This Geek Critique has been generously sponsored by ninfiction (Brian)
The Cigar: Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D'Aosta Toro
The Specs:
Wrapper: Corojo Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Country of Origin: Honduras
Strength: Mild-Medium
Size: 6" x 50
Due Date: August 25, 2020
The Hype:
A new, regular-production size that commemorates the Illusione brand's 10 years on the market. It's also the 12th cigar in Epernay's portfolio. Epernay is named after the Champagne-producing town in France whose effervescent wine inspired the sweet and floral character of the cigar. Lighter in body than the core Illusione brand, Epernays contain no strong, ligero tobacco, as brand-owner Dion Giolito wanted to emphasize balance and finesse over power and richness. Unlike the rest of the Epernay series which all have French names, D'Aosta is Italian, referring to the mountainous region of Northern Italy where Giolito's family is originally from.
Reviewers:
We're looking for the following volunteers initially: Veteran status or higher (or if newer, somebody has to vouch for you) that did not do a Member Geek Critique review for June or July. International is OK. If you are interested, please indicate so in the forum below and ninfiction will select the reviewers from the volunteers.
The Chosen Reviewers
1. Brlesq
2. klamm143
3. ntanner
4. Cfickter
5. bstessl
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 Brian for providing the cigar. And thank you to the reviewers.
I think that I'm going to volunteer for this one if you will have me. :angel:
Bruce you are in!
Thanks for setting it up
I have been a review whore this year...but...if you have trouble filling this one out, I'd love to be a part of this. Last geek off the bench!! :biggrin:
Brian & Bruce - I'll give this one a whirl if you will have me - stay safe Brothers.
I'll put my hat in the ring for this one.
Kevin and Neal are in, glad to have you.
Brian on the bench. I'd like to get these shipped out next week so everyone has time.
Just did July which was blind review but always willing to do another.. If not Sept. keep me in mind for Oct. :-)
Thank you Gents - looking forward to it!!!
Thanks for including me, looking forward to trying this one.
We'll give this another day or 2 and go with Brian and Steve if no other takers so I can ship this week.
I'll jump in and do this one!
If there's a spot open, I'll hop in
Chuck and Brian S round out the crew.
I will get these in the mail this week. Thank you everyone.
Sweet! Thanks!
Thanks looking forward to it
These are packed and ready to go tomorrow/Thursday. Hopefully everyone has them by Monday so they have time to rest.
Thanks, Brian!
Will be watching for it. Thanks again for letting me in on this one.
Mine arrived in great shape.
Thanks for all the rare and HTF Opus and Davidoff hitchikers!
Chuck, you weren't supposed to tell. You were the only one that got those. The other guys got Gurkha's.
HEY----I like Gurkha's----kinds sorta----some of them anyway!!!!!
Cigar received. Looking forward to this. Thanks for the hitchhikers!
I'm sure you guys are wondering what the hell is the cigar that has a skeleton in a top hat on the band.
It is the Espinosa Sombrero de Copa
https://blindmanspuff.com/cigar-news-espinosa-cigars-announces-sombrero-de-copa/
The others you can figure out on your own.
Got mine and a big thanks for the escorts.
Quoteninfiction - 7/19/2020 12:01 AM Chuck, you weren't supposed to tell. You were the only one that got those. The other guys got Gurkha's.
Oooops did I say that out loud?
Just a friendly reminder that these critiques are due three weeks from today (August 25). :smoker:
Smoking mine today. Perfect weather
I think I am going to piddle around and procrastinate some and do this last minute when it's raining or something.. :biggrin:
review posted
OK, I put it off as long as I could but now it's done. Thanks for including me in this one Brian.
Friendly reminder: Critiques due one week from today. :-)
ANOTHER.........Just like the other / review is in ....Down to the wire - but completed before the deadline. Thanks Brian and Bruce for letting me in on this one. A tasty little stick - dang good choice!!!!
The critiques are now posted. Thanks to everyone that participated.
Pretty close numbers across the board on flavor. 2 at 40 1 at 41 and 2 at 42.
Quotentanner - 9/1/2020 10:37 PM
Pretty close numbers across the board on flavor. 2 at 40 1 at 41 and 2 at 42.
Yeah, and my total score would have been a 93 except I took 8 points away for a stem that protruded from the head and distracted from the experience. I'm sure that was an anomaly, but I had to score the cigar sample that I was smoking honestly.
Thank you to all of you for taking the time to do the critique. I'm glad it was enjoyed.
QuoteBrlesq - 9/2/2020 5:51 AM
Quotentanner - 9/1/2020 10:37 PM
Pretty close numbers across the board on flavor. 2 at 40 1 at 41 and 2 at 42.
Yeah, and my total score would have been a 93 except I took 8 points away for a stem that protruded from the head and distracted from the experience. I'm sure that was an anomaly, but I had to score the cigar sample that I was smoking honestly.
Looks like you and Brian got the ones with the construction issues.
THANKS to Brian and Bruce for letting me participate.....(Feedback posted)