This morning, I was walking around Two Guys Smoke Shop in Nashua, NH looking for something to smoke that was dark and short. I came across a few options, but opted to revisit something that was originally released and reviewed in 2014.
Back then I wrote, “Since leaving Raices Cubana and moving production over to Nicaragua it feels like Illusione has returned to the glory that existed when they first entered the cigar market as a manufacturer.”
With the cigar in production for over 2 years, I am curious if I still feel this way.
Cigar Review: Illusione Rothschildes
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico (San Andres)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 4.5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Vitola: Rothchilde
Cutter: Lotus Jaws
Lighter: Vertigo Twister
The Look: In retrospect it appears that Dion over at Illusione began using San Andres before it was the wrapper of choice at the 2015 IPCPR trade show. While the wrapper was around long before it seemed to receive cool status, it is almost as if the trend started here. Packaged in 50 count wooden boxes, the San Andres wrapper is rough under the fingers, with some crystals visible. Rolled to perfection the cigar is heavy in the hand with a well packed foot.
The Notes: The aroma off the foot of the cigar is reminiscent of open a package of Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa complete with the mini-marshmallows. With the cap clipped there are notes of chocolate and graham crackers.
Once the cigar is lit, the cocoa notes continue as the cigar provides a mouth-watering experience right for the get go. As the cigar progresses, some nutty notes join the mix with subtle elements of earth. The aroma of the cigar is slightly floral, and the finish is lengthy and enjoyable.
The second third of the cigar continues where the first left off. There isn’t much change and that is a good thing as the notes of cocoa, nuts and earth work together in harmony. Around the halfway point some of the floral notes from the aroma work their way into the palate with a subtle leather on the moderate finish.
In the final third, the cigar becomes exceptionally smooth and creamy as the nutty notes take over center stage. The cocoa transitions to the background, with continued earth and leather on the finish which is slightly salty.
The Finish: It’s been a while since I lit one of these up, and after doing so I am scratching my head as to why I waited so long. The notes of the cigar are right in my wheelhouse, and the price; even more so. The Rothchildes depth and character takes me back to the first time I lit up the illusione 68.
Score: 92
Price: $4.99 / $232.99 (Box of 50)
illusione *R* Rothchildes
illusione *R* Rothchildes Foot
illusione *R* Rothchildes Burn
