ONEOFF Cigars made there debut in 2002 and quickly obtained cult-like status. It was originally created by a retailer in Milan, Italy and made in limited quantities giving it a one-off appearance. Distribution was handled in the US from Massachuesetts by Paul Giacalone who happens to be a friend of The Cigar Authority. In 2018, the trademark was purchased by Dion Giolito, owner of Illusione Cigars. According to Dion Giolito the blends of the cigar remain true to the original release but he has declined to share the make up of the cigar.
One size of the line stands out, but not due to size. The +53 is considerably more expensive. According to folklore of the original release, the +53 which happens to be the country code of Cuba might of featured tobacco from the island nation. The folklore was never proved or disproved but the original release had a similar price structure adding to the rumor.
Cigar Review: One Off
Wrapper: Not Disclosed
Binder: Not Disclosed
Filler: Not Disclosed
Length: 5.75″
Ring Gauge: 48
Size: Super Robusto (+53)
The Look: Packaged in slide top cabinet 10 count boxes the One Off is laid out in two rows of 5. The cigars which feature an orange and white band are often misinterpreted as a peace symbol. However, the band is a representation of an airplane as the original owner Andrea Molinari was also a CEO of Italian airline Lauda Air S.p.A. As for the cigar, the wrapper has a reddish-brown hue to it and is rolled to perfection at the TABSA factory in Nicaragua.
The Notes: The cold draw of the One Off serves up notes of cedar, nutmeg and cinnamon. Off the foot of the cigar there is a subtle cedar present with a slightly floral component. Once the cigar is lit, the cedar notes that were present during the prelight ritual shows itself instantly.
Moving into the first third of the cigar there is a subtle floral note, with hints of apricot. Both serve as base with cedar still remaining dominant. As the first third comes to a close there is a slight addition of cinnamon. The retrohale of the cigar offers up some black pepper with some floral that lingers slightly.
In the second third of One Off from Illusione the cigar sees some red pepper develop with continued cedar. Around the halfway point some hints of licorice begin to emerge. On the finish of the there is some continued floral notes which is also present on the aroma of the cigar.
The last third sees the licorice notes become dominant and the focal point. The finish of the cigar is loaded with cedar and a more floral notes. The finish which is moderate in length sees a continued pepper note on the retrohale with a touch of nuttiness.
The Finish: The +53 is definitely different then the other sizes in the sense that there is a more floral aspect to the cigar. Does that add to the folklore, it might depending on your thought process. Does that justify the price? I am not so sure, but my curiosity was piqued that I had to light one up. I definitely like the blend a little better on this size, but wish the pricing was more in line.
Score: 92
Price: $29.99 / $269.99
One Off +53
One Off +53 Foot
One Off +53 Burn
