Archive for the ‘illusione’ Category

Illusione mj12 Maduro

Tuesday, August 20th, 2013

I recall liking the non-maduro version of the mj12, so I figured it was time to try this one. The black paper wrapper caught my eye. I admit it, sometimes I’m a sucker for presentation. It just looked cool. There is always a story behind the names of Illusione cigars. I’m far too lazy to post it here, but a quick Google search will yield results, if you’re curious.

 

Wrapper: San Andreas Maduro

Binder & Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 6 x 54

Price: $9.95

1 Illusione_mj12_Maduro cigars

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

A wrapper looked really nice. It was shiny, oily, and had nice variations in color. What can I say, it was pretty. The odor was cedar and earth. There were some minor variations in the firmness of the cigar, but nothing of concern. The draw had slight resistance, and had a floral, woody, and earthy flavor.

The ash held for around one inch, and the burn required quite a few corrections.

2 Illusione_mj12_Maduro cigars

Flavor:

The first third quickly ramped up with flavor. Up first was a sweet, bitter cocoa. Think cooking chocolate here. Retrohaling revealed pepper, with just enough kick to make it enjoyable. Up next were earthy and woody notes, along with black coffee.

3 Illusione_mj12_Maduro cigars

The second third had more of a peppery bite. The cocoa calmed down a bit, which allowed espresso to really stand out. Like before, there was cedar, and slight earthy notes. The aftertaste was thick, and had a floral tone.

4 Illusione_mj12_Maduro cigars

The last third kept the same flavor profile as the second. The only difference was in strength. The flavors stood out more, and everything had more kick. It was simply stronger.

5 Illusione_mj12_Maduro cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good full bodied cigar. It had bold flavors, and it was plenty strong. I could see the pepper turning some people off. I wouldn’t push this on a new smoker, or someone who doesn’t like a full bodied cigar. But, after a good meal, I think this would go nicely. I’ll revisit this for sure.

Illusione mj12

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Illusione… This boutique brand has yet to make a blend I don’t like. Sure, some blends are better than others, but I have yet to have one I didn’t like. I haven’t smoked an mj12 in quite some time, so I thought it was time to revisit this cigar. I picked up a couple from Ed’s shop and got to it…

 

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder & Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 6 x 54

Price: $9.75

1 Illusione_mj12 cigars

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was rugged looking, yet velvety smooth. There were some good sized veins but no flaws to be seen. The smell of the wrapper was barnyard. The foot had more of a sweetness with a tingly spice. Overall the cigar was evenly packed, and was rock solid to the touch. The pre-light draw had some resistance, but not too much. The cold draw had a hearty sweetness woth a woody flavor.

The burn required several good sized corrections, and the ash held for around an inch.

2 Illusione_mj12 cigars

Flavor:

The first third started off with cedar, but quickly ramped up. There was coffee, cedar, and a nice peppery zing, especially when passing smoke through the sinus. A sweet dark chocolate joined in after about 1 inch in. The aftertaste reflected the same flavors, and it lingered for awhile after exhaling. At this point no flavor really stood out over the other. It was just a nice combination.

3 Illusione_mj12 cigars

The second third had the flavors I mentioned before… Coffee with a dark chocolaty note. I say this often, but it’s worth repeating. I don’t mean chocolate that you get in a regular Hershey’s bar or milk chocolate. I am referring to dark chocolate or cooking chocolate. Anyway… The peppery spice calmed down and lost some of it’s zing. Wispy notes of cedar were noticed from time to time. The smoke was crisp and dry, with a lingering aftertaste. The body increased slightly, but remained in the medium to upper medium range.

4 Illusione_mj12 cigars

The last third kept pace with the second third. The flavors seemed fuller and sweetness stood out a little more than before. But basically it was the same flavors in varying strengths. Saying anything more would be repetitive. It was good.

5 Illusione_mj12 cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good medium to full bodied cigar. The flavors were well blended and refined. My only complaints are with the burn and the price. One side of this cigar wanted to burn faster than the other. If left unattended I feared it would canoe. Despite my complaints, I have, and will revisit this cigar again. They all don’t burn badly, but they all taste good.

Illusione Epernay

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Ed and I finally blocked off some time and got together with Stogie Review founding member Walt. For the past couple of reviews, we’ve been moonlighting with Mike over at MikesStogies.com. While I can guarantee we’ll do more with him, we thought it was time to go back where it all started – The Stogie Review. This video review is posted here basically for archive purposes, like all of our guest spots on StogieReview.com.

!TheSEt

I’ve been a fan of the Illusione Epernay for awhile now. It was only recently that Mike from MikesStogies.com turned Ed and I on to the Le Monde size. Once Ed started carrying the Illusione lines, it was only a matter of time before we reviewed this cigar. There isn’t a lot I can say except it is an exceptional smoke with plenty of flavor. This cigar delivered, period.

So block off 26 minutes of your time and see what Walt, Ed, and I thought of the Illusione Epernay.

 

MP3 Audio Only

Illusione Epernay

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Ed and I finally blocked off some time and got together with Stogie Review founding member Walt. For the past couple of reviews, we’ve been moonlighting with Mike over at MikesStogies.com. While I can guarantee we’ll do more with him, we thought it was time to go back where it all started – The Stogie Review. This video review is posted here basically for archive purposes, like all of our guest spots on StogieReview.com.

!TheSEt

I’ve been a fan of the Illusione Epernay for awhile now. It was only recently that Mike from MikesStogies.com turned Ed and I on to the Le Monde size. Once Ed started carrying the Illusione lines, it was only a matter of time before we reviewed this cigar. There isn’t a lot I can say except it is an exceptional smoke with plenty of flavor. This cigar delivered, period.

So block off 26 minutes of your time and see what Walt, Ed, and I thought of the Illusione Epernay.

MP3 Audio Only

Illusione Nostros

Sunday, October 31st, 2010

The Nostros is a collaboration between Illusione and Drew Estates. You may know Drew Estates as the maker of the infused Acid cigars. This time around, they went with a more traditional blend with no additives. I am a fan of most of the Illusione lines, so I thought this would definitely be worth trying. I paired this cigar with water and offer you my thoughts.

 

Wrapper: Corojo 99

Binder: Connecticut Habano

Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Robusto 5 x 50

Price: Around $8.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper looked nice, with barely any flaws and small veins. The smell of the wrapper was cedar and sweet earthiness. Overall the cigar was well packed, with a few soft and hard spots here and there. The pre-light draw had a slight resistance, which was just about perfect. The taste of the pre-light draw was interesting and unique. It was woody with almost a fruity type flavor combined with natural tobacco.

The burn required a few minor corrections, and the ash held for just about an inch.

1IllusioneNostros 

Flavor:

The first third was easy and had a nice peppery punch. Wood was the dominant flavor, and slight sweet and earthy notes lingered in the background.

2IllusioneNostros 

The second third seemed to open up a bit and felt richer (for lack of a better word). That nice pepper was still there and noticeable when passing smoke through the nose. An chocolaty type of sweetness was very noticeable, but wood was still the most dominant flavor.

3IllusioneNostros 

The pepper mellowed out a little in the last third and became more of a sweet spice. The overall flavor profile was sweet and mocha-ish. Woodiness was up next, and occasionally earthy notes would appear. The smoke coated the inside of the mouth and lingered for a nice aftertaste. Throughout this cigar, smoke volume had been plentiful.

4IllusioneNostros 

Conclusion:

This was a good medium bodied cigar. It didn’t wow me, and the $8.00 price tag is a little steep. But in the end it was an enjoyable, slow burning, and relaxing. I think it is worth picking up a five pack and judging for yourself. Not a bad cigar.

Illusione eccj

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

It has been a shitty week, REAL shitty, so I was more then happy to sit down and smoke a couple cigars to prepare for today’s review. When things suck, sit down with a good smoke. At least you can escape for that nice little slice of time.

What does ECCJ stand for? It means “European Cigar Cult Journal” and is very limited in production. A quick Google search will get you more info. This cigar was given to me by my pal Matt, whom you’ve seen me review a few cigars with. We intended on reviewing this together in a video, but distance (he moved to NY) and time have put a damper on that idea. After about 7 months in the humidor, he gave me the green light to go ahead and smoke the eccj’s on my own. As always, I paired this cigar with PUR filtered water.

 

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder/Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 5 5/8 x 46

Price: Around $9.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper had a nice dark appearance with minimal flaws. The wrapper and foot gave off a sweet cedary odor. Overall it was very well packed and firm, and slightly more loose towards the foot. Despite this, the pre-light draw was free with slight resistance. Like the smell of the cigar, the pre-light draw had a sweet cedary note with a fine natural tobacco taste.

The burn requires a couple minor adjustments, and the ash held for an inch.

1Illusioneeccj

 

Flavor:

First third: There is a nice “Nic-Zing” right from the start. What I mean is a flavor or smoke feel common in tobacco from Nicaragua. When passing smoke though the nose, a nice smooth yet zingy pepper was undeniable. There were slight earthy notes way in the background. Probably the most noticeable flavor was cedar. The smoke feel became thick with a nice lingering aftertaste that coated the mouth.

2Illusioneeccj

The second third crept up slightly in body, lingering between medium and full bodied. While the woody/cedar flavor was still in front, it took on a sweet note. The sweetness combined with the thick smoke feel reminded me of caramel. That peppery zing was always present, but really smoothed out to a sweet spicy note.

3Illusioneeccj

The last third crept into the full bodied range. The core flavors were caramel and cedar. That nice sweet peppery spice was still there when exhaling through the nose. The smoke feel grew even thicker and lingered long after the draw was expelled. Everything was rich and full flavored. Really nice.

4Illusioneeccj

Conclusion:

Wow this was a really good medium to full bodied cigar. It is unfortunate that they are so limited in production. My only complaint is the price. But in this case, I think you get your monies worth with this slow burner. A great way to end a shitty week!

Illusione f9

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

So far I’ve basically enjoyed every Illusione cigar I’ve ever had. Whenever I run across them, I tend to pick a few up. Such was the case with tonight’s review, called the f9. There is a story behind the name, but I am too lazy to write about it. Why reinvent the wheel? You can get the scoop from the Illusione website. As always, I paired up with water and sparked it up.

 

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder & Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 6.25 x 44

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The dark brown wrapper had a few medium sized veins, and was a little rugged looking. I could smell cedar when sniffing the wrapper and foot. The pre-light draw had an earthy, cedary taste. The cigar was pretty firm when pinched, but still produced a draw that was free.

The ash held for around an inch, and I did a couple minor burn corrections.

1IllusioneF9

 

Flavor:

The first third had a decent amount of smoke volume. It bordered on having a creamy feel. Despite the smoke feel, a dry woody flavor was the most noticeable. I got a good spicy pepper when passing the smoke through the nose.

2IllusioneF9

The smoke feel became creamy, and kept the large smoke volume I spoke of before. The pepper became very smooth but kept that Nicaraguan bite. The woodiness remained but seemed to have a more rich complexity that I can’t describe. There was a sweet tinge along with a unique flavor that once again I couldn’t pin down. The flavors were thick and coated the inside of the mouth. Lip smacking good.

3IllusioneF9

The last third might have crept into the full bodied range. The smoke volume didn’t change, nor did the creaminess. It just coated the inside of the mouth and the aftertaste lingered. The pepper really mellowed out. It became very smooth and didn’t have quite as much bite. That rich woody flavor remained and became very sweet. The sweetness left a slight tingle on the lips. I am stretching here, but I think I picked up some salty notes as well.

4IllusioneF9

Conclusion:

This was a very good medium to full bodied cigar. I think my review doesn’t do it justice. There were other things going on that I just can’t describe. The bottom line is, I really enjoyed this and have to suggest you pick some up.

Illusione CG:4

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Filling in for Jerry’s Thursday spot over at The Stogie Review, Matt, Reg, and I try the Illusione CG:4. I posted the review here for archive purposes. Make sure to check out The Stogie Review by clicking HERE!

MP3 Audio

Illusione Epernay

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Up for review today is another creation from Dion Giolito. I’ve enjoyed the Illusione brands so far, and figured it was time to test out the Epernay. I paired this cigar with water. Without further adieu, I offer you my thoughts.

 

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo

Binder/Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Petite Corona 4.5 x 44

Price: Around $6.00

 

Pre-smoke & Construction:

Giving the cigar a once over, I found the wrapper to be a bit rugged looking, with a few larger sized veins. It still looked good though. The cigar was consistently packed with tobacco, and bounced back nicely when squeezed. Sniffing the wrapper and foot revealed faint odors of wood and sweetness. The pre-light draw had slight resistance, and had subtle sweetness with natural tobacco tastes.

The burn required no corrections, and the ash held on for about 3/4 of an inch. Overall construction was great.

1IllusioneEpernay

Flavor:

The first few puffs were very woody mixed with slight earthiness. A spicy peppery taste was noticed when passing through the sinus. As I dug further into this third, the peppery spice took on sweeter notes. It still had enough bite (not harshness) that I couldn’t ignore. An earthy, woody undertone would come and go.

2IllusioneEpernay

The second third went well and there were no major changes. There was a sweet and somewhat peppery spice that packed a small punch and was enjoyable. I had trouble pinning down the sweet flavors. I can only compare them to almost being caramel and cinnamon. That slight earthy undertone was there when I paid extra attention.

3IllusioneEpernay

The last third went exactly like this: I found an interesting and occasional presence of fruity notes. The pepper was gone and replaced with sweet spice that had a smooth texture. The smoke had a definite zing to it and made things more interesting. That woody flavor remained and drowned out the earthy notes for the most part.

4IllusioneEpernay

 

Conclusion:

This was a good medium to full bodied cigar. For such a small size, I thought it packed in the flavors. The price seems a little high for such a small cigar, but I think you may be getting what you pay for here. The bottom line is, I liked it and you may feel the same. Give it a try!

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