What is the history of Ramón Allones cigars and when was the brand founded?

Ramón Allones was founded in 1837 by brothers Ramón and Antonio Allones in Havana, Cuba, making it one of the oldest cigar brands still in production. The brothers pioneered modern cigar marketing by being the first to package cigars in decorative boxes with colorful lithographed labels. The brand was acquired by the Partagás factory in the 1920s and remains there today under Habanos S.A. ownership. Production continues in Cuba with the original factory code "BG" for Francisco Pérez Germán.

What do Ramón Allones cigars taste like and what is their typical flavor profile?

Ramón Allones cigars are known for a medium-to-full bodied profile with distinctive earthy and leathery core flavors. Expect notes of cedar, roasted coffee, dark cocoa, and subtle spice with a characteristic sweet undertone that develops through the smoke. The brand uses tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region, with the Specially Selected (Robusto, 124mm x 50) being the benchmark vitola. Compared to other Partagás-made cigars, Ramón Allones tends toward richer, more complex sweetness rather than pure strength.

What are the different Ramón Allones cigar bands and how have they changed over time?

The standard Ramón Allones band features a red and gold color scheme with the brand name in distinctive serif lettering, often with "Habana" and "Desde 1837" text. The band shown in the article image represents the "Standard Band A" design used for slender ring gauge cigars, measuring proportionally narrower than bands for thicker formats. Regional edition releases carry additional secondary bands indicating their limited market. The core design has remained remarkably consistent since the mid-20th century, with minor typography adjustments, preserving the brand's classic Cuban heritage aesthetic.

What is the history of Ramón Allones cigars and when was the brand founded?

Ramón Allones was founded in 1837 by brothers Ramón and Antonio Allones in Havana, Cuba, making it one of the oldest cigar brands still in production. The brothers pioneered modern cigar marketing by being the first to package cigars in decorative boxes with colorful lithographed labels. The brand was acquired by the Partagás factory in the 1920s and remains there today under Habanos S.A. ownership. Production continues in Cuba with the original factory code "BG" for Francisco Pérez Germán.

What do Ramón Allones cigars taste like and what is their typical flavor profile?

Ramón Allones cigars are known for a medium-to-full bodied profile with distinctive earthy and leathery core flavors. Expect notes of cedar, roasted coffee, dark cocoa, and subtle spice with a characteristic sweet undertone that develops through the smoke. The brand uses tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region, with the Specially Selected (Robusto, 124mm x 50) being the benchmark vitola. Compared to other Partagás-made cigars, Ramón Allones tends toward richer, more complex sweetness rather than pure strength.

What are the different Ramón Allones cigar bands and how have they changed over time?

The standard Ramón Allones band features a red and gold color scheme with the brand name in distinctive serif lettering, often with "Habana" and "Desde 1837" text. The band shown in the article image represents the "Standard Band A" design used for slender ring gauge cigars, measuring proportionally narrower than bands for thicker formats. Regional edition releases carry additional secondary bands indicating their limited market. The core design has remained remarkably consistent since the mid-20th century, with minor typography adjustments, preserving the brand's classic Cuban heritage aesthetic.

Brand History

Ramón Allones

Ramón Allones Cigar Bands: A Visual History

Standard Band A - For Slender Ring Cigars Image

The decorative bands adorning Ramón Allones cigars tell a fascinating story of the brand's evolution through the decades. These paper rings, wrapped around each cigar, serve as both authentication marks and collectors' items in their own right. The progression of band designs reflects changes in manufacturing techniques, regional marketing strategies, and the brand's enduring commitment to presentation.

Standard Band Classifications

Early Named Version of Standard Band C - Club Coronas Image

Ramón Allones has employed several distinct standard band designs throughout its history, each marking a particular era of production. Understanding these variations helps collectors and enthusiasts date their cigars and appreciate the brand's heritage.

Phoenicia 30 Aniversario Regional Edition Band for Lebanon (Líbano) Image

Special "90 Aniversario Sr. Henry" Regional Edition band for Germany. Image

Band Type	Period of Use	Status	Characteristics
Standard Band A	Pre-1960s to approximately 2005	Discontinued	Designed for slender ring gauge cigars; non-embossed finish
Standard Band B	Pre-1960s to approximately 1972	Discontinued	Features embossed detailing
Standard Band C	Approximately 1972 to approximately 2008	Discontinued	Embossed design
Standard Band D	2006 onward (Regional); circa 2008 onward (Standard)	Current	Enhanced detailing with embossing; updated text elements

Special Noellas band based on standard band B. Image

Special and Regional Edition Bands

Early Red Version of Standard Band B Image

Beyond the standard designs, Ramón Allones has produced several distinctive bands for special releases and regional exclusives. These limited-edition bands often draw inspiration from historical designs while commemorating specific occasions or markets.

Club Coronas Named Band: An early variant of Standard Band C that prominently featured the vitola name, creating a personalized presentation for this particular format.
Phoenicia 30 Aniversario Regional Edition: Created for the Lebanese market (marked as "Líbano" on the band), this special design pays homage to Standard Band B by replicating its classic aesthetic for the 30th anniversary celebration.
90 Aniversario Sr. Henry: A specially commissioned band produced for the German market, honoring the nine-decade milestone with unique design elements befitting the occasion.
Special Noellas Band: Drawing inspiration from Standard Band B, this design was created specifically for the Noellas vitola.
Private Stock 230 Band: A distinctive band design created for the Private Stock 230 release.

Classic and Vintage Bands

Among the most sought-after by collectors are the early band designs that predate modern production. The Early Red Version of Standard Band B represents one such treasure, produced prior to 1960 and featuring embossed detailing. This design has long since been retired from production, making surviving examples particularly valuable to those who appreciate the brand's historical artifacts.

The transition from these early red-toned designs to the contemporary Standard Band D demonstrates Ramón Allones' commitment to evolving its visual identity while maintaining the dignified appearance that has distinguished the brand for generations.

Questions & Answers

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