Illusione 68 Review

5/7/2014

Cigar: Illusione 68
Size: Petite Corona, 4.0”x44
MSRP: $6.25
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Habano
Origin: Nicaragua

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Prelight: Just a wee, little guy, similar in size to a MUWAT Baitfish. The wrapper is very rugged looking, but has nice color to it, albeit a bit veiny. There is a slight ammonia scent to the wrapper, so hopefully I’m not doing this review prematurely. I’ve had it for about a month, and I’m hoping it’s not fermenting again. The foot is earthy and chocolaty. I use a punch on the triple cap and the cold draw is a little light and all earth and cocoa.

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1/2: The 68 gives me a nice pepper kick to start off, but quickly mellows out to an earthy, woody flavor with a little sweetness on the back end. There is a good amount of smoke coming off the cigar after each puff, and what I thought was a loose draw is actually quite nice. The burn is nearly perfect as well. The wood backs off a bit and the sweetness comes to the forefront as I end the first half.

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2/2: Still perfect construction and now powdered cocoa is the primary flavor, backed by wood. This is pretty much the whole second half. I smoke this little guy to the nub in about 40 minutes.

Overall: An absolutely amazing short smoke. I am really liking petite coronas, and this one may be better than a Baitfish. Definitely box-worthy. Very earthy and woody at the start, but seamlessly transitions to a sweet chocolate by the end. I’m typing with burnt fingers right now, this cigar is so good. The ammonia scent on the wrapper did not taint the cigar at all, but it makes me imagine how good it would have been given three to six months rest. If you haven’t tried this cigar yet, you’re missing out!