A.J. Fernandez is undoubtedly the "go-to-guy" in the industry for reinvigorating classic Cuban cigar lines with strong, Nicaraguan blends. Ramon Allones is a perfect example. Owned by General Cigar, Ramon Allones was never very successful in the United States, so Fernandez wanted to see if he could succeed where General could not. What he came up with was a purely Nicaraguan cigar made with a blend of Corojo '98, Criollo '99, medio tiempo and a hybrid tobacco that he grows in Estelí. General still owns the trademark, but they've turned over both manufacturing and distribution of Ramon Allones to Fernandez, who has given splendid new life to a cigar brand that definitely deserves it.