RA Extra LE = NC?

[AlohaStyle]

With all the great reviews/talk of the Ramon Allones Allones Extra LE... I still can't keep from thinking that this is just a cuban version of a Nicaraguan cigar. A lot of the CC smokers are raving about this cigar, the darkness of wrapper, the flavor etc, but I keep thinking it's a Nicarguan cigar disguised in a cuban brand. I've only smoked one so far so I don't have a lot to go on, but I literally coughed on the first puff I took and thought holy crap this is a flavor bomb like NC's!

So with all the "rumors" about the possibility of Cuba using NC tobacco, does anyone else think about this possibility? I'm definitely not being a conspiracy theorist here and really think there is non-cuban tobacco in them, but these come as close as possible IMO. I just think it's kind of ironic that I see some guys hype up this cigar that totally snub their noses at NC cigars.

Thoughts?

 

[njstone]

It's possible they use Nicaraguan tobacco, of course. I think it's more likely that HSA is trying to bring some stronger cigars into their linup, which I think is an excellent idea. Back in the day, many Cubans were balls-to-the-wall strong. NC-strength with CC-flavors? Sounds like a winner to me.

 

[hdlr]

I've smoked a few of these and don't see the comparison. While they're very flavorful they don't taste like any Nic cigar I've ever had. I also don't find them to be strong at all.

 

[orangedog]

I didn't get a lot of strength out of them like something Pepin rolled, but I did comment (later retracted) that these are the most Nic-like sticks I've had out of Cuba. The tobacco tastes Cuban, just a bunch of pepper and mixed spices.

I've only had one (courtesy of Surprise!), will give the other a try.

If you're a Nic smoker and want to transition to CCs, this seems like the stick that meets in the middle.

 

[gibbleguts]

I did say the same thing with the first one I smoked. It just didn't taste cuban to me. Not that it wasn't a good cigar or tasted nicaraguan just different.


Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Skitalets]

I did say the same thing with the first one I smoked. It just didn't taste cuban to me. Not that it wasn't a good cigar or tasted nicaraguan just different.

I've only had one, but this was my experience too. Not that it was bad, but I would have thought it was a (very high quality) fake if not for the reliable source.

 

[icehog3]

I have smoked 3, and my thoughts is that some similarity to NC flavor may come from the wrapper, but I am not sure. What I am sure of is that it doesn't seem to have a typical Ramon Allones profile in any way (at least to my tastes).

 

[Bass man]

I've smoked one. While it does not have a typical RA profile, it does have a common Cuban LE profile. I find many LEs taste similar, probably from the wrapper used.

 

[smokinghole]

LOL it's cause it's from the place CCs come from made with Nic tobacco.

COME ON I HAD TO SAY IT! :rolling:

 

[icehog3]

I've smoked one. While it does not have a typical RA profile, it does have a common Cuban LE profile. I find many LEs taste similar, probably from the wrapper used.

Agreed, has that typical EL wrapper. That's not necessarily a good thing IMHO.

 

[KPP]

This stick has been hard to refrain from purchasing....it's always there, available, taunting me.

The longer I've waited however, and the more info that has come out over time (such as this thread), the more I'm happy that I chose to pass.

Hopefully age will be good to these for those that bought em and didn't care for em initially.

 

[icehog3]

This stick has been hard to refrain from purchasing....it's always there, available, taunting me.

The longer I've waited however, and the more info that has come out over time (such as this thread), the more I'm happy that I chose to pass.

Hopefully age will be good to these for those that bought em and didn't care for em initially.

One of the boxes I ordered in a split got seized, and I opted for the refund. The other recent RA REs (and the Superiores) are all better than this cigar for my palate, so I'll spend my money of those.

 

[SurpriseMVP]

decided to smoke another one of these today after reading this thread. I agree that the first third really tastes like a NC. It smooths out later and some more Cuban tobacco profiles come through. I too believe it's the wrapper as I got some of the same flavor from a 1966. Either way it has it's place in my rotation but I will not be picking up another box to age with so many other stellar sticks available right now.

 

[mk05]

The RA E reminds me of the monte c. I liked them enough to buy boxes.

Does it really matter what tobacco as long as you like it? Just my stance on it.

 

[vivalanation734]

I really want to try this stick, but it's just a tad too expensive right now. Hopefully the prices will come down a little bit on them. I love everything RA and this interesting blend intrigues me. I still doubt the NC claims though...

 

[gibbleguts]

I really want to try this stick, but it's just a tad too expensive right now. Hopefully the prices will come down a little bit on them. I love everything RA and this interesting blend intrigues me. I still doubt the NC claims though...

Expensive? I have a couple of boxes as I figured for $6.50 a stick tough to pass up

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[njstone]

Expensive? I have a couple of boxes as I figured for $6.50 a stick tough to pass up

Posted via Mobile Device

Lol, bragger!

 

[vivalanation734]

Expensive? I have a couple of boxes as I figured for $6.50 a stick tough to pass up

Posted via Mobile Device

That's a pretty nice deal lol.... not the $11 or so I would be paying.

EDIT: they aren't expensive compared to most of the Nicaraguan cigars I smoke, but in terms of Cubans they are pretty pricey, especially since most sources only sell by the box.

 

[ciggy]

Expensive? I have a couple of boxes as I figured for $6.50 a stick tough to pass up

Posted via Mobile Device

$6.50...Say whaaaaaaat? What you talking about Willis!?

 

[e-man67]

It has the typical EL maduro wrapper that makes it more of a powerhouse which can be attributed with NCs. The new Hoyo short piramides are the same. I think they are fantastic and way better than any NC.