Serafin de Cuba Cigars Inc, recently announced the release of their newest offering- the Don Ramon 1917 series cigar, in honor of brand owner Arnold Serafin’s grandfather Don Ramon Serafin Sr. This release follows the first release of the Don Ramon 1942 series which Serafin made in honor of his father back in 2020 who was also named Ramon. The new Don Ramon 1917 is a limited edition small batch cigar rolled in the Serafin factory in Florida.
Expressed in a classic, Cuban style Churchill (7 x 48), finished with a pigtail cap and folded foot, the Don Ramon 1917 are rolled by grade 9 master Cuban rollers.
The company notes these limited production cigars are a blend of all Cuban seed Nicaraguan tobaccos grown in Jalapa, Condega and Esteli finished in a beautiful Rare Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper. They are a mild-medium blend and make a very smooth smoke.
Production is limited to 1,200 twenty-count boxes and have a suggested retail of $12.00/cigar or $240.00/box.
Pre-Light Examination
The Serie Don Ramon 1917 is a well constructed dark tan cigar that is smooth to the touch and firmly packed with just the right give. There are minimal veins running along the barrel. The cigar is neatly finished with a closed foot and a pig tail cap.
A single band adorns the cigar. It proudly displays “Tabacos Serafin” across the top in bright gold along with an image of Arnold Serafin’s Grandfather Don Ramon. The name Serie Don Ramon 1917 is printed across the bottom.
Running the cigar along the nose I did not get much aroma along the barrel but the foot exudes pleasant woody earthy notes.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap perfectly and gave it some cold draw puffs that offered enticing notes off buttery oak and black pepper.
I used my single flame torch to warm the foot which took quickly to the heat with the closed leaf across it as I drew in a natural tobacco sweetness to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial light offers a natural tobacco sweetness
- Creamy coffee notes join the profile quickly
- Mild vanilla aromas waft off the foot
- The smoke volume is fairly full on each puff
- A light grey ash forms on top of a medium thick and mildly wavy char line
- There is a slight zing on the tongue
- Ash drops in a nice stacking dimes chunk, revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Coffee notes grow a bit moving through the second third
- The midway brings an added spice note to the profile
- Tangy fruit notes join the mix
- The burn has been well behaved reflecting the fine construction
- Slight saltiness builds on the profile keeps the palate liquified
- The final adds interesting and unexpected umami notes
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 50 minutes
Final Analysis
The Serafin de Cuba – Serie Don Ramon 1917 was another fine product coming out of the small boutique cigar factory in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The profile started with pleasant coffee and natural sweetness with a conjoined vanilla like aroma that had my palate hooked through the first third. The coffee intensified a bit moving through the second third, but it did have a slight “zing” on the palate. As the profile developed a pleasant spice and tangy fruit took me through the second third. The profile seemed to change rather dramatically int he final as a saltiness entered along with unexpected umami notes. I have to say this cigar was like two cigars in one. The first half was like having dessert before the main course and the second half was more like the main course. Interesting to say the least. I would also think this may age well and I may revisit this again later in the year to see. This is worth grabbing a fiver of. I rate this a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild wave; (-1) Flat but centered burn cone; (-1) Mild Zing Deep In First Third
