CG:4

[MX]

ILLUSIONE CG: 4

Ring Gauge: 48
Length: 5 5/8
Filler / Binder: Nicaragua Corojo ’99 / Croillo ‘98
Wrapper: Café Colorado
Light/Burn: Perfection
Overall construction: A few small veins, flawless triple cap
Taste: Out of this world! Deep earthy tobacco, hints of spice in the back, leather, and coco
Draw: Just a bit on the light side of heaven.

I was gifted this smoke by one of the finest Brothers that CP has or will ever know. This put a lot of pressure on me as I was smoking it (all unfounded). I have had a bit of a rough spot in the last year with my Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Some knee injuries and back and hip issues have kept me from achieving my goals. So today, for the first time in over 16 months, I put it all on the line for the test. I did not do as well as I have in the past but still managed a pretty good score so to celebrate I decide to Fire up the Ol’ White Horse.
Let me start by saying this was supposed to happen about 3 days ago, and I had the cigar in a tubo and it had dried out a tad. But, when I broke the seal and nosed it I knew right way I was in for a treat. The pre-light aroma was mildly sweet and had a good soil smell. Punched the cap with the built in punch on my lighter and off I go.

The first draw had me a bit worried, a weak take of smoke and it was a bit harsh (too much heat on the light I guess). So, as I stared at the light foot, I thought to myself “self, this cannot be right”. And, it wasn’t. From the second draw until the nub, nothing but deep, rich, bellowing smoke. You know that little black burn ring you sometimes get, I love those BTW, and from start to finish it was razor sharp. The taste of rich tobacco, pepper and spice, and leather all played around in strength depending on how fast I smoked. Never a dull moment. I have a little routine; draw hard and ash – purge – rest – long slow pull. Every time I ashed, all 4 of them, it was a new blending of the flavors.
This has been one of the finest cigars I have smoked in a few months.

Dean, thank you so much for reading my wish list and presenting me with this fine cigar.

Tim

PS: I nubbed the fuggher!

 

[bfisher88]

One of my most favorite smokes. Box is about half full now though, may need to pick up another to let sit for a while. Can't get enough of these things!

 

[handyman dave]

Nice review!

These are a really nice stick. I still have a couple and look forward to torching them ... yummmmm!

 

[punk_lawyer]

Great job on the review. I agree this is a very good one.

 

[JLAudio]

Great review. One of my favorites! A definite go-to cigar!

 

[Gawl]

I purchased one of these online eager to try the illusione line and wasn't impressed with it. I only made it through the first inch or so before I had to let it go. Was very hard to draw on and didn't want to burn at all. I think it may have been my humidor though as I normally store my smokes at 65% and with the temp change outside my vinotemp has been high at 75%. Dry boxing it before hand probably would have helped. I have an MK and some cruzados I'll try again with to see if my opinion changes.

 

[JHolmes763]

Great review. These are my favorites right now. Top o the list. Some minor issues with tunnelling, still, but I'll get that one figured out soon enough.

 

[MX]

I purchased one of these online eager to try the illusione line and wasn't impressed with it. I only made it through the first inch or so before I had to let it go. Was very hard to draw on and didn't want to burn at all. I think it may have been my humidor though as I normally store my smokes at 65% and with the temp change outside my vinotemp has been high at 75%. Dry boxing it before hand probably would have helped. I have an MK and some cruzados I'll try again with to see if my opinion changes.

I think smoking these on the dry side might be the way to go. It was my first, only, and last one; so it will be a while before I can put that theroy to the test.

Tim