Introduction
In the hallowed halls of cigar craftsmanship, AJ Fernandez stands as a colossus, crafting blends that resonate deeply with both the new age aficionado and the traditionalist. The Ramon Allones by AJ Fernandez is not just a cigar; it is a stunning tribute to a storied legacy. With hands that seem to weave magic into each roll, AJ Fernandez has taken the classic Cuban brand, Ramon Allones, beloved by his father and cigar enthusiasts alike, and reimagined it with a passion that is palpable from the first draw. Garnering accolades such as the #22 Cigar of 2021, this medium-full profile cigar is a testament to a blender at the peak of his powers, a beautifully orchestrated homage that pays respect to its Cuban heritage while boldly marking its own territory.
Tasting Notes
1st 3rd (Initial Notes)
The initial light of the AJ Fernandez Ramon Allones is a gateway to a world of complexity. The first puffs are a crescendo of cedar, delicately intertwined with a dance of spices and an undercurrent of rich, dark chocolate. The smoke is generous, enveloping the palate with a medium-full body that promises a journey of discovery with each subsequent draw.
2nd 3rd (Middle Notes)
As the narrative of the cigar unfolds, the middle third deepens the dialogue between smoker and smoke. Here lies the heart of the experience, where the earthy notes begin to rise—a subtle suggestion of leather and a whisper of dried fruits. This is the moment where the balance of flavors showcases the mastery of AJ Fernandez, with a smoke that maintains its initial promises and enhances them with newfound depth.
3rd 3rd (Final Notes)
The final third of the Ramon Allones is where the tale reaches its climax. The earlier hints of black pepper now come to the forefront, not overwhelming but perfectly pitched to add a zesty edge to the established profile. It’s a fitting finale to a smoke that has traversed a landscape of flavors, leaving a lingering taste that invites reflection and, inevitably, a desire to revisit.
Aromas
From the outset, the Ramon Allones by AJ Fernandez entices with an aroma that sets the stage for the richness to follow. Before lighting, the scent of the Habano Oscuro wrapper hints at the robustness within. Once aflame, the cigar releases a bouquet where cedar remains a constant, but now joined by the earthiness and a subtle note of cocoa that becomes more pronounced as the experience unfolds.
Origin
Crafted in the lush fields of Nicaragua, the Ramon Allones by AJ Fernandez draws from a legacy that is as rich as the soil in which its tobacco is cultivated. Every puff is imbued with the history of a brand that pioneered the use of cigar bands, and every note carries the weight of a blender’s heritage and respect for the art form of cigar making.
Filler, Binder, and Wrapper Notes
The Nicaraguan filler is a blend of the finest leaves, each contributing to the robust body and complex flavor profile. The Corojo binder adds a layer of spicy sweetness that complements the strength of the filler. Encased in a Habano Oscuro wrapper, rare and revered, it completes the cigar with a smooth yet pronounced finish that is as rare as the leaf itself.
Construction and Burn
AJ Fernandez’s Ramon Allones is a marvel of construction, its craftsmanship evident in the even burn and the sturdy ash that clings with determination. The draw is effortless, consistent, and smooth, a conduit for the full spectrum of flavors and a burn that respects the smoker’s time, burning slowly, deliberately, allowing for the full appreciation of its maker’s artistry.
Drink Pairing Recommendations
To accompany such a distinguished smoke, one must select beverages of equal stature. Aged rum, with its own notes of spice and sweetness, parallels the cigar’s profile, while a stout beer can complement its richness with its creamy maltiness. For the coffee lover, an espresso provides a robust companion, its bitterness an ideal match for the Ramon Allones’s depth.
Book Pairing Recommendations
The AJ Fernandez Ramon Allones pairs exquisitely with literature that commands attention. Consider Gabriel García Márquez’s “Love in the Time of Cholera,” a novel rich in narrative and depth, or perhaps Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises,” with its robust and straightforward prose that echoes the straightforward honesty of the cigar.
Overall
The AJ Fernandez Ramon Allones is an artful construction of legacy, flavor, and passion, a medium-full bodied cigar that carries the weight of its Cuban namesake with a grace that is distinctly Nicaraguan. The experience of smoking this cigar is like reading a well-crafted story—each puff builds upon the last, revealing layers of complexity that captivate and enthrall. The meticulous balance of cedar, spice, chocolate, and a hint of black pepper orchestrates a symphony of sensations that is both bold and harmonious.
From the first light to the final draw, the Ramon Allones by AJ Fernandez is an immersive experience. It’s a cigar that doesn’t just command your attention; it earns it, rewarding the smoker with a rich tapestry of aromas and flavors that are both nuanced and pronounced. This cigar is not just a smoke; it’s a journey through the time-honored tradition of tobacco, a tribute that honors its heritage while proudly carving its own path.
The accolades and ratings are a testament to its quality, but the true measure of this cigar’s excellence is found in the quiet moments of enjoyment it provides. Whether it’s the companion to a reflective evening or the celebratory smoke at a gathering of friends, the Ramon Allones by AJ Fernandez stands as a beacon of premium cigar making, a blend that both novices and connoisseurs can approach with anticipation and savor with satisfaction. It’s more than a tribute; it’s a masterpiece in its own right—a fitting homage by a master blender to a beloved classic and to the legacy of his own family’s love for cigars.
