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CIGAR REVIEWS
Cuban Cigar Review
Ramon Allones
Gigante
 7 7/8 x 49 Double Corona
I don't often reach for a double corona cigar. Seems too large for most occasions. A round of golf is about right, but as an afternoon cigar, just seems enormous.
I am wrong. A good friend and I decided to have a break Friday afternoon for a cigar and for some reason I suggested the Ramon Allones Gigante.
This line is never too overpowering for an afternoon, and in a double corona size all cigars are softened a little so I thought what the heck.
The cigar has a wonderful nuttiness to its finish. It has hints of light wood or sawdust and walnut, but nothing too complex. That sort of fit the bill that day, I wanted simplicity in my Cuban cigar.
I guess if I concentrated, I would have noticed more flavors, but sometimes I just enjoy the experience of drawing on the cigar and not spending all my time dissecting its notes, tones or hints of flavors.
I enjoyed the cigar and the conversation equally, so everything was in balance. A pleasure to draw on, the smoke was cool and subtle, with flavors to match. Nothing really jumped out at me, but I found the second half even more flavorful. We enjoyed our cigars so much, we forgot we intended on playing a game of crib.
I intend on having more double coronas in the near future. The length cools the smoke, the ring size allows loads of draw and this Ramon Allones was mild and very pleasing. 3 1/2 of 10 strength with a light 2/6 wrapper.
We were drinking a Balvenie single malt scotch, but truthfully, most any beverage would have fit well. A peaty heavy scotch may have been overwhelming to the cigar, but a nice Irish whiskey would have done well, as would a cup of decent coffee.
Overall rating of this Cuban cigar would be a 90/100.
CA Magazine last reviewed this cigar as a 87/100 April 2004
DF 2012
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Cuban Cigar Review
Partagas Serie E No 2
7 5/8 x 49 robusto extra
 reviewed by Cameron M
Partagas Series E #2, a heft Cuban cigar with a darkish wrapper that made me anticipate the enjoyment, just from the look.
This is the newest and boldest addition to the Partagas line. This cigar is the big brother to the series D with a ring gauge of 52. The increase to a 54 ring and the added length to a 5 1/2 are a welcome addition to a great line of cigars.
This cigar comes with a flawless silky wrapper a coloring of 3/6.
When first lit there is the expected sweet spiciness found in the Partagas cigars.
This medium to strong cigar had a slight hint of creaminess followed by a pepper sensation with notes of earthy reminders.
I enjoyed this cigar with a Glenmorangie 10 yr single malt scotch.
My overall rating is 93/100.
CA Magazine's most recent rating was a 93/100 in April 2012
CM 2012
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Cuban Cigar Review
Hoyo de Monterrey
Epicure No 2
4 7/8 x 40 robusto
reviewed by D Fraser
If there is such a thing as a typical stogie in a Cuban cigar, this is it. Always a nice construction, well presented with the two bands, it has always been a popular choice for those that love Cuban robustos.
Deep wood tones are mixed with traditional leather and just the hint of a cocoa in the finish. I just find it matches what I think of when I ponder what a true "stogie" tastes like.
Maybe it is reminiscent of camp fires and cold beer to me, not sure, but it is a great outdoor cigar that stands up to a breeze when other cigars would fade.
I did not find, nor did I miss, the spice, cedar, coffee bean and other flavors many reviewers seem to find in this cigar. I found it traditional, woody, leathered and very pleasing.
Near the end it did increase in strength, as do many Cuban cigar, and I thought that enhanced the flavors a little, but nothing was missing with the cigar, it was complex enough to hold my attention and matched very well with an ice cold honey ale.
My overall rating is 90/100
CA Magazine last rated this cigar a 92/100 Aug 2011
DF 2012
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The Partagas Serie D No 4 robusto. 
this sign!
