I decided to light up something today that goes back, way back. Back in 2008 European Cigar Cult Journal celebrated its 15th Anniversary. Today, the magazine is simply known as Cigar Journal. The Illusione Epernay blend was the ECCJ release that celebrated the magazines milestone, and today the cigar continues a strong following and remains one of my favorite cigars on the market.
Cigar: Illusione Epernay
Wrapper: Cafe Rosado
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Criollo & Corojo)
Length: 5.25″
Ring Gauge: 48
Size: La Ferme
The Look: The Illusione Epernay La Ferme comes packaged in 50 count cedar boxes. Inside the cigars are in packaged in a wheel. A vision of elegance, these box pressed cigars are rolled to perfection. The wrapper is evenly colored and as pristine a wrapper as I have seen. In the hand the cigar is firm with an average weight for its size. The foot is well packed and slightly spongy, while the band is white and gold denoting Eperany in the front and Illusione off to the sides.
The Notes: The nose off the Illusione Epernay has a hit of sweetness to it that borders on cinnamon and a touch of cocoa. The cold draw serves up some sweet bread notes with a touch of bakers spices. . Once the cigar is lit there some subtle bakers spices from the nose begin to take shape with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. As the cigar progresses a slightly floral aroma comes from the cigar that ads to the experience.
In the second third things change-up considerbly. The cigar becomes buttery smooth with notes of cream and a touch of honey. At the half way point, some spice shows up on the retrohale which also brings some coffee and cedar to the mix especially on the aromas of this masterpiece.
As we end our Illusione Epernay the primary note of the Le Ferme has a dominant note of cedar, with a honey sweetness that continues on the finish of this elegant cigar.
The Finish: Originally made for the ECCJ, you can tell the cigar was blended with a European profile in mind. It’s smooth, without the heavy strength that the American market has been force-fed over the years. Cubanesque is one way to describe it. Flavorful, smooth and elegant is how I would describe it. One of my favorite Illusione cigars ever made.
Score: 93
Price: $9.20 / $459.99 (Box of 50)
Illusione Epernay
Illusione Epernay Foot
Illusione Epernay Burn
