Illusione *r* Rothchildes Review
Cigar: Illusione *r* Rothchildes
Size: 4.5" x 50
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: MSRP $3.99
Initial Impression/Prelight
The Illusione *r* Rothchildes had an even, dark brown San Andres wrapper with a bit of oil and almost no toothiness. It was firmly packed with almost invisible seams.
I got hay and sweet tobacco aroma from the wrapper, then some red pepper and spices from the cold draw. The prelight draw was good.
This cigar had been resting in my humidor for about 6 months at 65%.
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1st Third
The first section was tasty, with coffee, cocoa, and red pepper. Despite the moderate amount of spiciness, the overall profile was sweet to me with some creaminess. The cigar put off a lot of smoke, even at rest. Medium flavor and strength to this point.
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2nd Third
This section was significantly more creamy with more dark coffee and dark chocolate in addition to an uptick in maduro spices too. The cigar kept a firm, white ash, and the smoke thickened and became even more plentiful.
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Final Third
The final section was more cream, coffee, and cocoa, along with some earthiness and salted nut flavors. I also tasted some sweet nougat, almost like a candy bar. Rich, thick smoke with a long finish, and the cigar ended at medium-full flavor and medium strength to me.
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Overall Impressions
This was an outstanding little smoke. It was rich and creamy throughout, with powerful and distinct flavors. I didn't get any crazy tastes like pickled beets or wormwood, but when it comes down to it I'd rather have creamy, coffee, and cocoa flavors if they're done well. And this one was done very well. The one flavor I got that was a little off the beaten path is that nougat. I don't know if it's my imagination now, but I feel like I taste sweet nougat flavor in almost every Illusione cigar, and I really enjoy it.
Although the *r* is a small cigar, it burned so slowly that it felt like a full size robusto at least - total smoking time was around 1 hour 15 minutes. It comes in cabs of 50, or I would have bought a box by now. As it stands, I just picked up another 10-pack and will probably grab another on my next order from smallbatch.
This is a really tasty cigar and a great bargain at the price. I'd certainly recommend a 5 or 10-pack, or even a box or a split. If you don't like them, I know someone who will take them off your hands.
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