction, ideal for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging.
Key Details
Brand: Ramón Allones
Vitola de Galera: Robusto
Commercial Vitola: Robusto
Length: 124mm (4.9 inches)
Ring Gauge: 50
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Cuban Colorado
Binder/Filler: Vuelta Abajo
Packaging: Lacquered box of 25
Box Code: Varies (TUE, UPO, BRE optimal)
Smoke Time: 60-75 minutes
Construction: Handmade, long filler
Flavor Profile
First Third: Cedar, black pepper, dark chocolate
Middle Third: Stewed cherries, roasted nuts, espresso
Final Third: Leather, cinnamon, mineral-rich finish
Why It’s Iconic
✓ Most awarded Ramón Allones vitola
✓ Consistently excellent construction
✓ Aging transforms into a flavor bomb (5-15 years)
✓ 96-point rated (Cigar Aficionado)
Best Paired With:
• Aged rum (7-12 years)
• Bourbon
• Dark chocolate
Ideal For
• Daily luxury without breaking the bank
• Introducing smokers to Cuban complexity
• Special occasions when time is limited
• Humidor centerpiece
Pro Tip: The 2021-2023 productions (especially “UPO” factory) show exceptional balance—look for slightly box-pressed cigars.
Historical Significance
Introduced in the 1980s, this vitola perfected the Cuban robusto format. The 2006 blend revision added more ligero, making it bolder while maintaining its legendary smoothness.
2024 Smoking Notes
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Current productions emphasize more dark fruit notes than earlier years
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Optimal RH: 65% for best combustion
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Cutting: Straight cut recommended to maximize the complex draw
Aging Potential:
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3-5 years: Develops baking spices
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5-10 years: Honeyed notes emerge
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10+ years: Becomes creamy with umami depth
Collector’s Insight:
Boxes from 2015-2016 are now entering their absolute prime, showing extraordinary secondary flavors of truffle and aged wine.
Versus Competitors
Feature | RASS | Partagás D4 | Bolivar RC |
---|---|---|---|
Strength | Med-Full | Full | Full |
Profile | Fruit/Spice | Earth/Cocoa | Leather/Tobacco |
Age Peak | 7-10y | 5-7y | 3-5y |
Value | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
The gold standard for Cuban robustos – equally satisfying for newcomers and seasoned aficionados alike.
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