A Brand That Wrote the Book on Cuban Cigar Presentation
Ramon Allones holds a distinction no other Habanos maker can claim: in 1837, it became the first Cuban cigar brand to print lithographed labels directly on its boxes. That may sound like a footnote in packaging history, but it changed how Cuban cigars were sold, gifted, and recognized for the next two centuries. The Ramon Allones Specially Selected — a robusto that carries that 19th-century heritage into every smoke — represents the brand's house style at its most concentrated and direct. If you want to understand what a full-bodied Cuban robusto is supposed to taste like, this is the reference point.
The Specially Selected is a regular production cigar, which means it is not a chase-after limited edition but a staple of the Habanos S.A. catalog — available year-round to anyone who knows where to look. It is rolled totally a mano (entirely by hand) using wrapper and filler leaf from the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Río, the only zone in Cuba consistently rated as producing wrapper leaf of sufficient quality for export. The torcedores who roll it do so under the same standards that govern all Habanos production, and the blend reflects Ramon Allones' long-standing reputation for intensity and structure.
If you are comparing full-bodied Cubans, the Specially Selected sits comfortably alongside Bolívar Belicosos Finos and Partagás Serie D No. 4 — both of which share its preference for bold flavor over finesse. What separates the Ramon Allones is its lithographic legacy and the slightly drier, more earth-driven character that has defined the brand since the Spanish-born Allones brothers first set up shop in Havana.
Specifications
Tasting Notes
First Third: The Specially Selected opens with an immediate hit of dry cedar and black pepper that coats the palate without warming up slowly. This is not a cigar that eases you in. Within the first few puffs, a leathery base emerges underneath the spice, along with a faint charred-wood note that gives the smoke a rugged, old-school Cuban character. The retrohale is peppery and sharp — not for the timid. Body is full from the start; strength builds steadily.
Second Third: The pepper retreats to the background as the cigar settles into its core profile: earth, roasted nuts, and a dark cocoa note that hovers somewhere between bitter and sweet. A mineral undertone appears — that chalky, damp-stone quality you find in many Vuelta Abajo fillers — and it gives the mid-section a grounding weight. The body remains full, the flavor deepens, but the strength moderates slightly, making the second third the most balanced stretch of the cigar.
Final Third: The final third brings back the pepper, this time sharper and more sustained. The earthiness intensifies, and a toasted-bread character joins the mix. The cigar never turns bitter, which is a credit to the blend, but it does get warm and heavy — exactly what you want from a full-bodied robusto that costs you an hour of focused attention. Finish is long, dry, and leathery.
Construction
The wrapper on the Specially Selected is typically a Colorado to Colorado Claro shade with a noticeable sheen of oil — not dripping, but present enough to catch light. Veins are visible but fine, not raised. The triple cap is applied cleanly, and the head clips neatly with a guillotine or punch. The draw should offer light resistance with a steady airflow — not loose, not tight. The burn line tends to be sharp and self-correcting, requiring minimal touch-ups. Ash is solid, light gray, and holds for an inch or more before dropping. Smoke production is generous and dense, coating the palate with each puff.
Pairing Recommendations
The Specially Selected pairs well with spirits that can stand up to its full body without being overwhelmed. Aged rum — particularly something with 12-plus years in the barrel — complements the cigar's earthy sweetness. Single malt Scotch with a peaty profile works with the leathery and mineral notes. Dark roast coffee, espresso, or a strong café cubano makes an excellent non-alcoholic match. Avoid light, delicate pairings; they will disappear under the cigar's weight.
Value and Experience
The Specially Selected is positioned at a premium but accessible price point within the Habanos catalog — not investment-grade, but not an everyday throwaway either. What you get for the money is one of the most authentic full-bodied Cuban robusto experiences available: a cigar that has barely changed in character over decades and represents a brand with nearly 200 years of continuous identity. For collectors building a humidor with range, this is the robusto slot reserved for the full-bodied end of the spectrum.
Brand Background
Ramon Allones was founded in 1837 by the Allones brothers, Spanish immigrants who settled in Havana. The brand is credited with pioneering the use of lithographed box labels — a practice that every Cuban cigar manufacturer eventually adopted. Today, Ramon Allones is part of the Habanos S.A. portfolio and is produced at various factories in Cuba. It has never been a high-volume brand; its small catalog and full-bodied house style have kept it a connoisseur's choice rather than a mass-market label. The brand shares historical roots with the broader Partagás family of cigars, and its blends favor the same bold, structured character.
Storage
Store the Specially Selected at 65–70% relative humidity and 18–20°C (64–68°F) in a quality humidor with Spanish cedar lining. Like all full-bodied Cuban cigars, it benefits from at least three to six months of aging at stable conditions to let the oils marry and the ammonia from the factory dissipate. Longer aging — two years and beyond — will round the pepper and deepen the earth, though the cigar will always retain its full-bodied identity. Rotate your stock periodically and avoid fluctuations in humidity, which cause wrapper cracking and uneven combustion. For guidance on distinguishing genuine product from counterfeits, see our page on the difference between authentic Cuban cigars and imitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ramon Allones Specially Selected a strong cigar?
Yes. The Specially Selected is classified as full-bodied and full-strength. It opens with a peppery kick and maintains intensity throughout. It is best suited for experienced smokers who are comfortable with robust, full-flavored Cuban blends. Newer smokers may find it overpowering, especially in the final third where the pepper and earth intensify.
What is the difference between the Specially Selected and other Cuban robustos?
The Specially Selected distinguishes itself with a drier, more earth-forward profile compared to the creamier Cohiba Robustos or the sweeter Partagás Serie D No. 4. Its lithographic-box heritage and 1837 founding date make it the oldest brand in this comparison, and its blend leans into leather, mineral, and cedar notes rather than sweetness or spice complexity.
How long does the Ramon Allones Specially Selected take to smoke?
Expect roughly 45 to 65 minutes depending on your smoking pace. The 4 7/8 x 50 robusto format is designed for a focused, concentrated session — shorter than a Churchill but denser in flavor. Smoke it slowly to avoid overheating the wrapper, which will introduce bitterness and harshness into the final third.
Related Cigars
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