This Geek Critique has been generously sponsored by biggsy16 (Rich)
The Cigar: Illusione Gigantes Maduro (6.5 x 56)
The Specs:
Country Manufactured: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Dual Nicaragua Criollo 98/Corojo 99
The Hype:
Illusione cigars were a dream made into a reality by cigar retail veteran Dion Giolito. Dion had been working in cigar stores and eventually running his own cigar shop for about 15 years. Like a lot of cigar fanatics, he wanted to create his own cigar that was blended for his own personal taste. Dion made a great choice when he paired up with Paul Palmer of Casa Fernandez cigars to make Illusion cigars. Illusione cigars are made with 1st generation Corojo '99 and Criollo '98 tobacco grown in Nicaragua. Illusione cigars are a bold, medium to full bodied experience with a complex blend of flavors ranging from coffee, earth and leather. The taste is reminiscent of pre-Sandanista Nicaraguan cigars.
Illusione Gigantes cigars are a big follow up to the very popular Illusione Rothchilde. The newest cigar from the boutique brand is full of flavor yet medium-bodied, precisely what Illusione is known for.
This large and in charge cigar is packed with earthy flavors such as cocoa, salted nuts, leather, pepper, and has a sweet creaminess from the dark Mexican San Andres maduro wrapper and the well-aged blend of Aganorsa long-fillers derived from Nicaragua. Joined with an enjoyable floral aroma, this premium cigar is not too big for your britches.
A blend of Nicaraguan Criollo '98 and Corojo '99, and finished with a 'Capa Rustica' San Andreas Wrapper. Medium to full-bodied and very complex. The CT series is a blend of Nicaraguan Criollo '98 and Corojo '99, and finished with a Connecticuit Shade Wrapper from Ecuador. Medium bodied and very complex
Due Date: August 25th., 2018
The Reviewers:
Veteran or plus status. Must not have done a Geek Critique review in June, July, or August. Must be an active member.
1. apollo (Stephen)
2. headfirst (Gary)
3. kalmm143 (Kevin)
4. benchjockey (Barry)
5. beegerply (Byron)
Note: A reviewer who posts their review late will receive neutral feedback. A reviewer who does not post at all will receive negative feedback. There are always exceptions to the rule and a reasonable excuse for tardiness or a no show will be respected and thus not counted against the reviewer. Our sponsoring members and our administrators make the choice of who is to participate in any particular Geek Critique and can be better informed of their choices with this initiative in place.
Thanks again to Rich for taking this one on and providing the cigar. THANKS!! And happy smokin' :cigarman:
I'll throw my name it on this one Peter - I can't let headfirst (Gary) have all the fun!!!!!!
You're in Kevin, thanks.
Thanks for having me Rich
Same here - Thank you for letting me in........
Feeling unloved, us poor Canadians
This is how it's been lately on these it seems, it's not you Rich. C'mon geeks!
Haven't done a GC all year but I'd love a shot at this one.
Quotebenchjockey - 7/12/2018 12:24 AM
Haven't done a GC all year but I'd love a shot at this one.
You're in Barry
My thanks to Rich for giving this Mexican wrapper fan an opportunity to smoke a cigar I haven't tried yet. And thanks to Pete for answering this so quickly.
Let's bump this baby and get another reviewer before I break the rules and do it myself :biggrin: Who wouldn't want to smoke an Illusion anyway :confused:
Quotejunglepete - 7/14/2018 10:35 AM
Let's bump this baby and get another reviewer before I break the rules and do it myself :biggrin: Who wouldn't want to smoke an Illusion anyway :confused:
Great sticks all the ones I have smoked
Haven't had a bad Illusione yet.
I done one in June Pete but if know one wants to I'll be more then happy to. :biggrin:
You're in Byron
Thanks Rich and Pete really looking forward to this
Cigars will going out this to address on profile unless you tell me otherwise, thanks
Mailed today, let me know when you have received the item in question
Will do Rich.
Package arrived in good shape. Your generosity is much appreciated, Rich!
Your welcome, please update if cigars arrived
Rich still have not received a package I'm hoping today. :-( :biggrin:
Rich received my pkg.today.it sure picked up a lot of hitchhikers coming across country.Thanks a lot rich I will look foreword to turning them into ash.The towel will come in handy in wiping the sweat beads off my cold beer.
Ditto (Exactly) to what Appollo said - Got my package in today as well - cigars in perfect condition even though one side of the box was crushed - that TOWEL saved to day Brother. WOW on the hitchhikers - much appreciated.
Got mine yesterday Rich wow thanks for the extras looking forward to smoking them also all new to me. :biggrin:
Okay, all reviewers have received there cigars, lots of time to let them rest, review due August 25,enjoy
Review due in 11 days , I have Italian friends
Going to get it done this weekend.Thanks for the reminder Rich.
Same here................nooooo italianos nessititooooooooo.......get 'em dome - Dai!!! Dai!!!
No problem here.
:bigthumbs: that will be my Sunday smoke. :biggrin:
Review in the books, thanks again Rich.
Thanks Gary
Review submitted - AND ENJOYED!!!! Thanks junglepete and biggsy16.....much appreciated.
Got the stick smoked on Sunday,I will get my review done in the next couple days.
Smoked mine on Sunday review on its way :biggrin:
Review in thanks Rich.
Review in. My thanks to Rich for his sponsorship.
Four down , one to go , thanks everyone
I just put the review in, thanks Rich for the chance to smoke this cigar.
All done, no concerns with these great geeks, thanks again gents
WE ALL - thank you my friend.