Ramon Allones Club Allones - Edición Limitada 2015 (AUM Jul 2015) 

Vitola: Club Allones (47 ring gauge x 135 mm or 5.3 inches)

Introduction: Just like the Partagas Seleccion Privada 2014, I've been meaning to visit this cigar for some time now, again as much as 12 months. Again, you rated it highly. A recent thread below discussed the two best Limited Editions of the past three years and the Ramon Allones Club Allones got many of your votes.

Alas, unlike the Partagas Seleccion Privada, the Club Allones has enjoyed a 'longer life' than most Limited Editions by being available for acquisition well into 2017 (well, it didn't come out until 2016 though, didn't it?). In the annual FoH Top 25 Cigars for 2016 poll, you voted it 9th overall  . El Pres requested your thoughts on the Ramon Allones Club Allones when it first came out and the consensus was positive...

A quick note on the wrapper, the Ramon Allones Club Allones has been noted for its dark wrapper, although these aren't Cuban Maduro wrappers, which are a different thing altogether  . I find Ramon Allones, as a marca overall, tends to attract a higher proportion of Colorado Maduro (and darker) wrappers than other marcas, and this has been true of the Ramon Allones Club Allones, like Limited Editions cigars in general. A poll in 2014 indicated that FoH members prefer Colorado Maduro shaded wrappers to other wrappers, is this one of the reasons for the popularity of the Club Allones?

This Limited Edition cigar has enjoyed multiple reviews on our forum, and I must admit that in writing this review I find that I would struggle to say anything new that hasn't been said before. Perhaps I can add what Habanos S.A. wrote about this cigar on their website when it was released...

Ramón Allones Club Allones (47 ring gauge x 135 mm length) is the other 2015 Edición Limitada. This vitola is unique within the range of sizes of the brand and it is characterized by an intense and complex flavour. Club Allones is an opportunity for those smokers who enjoy full flavours Habanos and who now can taste them with the particular characteristics of the Ediciones Limitadas.

Aroma and Cold Draw: Again, as is typical of Limited Edition releases, the aroma was refined yet strong. The wrapper was a distinctive Maduro wrapper shade that is common with this cigar (although please note, they aren't maduro-leafed wrappers). The cold draw exhibited characteristics of strength, with a earthy and tobacco combination, yet the draw was very good and construction was excellent.

First Third: The first few puffs gave me a nice smooth taste of a combination of espresso and dark cocoa flavours. A few more draws and the 'Ramon Allones stewed fruit' profile came to the fore, giving this cigar a nice balance between it pleasant sweetness and its strength. There was excellent smoke per draw.

Second Third: The strength picked up, this is definitely a medium-full bodied cigar, and it remained that way. The combination of espresso and rich, dark cocoa and stewed fruit is similarly intensified. A highly enjoyable cigar!

.

Final Third: Normally the final third is where your cigar is most intense, flavours drop off and acridity or bitterness can build up forcing you to extinguish it early. This was not the case today. I had no issue whatsoever with drawing this down to the nub, and although the flavours that I enjoyed in the first two-thirds weren't anywhere near as evident, the wonderfully strong toasted tobacco richness in the final third more than compensated.  

Conclusion: Why this is a great Limited Edition cigar ultimately comes down to a number of factors in my opinion. Firstly, I think the vitola is just right, it would be prefect if it was a 42 ring gauge, in my view, yet the fact that it's not over 50 ring gauge is just ideal, as is its length. At 135 mm in length it is about halfway between the length of a Petit Corona (129 mm) and a Corona (142 mm), which again I consider ideal.

Simon Chase wrote an in-depth article for Cigar Journal last December lamenting the steady decline of Ramon Allones as a marca, yet praising Habanos S.A. for encouraging Regional distributors the freedom to nominate their own marcas and vitolas for their annual Regional releases. Simon stated in his article that around one-third of Regional Editions have been Ramon Allones cigars, thus, amongst aficionados and the public in general, Ramon Allones still courts favour.

Finally, what about comparing this Limited Edition to the LCDH Superiores from 2010? The Superiores is a Corona Gorda at 46 ring gauge x 143 mm (or 5.6 inches) in length and is similarly popular. I find the Superiores a milder smoke, with more elements of lighter cocoa and a sweeter fruit profile. Ultimately, I think there's a place for both the Superiores and Club Allones in your humidor.

Below are some other reviews and discussions on this cigar for your perusement. The Ramon Allones Club Allones is an outstanding cigar, get it today if you haven't done so already.

First 3rd:
Pecans, Hazelnuts and coffee cream notes. Hints of hay notes. Such a smooth finish with no bitterness whatsoever.

Second 3rd:
Coffee creaminess and pecan are still pronounced in the middle part. A pleasant nutmeg note evolves in the semisweet finish.

Final 3rd:
Cream and nutmeg notes are almost gone. Becomes more earthy overall with the cedar and hay notes present. Also hints of white pepper. 

Solid 92 points. Will definitely try to outsource soon some older Connie 1s. Outstanding quality-price-ratio. Burned evenly for most of its length.

Had a hard time putting this cigar down. 😀

Dimensions: 50 x 4 3/8"

Box Code: OGA AGO 11

This small robusto has a characteristic Partagas alphabet series wrapper - matte, dark colorado, with visible oil crystals and a slightly rustic roll. It lights easily and evenly, producing a flaky gray ash. The draw is just slightly loose and makes a full, rich smoke. Right away, there are pungent flavors of raw earth and leather, but a surprisingly mellow aroma that reveals some sea salt and black pepper on the retrohale.

After a purge at the midpoint, the draw loosens noticeably and a brief note of vanilla bean emerges. That quickly recedes, and the remainder of the smoke is toasted tobacco and leather/earth. A couple years of age greatly improves these over recent examples. Pairing with Sachang Lapsong with lemon also helps, as the acidity cuts some of the alkaline harshness. 
Second sample is significantly better, with a sweet, round, leather profile and a mild pepper aroma. 

Score: 91

Perfect cool draw. This cigar does know how to carry its ash and even burn. Wishing I could get more cigars from the one that rolled this cigar; the type of roller that would make "Piggy" proud! 😉

First 3rd:
Surprisingly a little shy off the gate. Not giving too many defined flavors/aromas on the front palate, other than hay and subdue cedar notes with hints of cream. 

Middle 3rd:
Once it settled down, creamy notes started to fully evolve intertwined with the previously mentioned cedar and hay notes. Really enjoying the overall sweetness on this middle third. Its finish now shows oak and vanilla lingering.

Final Third:
Light-roasted coffee finally become more prominent. Cedar and vanilla notes are still present. The nutmeg spices on this final third pleasantly reminded me of yesterday's outstanding Connie No. 1. 

Mixed feelings about only rating it 90 points since the cigar completely turned around, but I cannot discount the introverted start. Really wishing this elegant cigar were a bit longer to see where its profile evolution was headed. It would be a safe bet that I will be reaching out for a Fundadores tomorrow.  

Anyone out there has any PSP/HQ aged Trinidad Fundadores that you're willing to trade me? If you do, please don't read this tasting note because it might dissuade you about trade them. 😛

First 3rd:
Unlike the Trinidad Coloniales from yesterday, there's no introverted beginning for the Fundadores. Within the first draw, there's tons of toffee interplaying with caramel and cream coffee. Lovely sweetness with no bitterness detected at any point. What a draw! Notes of Hay primarily noted on the finish.

Middle 3rd:
Lots going on throughout this third. Toffee notes are now more subdued at the beginning of 2nd third. By the middle of this third, creaminess start to overtake it along with the evolving caramel and cacao notes. By the end of this third, pecan starts to become noticeable. What a lingering finish of cinnamon spices and cedar!

Final 3rd:
Can this third keep up with the previously noted complexity? My doubts were dissipated when this Trini transitioned and evolved into a more spicy, medium-roasted coffee profile with vanilla undertones. The cinnamon is now complemented with nutmeg spices. Cream notes have finally diminished, but I now hardly miss them. Cedar and oak on the finish.

94 points with tons of upside if I ever manage to age the rest of the box. What an elegant middle-body cigar. Impeccable construction. Impressed with the ash that it produced throughout the ~110 enjoyable minutes. Ash never fell off on its own; I purposely disposed the ash three times. I even smoked it until the draw was just unbearably hot.

It felt like I smoked three different cigars consequently.  Admittedly, now I'm exaggerating.

This is a beautiful looking cigar with a nice triple cap and the trademark Trinidad pigtail.

I like to lightly squeeze up and down the length of the cigar to check for hard spots, and I will gently massage the ones that I find (not like my good buddy Rob, who wrings them like an overzealous "towel boy" at a bath house ) There are two reasons to do this, it may give you a better draw, and it may give you an idea which cut to use for the cap...

I am pairing this with two kinds of coffee (in addition to my cigar obsession, I am also a coffee nut) the first one is an El Salvador, which was pretty good:

The second, an Ecuador AAA, which was amazing 

Initial aroma:

Very mild aroma of cooking spices and light cedar. (So light, it was almost undetectable)

I use a small wedge cut initially to test the draw, and it is perfect, with just a bit of resistance...

Cold draw:

Sweet green tea, creamy leather and butter.

Now, lets fire this baby up...

First few puffs:

Mild, sweet leather, with creamy butter lingering on the tongue.

First third:

On the lighter side of medium, which is perfect to start your day. Not as much smoke as you would think for this fairly large ring gauge, but ample enough to enjoy the great flavors of oolong tea, creamy fine (let's just call it corinthian) leather and lots of butter. just a bit of white pepper on the retro hale, and very smooth.

Towards the end of the first third, Holding steady with the tea, leather and butter.

The ash is a blend of light and dark grey, and fell on its own after about an inch and a half.

Second  third:

Prominent leather with a bit of green tea, nearing the halfway mark. 

Still plenty of creamy savory butter coating my mouth and tongue. Oolong tea on the retro hale.

Nearing the end of the 2nd third, and a big change... 

Now I am getting sweet black tea (the kind my mom used to make when I was young) and a bit of nutmeg, not much butter left, but still a very nice change indeed... nearing the 1 hour mark. Now a solid medium on the strength scale.

Final third:

The creamy butter is back with a vengeance and it brought sugar (maybe a bit of honey) with it, what a great combination, combining with a bit of a grassy/green tea finish... the corinthian leather is in the retro hale along with just enough white pepper to keep you on your toes... the nutmeg is still there very slightly, but just enough to linger on long after the smoke has cleared... 

Nearing the end of the final third, and there is no doubt about nubbing this one...

Strong sweet green tea at the end, with the creamy savory butter still going strong. The peppery spice has gone from white to black, and has a nice zing to it. Profile is medium full at this point, but not too strong as to wish you had a big breakfast...

As you can see, I didn't let any of this go to waste:

Notes::

• The total burn time was 2 hours and 15 minutes.

• The burn was perfect throughout, no touch-ups needed, burned cool, right up to the end.

• Changes: the first one of these I tried was over a year ago, but I remember subtle changes, almost a gradual morphing... this one had a more radical approach to it, keeping my interest throughout every puff...

• There must have been a pound of butter mixed with this stick, as I am still tasting it long after it was gone...

• Overall: fantastic cigar, very enjoyable from start to finish. Love the abrupt changes, and the savory long lasting finish.

• Pairing: the coffee was perfect, and only a few sips were needed (or desired) throughout the entire 2 hours and 15 minutes.

• Aging potential: I really cannot see how aging these much further could make this any better... I will put these in my regular rotation, and hold a few back, just to confirm if I'm right or wrong...

Score: 98/100

In 1935, Alonso Menéndez created the Montecristo brand, meaning that 2015 marked its 80th anniversary—and of course, warrants an anniversary cigar... And.. of course they are late to the party again.

Beautiful cigar, very smooth wrapper, milk chocolate, just a few very small veins:



Nice bunching:




Pairing with a coke on ice...

Warm summer evening, around 6:50 pm, and about 85 degrees outside.

I use the largest punch I could find



Initial aroma: very mild sweet hay.

Cold draw:

Very salty, with a bit of leather...

This much salt has to be from someone rolling these on a very hot humid day... Sweat is sweat, whether it is from a beautiful young virgin, or some old fat guy, but... since there is no way to really know, it's very important to create the mental image that helps you to enjoy the cigar as much as possible... I am picturing this beautiful young maiden, with glistening thighs...




Initial thought upon lighting:

Still slightly salty, muted, not much flavor... and big... very big. I start massaging my lips, to prevent stretch marks...

First third:

Perfect burn so far with a blended light and dark grey ash... the salt... its presence is still there, but now mostly on my lips... I find myself refraining from licking them, trying not to have it ruin my experience...



I was expecting an abundance of creamy smoke, which should be expected for a ring gauge of 70 (really 55, but big nonetheless) but it is not there... I try pulling a large amount of smoke and slowly let it go out my mouth and nose... still nothing...

Second third:

Still very mild, and not a lot of flavor... I find myself retroing each puff, and get a mild spice through the nose, but nothing very distinctive... I feel like I've wasted 40 minutes of my life so far with this one...

A little over halfway, and I just can't take it any longer...




I toss it into the ashtray, and think about the other 80's I have tried, which (except for the salt) were very similar to this one...


Notes:
 

• Salty
• Very, very mild
• Chunked

Score:

50/100 (Ok, I had to give it some points for the poor girl who rolled it)

Since du Prince is sadly being discontinued, I'm assessing if I should outsource a couple boxes while I'm still seeing them within Germany.

First 3rd:
Chestnuts, almonds and caramel are dominating this third. Loving the sweetness on the finish along with the pencil shavings notes.

Middle 3rd:
Almonds are still present. Starting to show some creamy notes. Really interesting hints of lemon drop at the end of this third. Semi-oaky finish.

Final 3rd:
There's still a touch of cream along with some newly-developed coffee notes. As it reached its end, slight hints of licorice are noticeable on the finish.

Solid 90 points. These skinny cigars are really pleasurable to smoke. I'll grab a couple of cabs locally since these cigars are unfortunately becoming hard to get when they do show up in 24:24.

As seen in picture, the box code is eligible.

Cohiba Gran Reserva Cosecha 2003 Siglo VI Review

Vitola: Canonazo 52 ring gauge x 150 mm or 5.9 inches

I had the opportunity to smoke this cigar a few months ago thanks to our dear friend @Trevor2118. We smoked one together and both agreed it was the best cigar we've sampled, and having sampled some exemplary cigars over the years, this is quite a statement.

What is it like? Well, picture eating a honey, vanilla and cream sweet shortbread cake, only smoking it. I read a review on-line in preparing this reference review that the Gran Reserva series are amplified versions of their blends, only more subtle and refined. This is an apt and highly accurate description of this cigar.

Like the video below, where El Pres and Smithy are both echoing each other's phrases in exemplifying how good this cigar is, I too was lost for words in adequately describing it, hence my lack of a detailed tasting review through the thirds. No matter, below are other reference threads for you to consider...

In conclusion, if you happen to be fortunate enough to be able to pick up a box of these, or even singles, do so, you certainly will not regret it!

The day after returning from a Chicago home trip, I opted to smoke a Don José as my first smoke in anticipation of a much-needed nicotine kick based on previous experience.

Beautiful construction with a near-perfect draw with pre-light notes of gingerbread.

First 3rd:

Similar to the last one I had a couple of months ago, it started off really spicy showing predominately white pepper with cinnamon and cloves. Once it settled down, the cloves diminished allowing the cinnamon to be more prominent. The finish had lingering cedar notes.

Middle 3rd: 

It mostly remained consistent with the first third (spicy profile) with the exception of pleasant nutmeg spices completely replaced the cinnamon notes. Near the middle of this third, I finally got hit with the much anticipated nicotine blast. Cedar notes remained on the finish.

Final 3rd:

Definitely, this is a full body/strength smoke that had me lightheaded. While the nutmeg notes remained noticeable, they started to fade and now overtaken by the reemergence of cinnamon. Coffee was now on full display on the persistent finish.

94 Points with upside. It's impressive how great the Don José is smoking at this young age.  This powerhouse smoke reminded me that I still have to pick up my Escepcion jar of the Selectos Finos that I've had on-hold for a couple of months now. 

I have to admit it that I'm bit disappointed that the gingerbread noted on the pre-light never made an appearance during showtime. 

I get a small window of time while my daughter has her afternoon nap so I thought it would be nice to get in a smoke today. I came around to the H. Upmann marca after some years of enjoying cigars because I think Partagas and Bolivar were my first loves.

This wasn't the best looking specimen to begin with, a few bumpy veins and it took somewhat of a beating in the humi (beat up foot and cracked above the band). A little hay smell pre-light. Once burning the draw gave a little resistance and produced plenty of smoke. Flavors in the first 1/3 cream and that Upmann spice,a pungent spice similar to an earthy cologne with an underlying sweetness. The 2/3 brought more spice and hints of leather. The last third opened with more spice but this time it was more a cinnamon and less sweet. As it burned on there were notes of espresso and cream here and there. Medium to full in body and it burned even throughout.

I have grown to LOVE an aged H. Upmann. There is a classiness in these cigars that let you know you are smoking something special.

A solid 4 smoke rings.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Review: La Flor de Cano Casanova.
Release: RE Italia 2016
Vitola: Petit Robusto. 50RG by 4.3inch (110mm)
Production: 6000 Ten count boxes made. Box # 560/6000
Box Code: PTR DIC 16

Date: August 5, 2017
Start Time: 4:04PM
End Time: 5:10PM

Reviewers Notes:
My style of cigar reviewing is “open”.  I try to jot down what I’m experiencing with every draw.  When you see a “/” consider that a break in between puffs.  What I leave out in fancy prose is made up with observation.  Consider each segment a play by play.  This style works for me. I hope you enjoy it.

Visual:  
Nice looking wrapper.  Seems firm.  This particular example has a bit of flakey wrapper damage by the foot. Therefore, It will be sacrificed first.  There are also some green spots on the wrapper.

Aroma at cold:
Sourdough.  Baking spice.  Very “fresh”, “clean” aroma.  Almost reminds me of a Hoyo de Monterrey.

First Third

Loose draw / Vegetal notes / tannic finish / chalky / flakey foot / nutmeg / dry, chalky finish / toasted almonds / tannins / good burn / vegetal, green pepper / same / finish is very tannic (like a red wine) / bitter so far / too young? / nutmeg / lots of smoke / faint cocoa notes / cocoa again / smoother finish on this draw / toasty tobacco / chalky finish / tannic / very loose draw, have to sip the cigar / cocoa / End of 1st Third

Second Third

Full bodied draw with some baking spice / ash still on / green pepper / tannic finish / cocoa, still dry on finish / green pepper & dry finish / green pepper and tannins again / cigar is becoming bitter / green pepper / tangy tobacco / bitter draw / dry finish persists / off white ash / harsh, bitter flavour / too rushed of a release perhaps? This cigar has serious rough edges / makes a lot of smoke like a Drew Estate Liga or Undercrown series cigar / slight cocoa finish / cigar loses wind, for puffs revives it / out anyways! / purge, relight.  Lit purge burns off a lot of gases / better flavour on this draw, similar to an HDM / I remove Italia Regional band / tannins again , but slight nutty after taste / green pepper / sharp, hot pepper taste lingers on the tongue / green pepper / again / toasty tobacco / End of 2nd Third

Third Third

Toasty tobacco / chalky finish / nutmeg tones return / cigar is somewhat strong / tannic tobacco / buzz comin on / bold, toasty tobacco / fizzy feeling on tongue / lots of smoke / I take the main band off / tap off ash / flakey wrapper reveals green spot on the binder / two draws of green pepper (but charry) / tannic / cigar is strong / green pepper and tannins / purge and relight again / fizzy tobacco flavour / weird fizzy tobacco notes two more times / smoke production drops / this fizziness is giving me a bit of a buzz / I curse at the airplanes that fly over every 3 minutes / toasty tobacco / chalky mouthfeel / thin wrapper flaking off here and there / hint of floral notes / nutmeg on finish / minty flavour pops up twice / toasty tobacco / smooth draw / bitter note / toasty tobacco / minty finish / tap off ash / toasty tobacco / minty / END

Conclusions , thoughts, score.

I think this release is just too young.  Green spots on the wrapper and the binder hint at rushed production and/or sub par tobacco supply.  The cigars’ main flavour profile is bitter and tannic.  I've been a big fan of Italian regionals since the La Escepcion Selecto's Finos; which were/are glorious. I passed on the PL Robusto and the RA Short Perfecto.  The La Escepcion Don Jose turned out to be an excellent cigar.  The Flor de Cano Casanova to me, does not deliver.  I did not hate the PL and RA Italian RE's. They just didn't excite me.  They smoked well in that there were no offputting flavours dominating the experience.  The Casanova though does not fit into that mould. It just made me shake my head.  This was a rough cigar to smoke.  It's dominant flavour profile was tannic and bitter.  That is not a good sign.  I get the impression the tobacco used was taken the moment it looked ready and then rolled. 

Cuba has been flooding the market with this vitola which makes one wonder just how hard they were hit the past few years on the crop yields in terms of quantity and quality.  I don't hate this vitola, there are some good cigars that share it.  The packaging, the band is nicely done.  The product inside is not ready for prime time.  There is a small glimmer of hope though. If the tobacco within was not allowed to fully mature, then perhaps over time, this cigar can smoothen its' rough edges and make for a much better smoking experience.  I hope that is the case. I didn't go too deep on these, but I'm not looking forward to smoking 14 more of these if they're going to behave as this one did.   

As for the score. Given the underwhelming performance in "the now" I'm going to have to give it an 82 . 

I can only hope time is kind to these.  I personally won't smoke another for at least two years.

Thanks for reading.

BW.

Originally, I wanted to smoke a Corona Especial, but it started raining and my 90-minute smoking window was shortened to only 30 minutes. 

This turned out to be is a solid 25 minute cigar. Outstanding contruction that resulted in a nice draw that prevented any major overheating during the smoking duration. 

Although I was expecting this cigar to be a one-dimensional smoke, I was pleasantly surprised that it actually delivered some complexity.  It primarily showed medium-roasted coffee notes through out its length with a consistent cedar finish. There were also some hints of cream on the first half. 

85  points. Surprisingly, this little cigar turned out to be an enjoyable medium body and strength smoke.

So @LordAnubis sent a few over and I thought I would try. 

Not entirely certain it counts as a regional, but it is exclusivo to a region per se.

Cold drawer is delightful with a hint of Madeira cake, but a touch on the easy side.

Burn is perfect.

The choicest tobacco was used for these.

Very floral. Huge smoke output. A touch above medium. Maybe medium to full in body.

Love the shape.

Love Khalil for sending them.

Gonna give it 93.5!

And use it for my sublime selfie too! Two birds one cigar. 

Sorry for the sideways shots but I have given up on tapatalk!

Paired it with a Guinness for what it's worth. 

This is the last of this box code in my possession, unfortunately. This delicate Colorado wrapped robusto sized cigar is impeccably rolled, with perfect draw. From my experience these lighter reddish wrappers have been absolutely delicious, so I had high expectations.

Igniting this attractive cigar released plumes of rich oaky smoke, signaling the start of a sensual flavor journey. The early flavor profile is earthy and slightly sweet with a hint of cinnamon. Body starts out as moderately medium.

My chosen libation, a Guinness Rye Pale Ale, has endeared itself to me as a nice treat from an 18 pack sampler I picked up. The slightly bitter richly hopped ale is a good refreshing drink to cleanse the palate.

The second third amped the body slightly, and the rich oaky aroma was joined with Cuban twang, proving very pleasing to my nasal senses. The flavor is incredibly balanced now with some cedar tones, and what seemed like sweet paprika wafting in periodically.

The last third continues to evolve slightly, and remained pretty cool. I've been trying to smoke slower of late, which helps keep the cigar cool, but sometimes leads to extinguished cigars. Not this SD4, it has burned flawlessly, and never once extinguished. Towards the end the flavor continued to alternate cinnamon and paprika in and out. Lovely!

I wish I had more from this cab of SD4, they have been rewarding. 2002 continues to prove it was one of the best years for Cuban production.

I rate this a solid 9 out of 10 on my personal scale, a delicious and solid medium bodied cigar, moderately complex, and quite fulfilling.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Against my better judgement (cigar being only 9 months old), I decided to light up one of the CCS from one of my two boxes that I recently purchased. But for cigar-aging-sake, I gotta get a reference point.

Impecable contruction and beautiful chocolate wrapper. 

First 3rd:

Quite muted at the beginning of first third showing mainly oaky and cedar notes and some coffee notes. The only thing going in the right direction for this cigar was the lack of any ammonia signs. First impression was that it was just too young. In fairness, I was just going to leave it unrated and put the boxes in the "do not touch for a minimum of two years" category.

Middle 3rd:
Wow! During its transition from first to second third, it suddenly opened up turning itself into a creamy and semi-sweet smoke. Wow! Very pronounced cream coffee that was quickly being complemented with tons of nuttiness, more specifically hazelnut and pecan notes. The finish had persistent Nutella-like notes. Wow, what an unexpected transformation! At this point, I unrealistically wanted this smoke to remain this way until the very end. 

Final third.  
The Creaminess and specially the nutty notes continued into the final third. At this point, it was hazelnut galore with vanilla lingering in the background. Oak and vanilla notes were now dominating the finish. Again, I truly didn't want this experience to end. And just when I thought I wasn't going to be surprised anymore, it suddenly revealed its well-hidden full strength when I experienced a big nicotine rush at around 10 minutes into this final third.

95 points and I might be under rating it. I rarely smoke a cigar into the lip-burning stages, but I just couldn't put this one away. Not sure which factory is "LAU", but I'm going to seek a couple more boxes with the LAU code to age. Due to its young age, I was speechless when it finally did open up. It's going to be really hard to stay away from my current boxes.

On hearing the front door slam I knew my girlfriend had left for work, and it was time to begin what I had been looking forward to all week-to smoke a Robaina Don Alejandro for the first time.  I was lucky enough to buy one here in the uk with a bit of age on it, as I have been reading they need at least 3 years on them to shine.
It was a lovely sunny day for a change, and I settled in the back garden with a couple of bottles of cider.

The cold draw was offered sweet tobacco, and a medium to firm draw.

1st third
Sweet chocolate from the start, in a creamy smoke, lovely. Just under medium bodied.
Some hints of nuttiness too, like roasted almonds and wonderful aroma.

2nd third
Earthy nutty aroma stronger, less creamy body, also stronger in taste.

Last third
The creamy nuttiness gave way to a peppery black coffee, bit like a partagas d4 in my opinion, and a big nicotine hit which needed me to chase down something sweet. Totally full bodied at the end.
I loved this cigar, and I took my time with it. It lasted 2 1/2 hours (and needing 3 bottles of cider with it) and I wished it would have lasted longer !.It never went out, and only needed 2 touchups to correct the burn.  There were definate flavour transitions as you smoked it, which is not always what I experience with other cigars even though others do.

Can't wait to get a full box while they are still available.