5/9/2014

Cigar: Illusione f9
Size: Lonsdale, 6.2”x44
MSRP: $8.50
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Habano
Origin: Nicaragua



Prelight: The f9 has a real similar wrapper to the 68 I reviewed, but this one does not have the ammonia scent the 68 did. (Which I will remind you did not affect the taste.) There is a floral scent to the f9 with just a bit of cocoa. The foot smells even more floral. The veins are extremely slight and the triple cap is neat. On first sight, construction is spot on. But, then I went and screwed the pooch when clipping it. My cut seemed to have torn part of the wrapper’s shoulder, but it is not on a seam, so I am praying it holds together. The cold draw is seemingly a bit on the loose side (again) and is faintly wood and floral.



1/3: Off to a very woody start, with a floral back note. (Some may wonder what I mean by floral. As a kid, my uncle ran a flower shop. When I say “floral” it is the aroma that the place had. Musty and sweet. No flowers in particular.) The smoke has an excellent aroma – this is what I belive pipers call “room note” – like chocolate. There is a good amount of smoke after each puff, but fades quickly in between. The floral taste diminishes and makes room for cedar with a hint of chocolate.



2/3: The lumpy, light grey ash lasts about an inch and a half. The second third is mostly cedar with a hint of cocoa, but transitions to include a very nutty taste. I lose myself in the classic Nicaraguan flavors. But, this is in no way a boring cigar. Just easy and inoffensive.



3/3: The burn has been perfect – until it reaches the nub. Then it gets a little one sided. The flavors of the final third are wood, nuts and a little bitter-sweet hay. The torn wrapper never even thought about ruining my good time.

Overall: I am quickly becoming an Illusione fan. While classic in the flavors, this Nicaraguan is simply delicious. Woody, nutty and just the perfect amount of sweet. Maybe not box-worthy like the 68, but I’ll definitely keep a fiver on hand for days when I want the not-so-spicy cedar flavors this cigar has to offer.