Illusione ~88~ (RotR25)

[Capn_Jackson]

Illusione Original Documents ~88~ Robusto

Perfect evening weather for a smoke as the sun starts to drop. I can’t help but think of our friends over in Brisbane, hoping for their safety and clearer skies soon.

The Original Documents ~88~ has become one of my favorite NC robustos, particularly with a few years’ or more downtime. This box has about four years’ rest on it. So flavorful, and just around the medium strength mark, a good combo for me. There is a Maduro version and a candela, but I didn’t enjoy the ones I had. This guy has a great cocoa bean hue, very smooth wrapper with just a little tooth. The cold draw has some coffee and plum, a nice combo. Light-up puff has strong notes of berry and leather, with coffee base.

Going on, this stick has a touch of berry bubble gum sweetness, over lots of sourdough bread, and whisps of light leather occasionally. An interesting combo, and one that I’ve missed. Haven’t had this smoke in several months, that I can remember.

A little further in, getting some cakey, figgy breads and notes of woody pub stout. This one has elements that always remind me of a BBF or Mag 46, some of that dried stone fruit and stout, except in a very NC envelope. Less nuanced, and less subtle, but very rich and extremely consistent. Mouthfeel is viscous and oily, and smoke is plentiful. Strength is hovering just under medium at the moment.

Second third is less up-front sweetness, more like agave coating some buttery marzipan, with notes of apple or peach wood smoke. Brings to mind a sweet-rubbed rack of ribs, which I contemplate as I stare at my smoker. Great stuff going on with this cigar! Closer to the midpoint, I start to get some heat, just a hint of sweet jalapeño jelly. A little like PSdP in that regard, but it is fleeting. The finish is much more noteworthy here, carrying a great wash of cherry syrup, lasting all the way to the next puff.

Last third diminishes quite a bit in sweetness, more earthy/woodsy notes. Forest campfire with some funky mushroom, and a dollop of dark charred caramel. Lovely finish on each puff, never bitter. The strength has kicked up a few notches, sitting a few clicks over medium, and that’s where it stays for the remainder. Great NC robusto, and I should probably get more to rest for when these run out. Good change of pace, and an effective way to preserve my CC stock, as I don’t see myself giving much more coin to Habanos in the near future.

Solid 93!

[Luca]

Great review. I haven't tried these so will be on the lookout for them!

[Capn_Jackson]

5 hours ago, Luca said:

Great review. I haven't tried these so will be on the lookout for them!

The rosado wrapper is the one to try. I’m not a fan of candelas, and the maduro version of this just doesn’t have the same glow, to me at least.

[KCCubano]

20 minutes ago, Capn_Jackson said:

The rosado wrapper is the one to try. I’m not a fan of candelas, and the maduro version of this just doesn’t have the same glow, to me at least.

How do these compare to the Epernay line?

[Capn_Jackson]

22 hours ago, KCCubano said:

How do these compare to the Epernay line?

To be honest, I find these to be more rich than Epernay, which I also enjoy. These have a little more of that dark fruit and stout.