This cigar was enjoyed with This cigar was enjoyed with Bulleit Bourbon, neat.
Pre-Light: 19 Points of 10 Possible
This was an extremely attractive cigar, with a highly uniform medium- to dark-brown wrapper, fewer than the average number of veins, two somewhat prominent but unobtrusive veins, and just a hint of reddish color too. The seams were nearly invisible, there were no hard or soft spots, and it had a medium texture. The wrapper smelled like hay, with a hint of molasses, and the pre-light draw tasted like hay and dirt (yes, dirt). The cigar had a slightly rugged or rustic look, which I really like.
Lighting and Burn: 12 Points of 15 Possible
After a double-guillotine cut, it lit easily and required neither re-lights nor a touch-ups. In the first ?, the ash was a salt and pepper grey, it held to 1½", and the burn varied up to ?". Thereafter, the burn never deviated more than ¼", the ash became light grey, and it typically held to about ¾". Resting smoke volume was average, and the scent was OK but unimpressive.
Construction: 29 Points of 30 Possible
Construction seemed near perfect. The draw was excellent, though a tad tight if one is picking nits. The wrapper remained intact throughout, as did the triple cap. This appeared to be a very well-made stick.
Flavor and Aroma: 30 Points of 45 Possible
The strength appeared to vary between mild – medium and medium throughout, and the flavors were very, very subtle. In the first ?, leather, earth, and a sweetness, perhaps molasses, could be detected, but none of these flavors were overwhelming; none dominated, and none lasted very long. In the second section, I could detect spice, tobacco, and the sweet molasses-like flavor. Again, the flavors were very subtle, quickly coming and going, and none dominated. In the final section, the tobacco flavor became a bit more pronounced, but spice, earth, leather, and (perhaps) chocolate appeared repetitively and (typically) very briefly.
Summary
This was my first Illusione, and I enjoyed the unique experience. This was a very attractive, well-made cigar, with a beautiful wrapper and no obvious esthetic or construction flaws. The light, burn, and construction were superior. Typically, I like complex cigars, but I can't describe the Illusione as complex. The flavors were difficult to detect, and they appeared to vary quickly. I also suspect that flavors were present that I just couldn't identify. This seemed to be a complicated cigar but an enjoyable one.
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(15 Review(s))