Illusione ~2~

Size: 52 × 133 (5.25")

Shape: Belicoso

Filler: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicuragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Smoking Time: 1 1/2 hours

Beverage: Corona Extra

Illusione is one of the brands that quickly comes to my mind when I think of American-market boutique cigars (the other being Tatuaje). Marketed using unconventional (and sometimes bizarre) names such as "And crowned with thorns" or "The Teaching Machine", I have difficulty imagining that Illusione cigars have become a household name in the American cigar world as a direct result of marketing. Rather, it seems that the consistently glowing reviews and rising market share of Illusione and its related brands has come from the quality and popularity of the smokes themselves. That's why I was excited to try this belicoso and review it.

The Illusione ~2~ was light in the hand with a firm feel when squeezed. Typical of Nicaraguan Colorado tobacco, the wrapper was toothy, dark, and had a rustic look to it. There were absolutely no soft spots, and after clipped the easy draw revealed pre-light notes of tobacco and wood. The first few puffs after lighting tasted medium in body and presented with sweet graham on the draw, a nice vanilla note on the palate and a clean, short finish. Deep, woody flavours appeared soon after, and there was a bread-like finish that appeared near the end of the first third. The second third introduced slightly floral notes behind a predominantly creamy graham profile. However, as the smoke progressed into the final third I could detect a faint but unpleasant chemical taste that became distracting. I soon after put the cigar down to extinguish.


This was an interesting smoke that surprised me by not being an in-your-face pepper and spice Nicaraguan cigar. It was creamy and balanced, but lacked some excitement and depth; this makes it an overall better-than-average cigar in my books. That's why I give it the good rating of three Fidels out of five.

- Carlton