Cigar Geeks - Illusione OneOff +53 Super Robusto

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Illusione OneOff +53 Super Robusto
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: ntanner

91
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member junglepete (Pete). This was done as a blind review so there were no pre-conceived notions about what anyone was smoking. The cigar provided for this round is the Illusione OneOff +53 Super Robusto.

The history of the OneOff brand isn't particularly long, but it is a bit unusual. It was created by Andrea Molinari in 2001, who ran a La Casa del Habano in Milan, Italy and wanted a cigar brand of his own. Molinari was also the CEO of Italian airline Lauda Air S.p.A. When he couldn't get a cigar brand made in Cuba, he sought the expertise of the Plasencia family in Nicaragua. The Plasencias made OneOff cigars under contract for Molinari at their Segovia Cigars S.A. factory in Nicaragua, but initial production was very limited and the first run of cigars were only shipped to a few accounts, mostly in Asia and Europe. This was in keeping with the idea behind the name OneOff—cigars being made in such limited quantities, they were almost unique enough to be considered one-offs. Eventually, the brand was sold to Cuban Crafters before Dion Giolito of Illusione—a longtime fan of the brand—bought it in September 2017 and tweaked it to his own version. The +53 is a reference to the country code for Cuba that is needed to make a phone call to the island. It debuted in a 5 3/4 x 48 size called Super Robusto.

Illusione OneOff +53 Super Robusto

Brand:: Illusione
Name:: OneOff +53 Super Robusto
Length:: 5.75
Ring Gauge:: 48
Country of Origin:: Nicaragua
Binder:: Nicaragua
Wrapper:: Honduras
Color:: Naturale
Strength:: Medium-Full
Shape:: Robusto
Average Member Rating:: (1 Review(s))
Notes:: http://illusionecigars.com/product-category/oneoff/

This cigar was enjoyed with Coffee

Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible

Wrapper looks good, slight sheen, one fairly large vein line, Cannon is solid from cap to the closed foot. The cap is much darker than the wrapper making it stand out but it appears to be well done. It takes a punch well and the prelight draw is a little firm but I'm contributing that to the closed foot. It gives off a mild tobacco aroma from the wrapper and from the tint of the cello it came in I'm pretty sure it's got some age on it plus I think Pete said something about at least 5 years so anticipating a smooth smoke.

Lighting and Burn: 14 Points of 15 Possible

The closed foot took to the fire well and as it burned off the draw opens up, still slightly firm but not bad. The ash is light gray and solid and holds for a couple inches before I knocked it off.

This was a slow burner, taking almost 2 hours to smoke but it was enjoyable. Smoke volume was good and the cigar never needed a relight. Burn line wasn't perfect but it never needed correction.

Construction: 28 Points of 30 Possible

The draw was a little firm but not bad. The wrapper was a nice looking leaf with one large vein line. It had a slight oily sheen and gave off a mild tobacco aroma.

The cap stood out as it was quite a bit darker than the wrapper but it was well done and took a punch cut without issue.

Flavor and Aroma: 40 Points of 45 Possible

Nice spicy start with a hint of cream and a slightly metallic sweet finish. There's a wood note floating around but it's intermittent.

The second third has a mocha character and tobacco with a sweet finish like a burnt caramel. Really liking this portion, wood still in and out adding to the complexity.

The finish dries out in the last third and a earthy tobacco becomes the dominant flavor. Wood is still coming and going and the metallic note is back. There's a espresso character in the middle of things.

Summary

Overall a good smoke. Nice complexity and a good earthy profile. Not quite as smooth as I expected considering it's age but still very enjoyable. Shout out to Pete for letting me in on this one. What ever it was I liked it.