Illusione Haut 10 Toro (FFSAug24)

[Grimlock]

Berry sweetness on the cold draw. Wheat cereal on the foot. 1/3 cedar and cream with a mixture of baking spices. There is a faint pepper note present on the retro. The draw is slightly on the snug side, burn line fairly even all around. The smoke is creamy and leaves an oily feel in the mouth. The stick becomes more and more mild as it progresses. There is more of a bready note developing pushing the cedar to the background.

2/3 the baking spice notes are mostly present on the retro. The ash is on the flakey side but holds on well. The aroma is intoxicating, like pumpkin spice without the pumpkin if that makes sense. Many of the flavor notes are subtle. I don't think I would ever pair this with a spirit, even a mild one. I'm pairing with coffee with cream and while it is perfectly fine, I think herbal tea or just seltzer would be much better. This will definitely start making its way into my weekend morning rotation.

3/3 similar flavor notes continue. Buttered bread with light cinnamon and cedar hanging around in the background. As the burn line approaches the band the cinnamon note starts to pop. Strength has ramped up significantly. Overall an excellent experience. Total smoke time 1:20.

[Capn_Jackson]

One of my favorite NC’s. Goes great with seltzer.