Cigar Geeks - Illusione Original Documents MJ12

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Illusione Original Documents MJ12
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Peter Kozo (junglepete)

86
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another member sponsored Cigar Geeks Critique. This one is sponsored by Dennis (mountedshriner). Up for review this time is the Illusione MJ 12. Thanks to Dennis for sponsoring this one!

Illusione Original Documents MJ12

Brand:: Illusione
Name:: Original Documents MJ12
Length:: 6
Ring Gauge:: 56
Country of Origin:: Honduras
Filler:: Corojo
Criollo
Nicaragua
Binder:: Nicaragua
Wrapper:: Corojo
Nicaragua
Color:: Colorado Maduro
Strength:: Medium-Full
Shape:: Toro Gordo
Average Member Purchase Price:: $6.86
Average Member Rating:: (15 Review(s))
Notes:: https://www.illusionecigars.com/product/illusione-mj12-plan-mj-1949-6-x-56-box-20/

This cigar was enjoyed with Corona

Pre-Light: 16 Points of 10 Possible

The mj12 is a nice looking cigar with a dark brown wrapper and a few prominant veins. The triple cap is well centered and cut nicely. After cutting I noticed the cigar was qite light in the hand but firmly rolled without any soft spots. Top notch aroma; farm-like and a mildly sweet honey edge to it. The pre-light draw was wide open, in fact, too wide open for my taste. I could easily breath through the cigar like a snorkel tube. I kicked myself for not paying attention to the lightnesss of the cigar and should have punched it. The bunching was quite even but strangely horizontal rather than circular and may also have contributed to the snorkle draw.

Lighting and Burn: 11 Points of 15 Possible

The cigar lit easily enough but unfortunately burned quite uneven for most of the smoke and required a few touch-ups. The last third burned evenly. Smoke volume here could not be beat. Plenty of it available, but because of the wide open draw I did have to be extra careful not to let it get too hot.

Construction: 26 Points of 30 Possible

As mentioned before, there was something funky going on with the roll and even though it was firm and without soft spots, the airflow was just too easy and made the smoke milder than I believe it should have been.

Flavor and Aroma: 33 Points of 45 Possible

First Third: Very mild, and I suspect it was because of the huge air intake along with the smoke. Inspite of construction issues there was some great tastes going on: a nice nutty finish on each draw, and an interesting spice coming through (not pepper). Very smooth indeed and very enjoyable so far.

Second Third: still mild but slowly reached medium by the end of the second third. Burn issues are still present and one more re-light is required. I am really liking the taste profile and am detecting a bit of mint and anise, still no pepper spice noticable.

Last Third: Impressive...the burn finally settled down, the strength finally built up, and the taste took off for the better. A little spice kicked in(Pepper) and the finish was rich and smooth with roasted nuts and somthing tangy and quite unique.

Summary

This is a cigar that has piqued my interest. I want to smoke more of them. This particular vitola could easily have scored a 90+ rating if not for the construction issues. I feel the wide open draw diluted some of the taste and strength and affected the burn as well. I found the cigar to be complex, unique, and very enjoyable. Thanks Dennis, the opportunity was much appreciated!