Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas — Concentrated Power in Miniature
The Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas distils the brand's full-bodied character into a compact, quick-smoking format that punches well above its diminutive proportions. At 110mm by 37 ring gauge, this Full-strength cigar belongs to the Entreactos vitola family and represents the shortest format in the Ramon Allones regular production portfolio. Do not let the size deceive you: the Small Club Coronas delivers the marca's trademark power and intensity in a smoke that lasts roughly 30 to 40 minutes, making it the ideal Ramon Allones for moments when time is short but the demand for full Cuban flavour is non-negotiable.
The Small Club Coronas opens with an immediate, concentrated burst of dark cedar, espresso, and a potent black pepper that signals the Ramon Allones pedigree from the first puff. The slender 37 gauge focuses the smoke intensely, and the wrapper leaf — dark and assertive — contributes a bittersweet cocoa character that is particularly prominent given the high wrapper-to-filler ratio. Through the first half, leather, charred oak, and a savoury earthiness build rapidly, the abbreviated format compressing the blend's development into an accelerated timeline.
The second half is intense and concentrated. Dark chocolate, roasted walnut, and a building pepper converge in a powerful, resonant finish that belies the cigar's modest dimensions. There is no gentle ramp-up here; the Small Club Coronas delivers the full Ramon Allones experience in compressed form, with all the marca's characteristic power and earthy depth present and accounted for. This is a cigar for the smoker who values efficiency without compromise — a brief but unflinching encounter with one of Cuba's most robust blending houses.
Construction & Draw
Rolled from Vuelta Abajo tobacco, the Small Club Coronas requires precise bunching at the slender 37 gauge to ensure an open draw. The compact format means the torcedor's work is condensed into a shorter span, but the full-bodied blend demands a firm, even pack. The wrapper is typically dark and slightly oily, consistent with the Ramon Allones preference for intensity. A well-constructed example burns evenly and delivers a firm, grey ash despite the reduced circumference.
Pairing Suggestions
An espresso or a short Macchiato is the natural companion for the Small Club Coronas, the coffee's bitterness tracking the cigar's dark chocolate and espresso character within a similarly compressed timeframe. A peated whisky neat also pairs effectively, its smoke and brine complementing the cigar's intensity.
Value & Collectibility
The Small Club Coronas offers outstanding value as a quick-smoke option for aficionados who want the full Ramon Allones experience without committing to a lengthy session. Its affordability and brevity make it an excellent lunchtime or coffee-break companion for the dedicated Cuban cigar enthusiast.
Brand Background
Founded in 1837, Ramon Allones is one of Cuba's oldest marcas and remains synonymous with full-bodied, robust blends. The Small Club Coronas demonstrates the brand's capacity to deliver its characteristic power in even the most compact formats. See Wikipedia and Habanos S.A. for more.
Storage
Store at 65–70% relative humidity. The 37 gauge is highly sensitive to over-humidification, which will tighten the draw considerably; err toward the lower end of the range. The compact format responds quickly to humidity changes, so allow a brief stabilisation period after transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Small Club Coronas take to smoke?
Expect approximately 30 to 40 minutes at a relaxed pace. The abbreviated format makes it ideal for coffee breaks, lunch intervals, or any situation where a full-length cigar would be impractical but Cuban flavour is desired.
Is the Small Club Coronas a good introduction to Ramon Allones?
Its full strength and concentrated intensity make it more suitable for experienced smokers. However, for those already familiar with full-bodied Cuban cigars, it offers an efficient way to sample the Ramon Allones character without investing in a full-size cigar.
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