Ramón Allones Gran Robusto Edición Regional Benelux 2008

The Benelux region has been a loyal market for Habanos, and the Ramón Allones Gran Robusto ER 2008 rewarded that loyalty with a generous release: 2,000 numbered boxes of 25 cigars plus 600 cabinets of 50 — approximately 65,000 cigars in total. At 155mm × 50 ring gauge (6.1 inches), it sits in the Robusto Extra vitola, essentially a stretched robusto with more tobacco and complexity than the flagship Specially Selected.

What it tastes like

The Gran Robusto walks the line between the compact Specially Selected and the grand Gigantes. The 50 ring gauge mirrors the Specially Selected's girth but extends the smoke time to 60-plus minutes with a 6-inch length. Cedar and leather arrive first, settling into a coffee-forward middle with smooth, earthy undertones. The house spice is present but restrained compared to the full-strength limited editions — this is a more approachable, medium-full expression of the Ramón Allones character, suited to afternoons rather than late evenings.

Benelux market and ER context

The Edición Regional program, launched in 2005, allows specific markets to commission exclusive sizes and blends from Habanos S.A. The Benelux release — Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg — reflects those countries' appreciation for the mid-size, sophisticated smoke. With well over a decade of aging on original stock, surviving boxes show the integrated, softened-spice character that distinguishes matured Cuban leaf.

This is a great cigar for smokers ready to move beyond entry-level Cuban offerings. Our cigar strength guide maps the journey. Log your Benelux ER smokes in the Casa DNC app with condition and aroma notes. For context on Cuban tobacco versus other New World regions, see our Cuban vs. Nicaraguan cigars comparison.