Ramon Allones Hunters & Frankau 225 Aniversario
Two and a quarter centuries. That's how long Hunters & Frankau has been importing Cuban cigars to British shores, making them the oldest cigar merchant in the United Kingdom and one of the most storied names in the trade. When a company reaches such a milestone, a standard release simply will not do. This Gordito, created exclusively by Ramón Allones to commemorate the occasion, stands as testament to that philosophy—a cigar that carries the weight of history in every draw while remaining distinctly, proudly itself.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|
| Vitola | Gorditos |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Length | 141mm (5.5") |
| Factory | Partagás, Havana |
| Strength | Medium |
| Wrapper | Cuban |
| Box Count | Single |
A Celebration Written in Smoke
Ramón Allones has always been the connoisseur's choice among Cuban marcas—a brand that rewards patience and attention with layers of complexity that lesser cigars simply cannot muster. Founded in 1837 by the Galician immigrant of the same name, the house pioneered the concept of the "premium" cigar, introducing the idea of branding and packaging as we know it today. This independent spirit, this refusal to chase mass appeal in favor of depth and character, made Ramón Allones the natural partner for Hunters & Frankau's quarter-millennium celebration.
Rolled at the legendary Partagás factory in Havana, this 2015 limited edition was produced in strictly numbered quantities—just 1,100 to 2,000 boxes worldwide, with an additional 225 specially commissioned humidors containing four boxes each. The Gordito format, essentially a robusto extra, offers enough girth to showcase the blend's complexity while remaining approachable enough for contemplation rather than endurance. It is a cigar that asks to be understood, not merely smoked.
The Tasting Experience
First Light
The opening reveals a creamy, textured smoke that coats the palate with surprising gentleness. There is an immediate presence of toasted almonds and dry cedar, underscored by a subtle honeyed sweetness that suggests the cigar knows exactly where it is heading. The draw offers just enough resistance—firm but never laborious—producing volumes of aromatic smoke that hint at the craftsmanship behind the blend.
The Journey
As the burn progresses past the first third, the Ramón Allones character begins to assert itself with quiet authority. The creaminess evolves into richer territory: espresso beans with a touch of brown sugar, leather that has been warmed by sun, and a mineral quality that speaks to the Vuelta Abajo soil. A thread of black pepper runs through the center, never dominating but always present, providing structure to the increasingly complex flavor architecture.
The Finale
The final act brings everything into focus. The medium-bodied foundation remains steady, but the flavors deepen into dark chocolate and roasted coffee, with occasional flashes of dried fruit and a pleasant earthiness. The pepper recedes, making room for a lingering finish of oak and sweet spice. It is a conclusion that feels earned—a resolution rather than an ending.
Who It's For
This is a cigar for the contemplative smoker, the one who treats each lighting as an occasion rather than a habit. It suits the collector who understands that limited editions are not merely about scarcity, but about capturing a specific moment in time. The Hunters & Frankau 225 Aniversario asks for an hour of undivided attention, perhaps on a quiet Sunday afternoon or as the capstone to a meal shared with fellow enthusiasts who appreciate that some things cannot be rushed.
Pairing Suggestion
A aged Dominican rum with notes of toffee and oak will mirror the cigar's sweeter tendencies while standing up to its earthier passages. Alternatively, a well-steeped English Breakfast tea offers a more temperate companion that allows the blend's subtleties to remain in focus.
