Illusione MC Slam
Store exclusive to R. Field Wine Company in Hawaii
The 6x54 Nicaraguan toro has a very pronounced box press, thus the the "slam" moniker. Firm but neither particularly dense nor light. In conjunction with the dark, somewhat thick maddy San Andres wrapper, the overall effect is not unlike a Padron 64 -- right down to the hollow sound made when tapping it with a finger.
There's a handsome deep blue and white band stating only "CÍGARES PRÍVÉ" and on either side the maker, "ILLUSIONE."
The cold wrapper smells of heavy cocoa and some coffee, a touch of mint, and a pleasant nondescript sweet/sour. Upon cutting (a v-cut, in this case) the wrapper itself has no discernable taste. The cold draw is coffee and leather with a little sweetness.
You're greeted with an easy draw-- surprising given how little give there is to a squeeze of the stiff wrapper. If you're expecting an overstuffed roll, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The smooth wrapper and flatness of the press make for a nice mouth feel. Like an extra-wide Illusione 4/2g.
EARLY:
Lighting it up reveals sharp cocoa. Just a hint of pepper. A LOT OF SMOKE PRODUCTION on the draw, but a normal amount flowing from the foot. Still that hint of something minty or at least green & grassy.
Burning very evenly. Not razor sharp but close. (NOTE: this cigar was smoked the day it arrived, bagged and Boveda'd, and in honor of the wrapper's origins, paired with a Mexi Coke)
FIRST THIRD:
Very pleasant Turkish coffee aftertaste. Near the end of the first third, a slow smoking will reward you with a sweet, creamy, dazzlingly smooth mouthful of smoke. A major transition. Medium body thus far. Ashed it at about 1/3 through, but from the feel of it could have held out significantly longer. If you're a long-ash guy (or gal), this is your smoke.
SECOND THIRD:
The needle is pegged at a dead-on medium body smoke. The very definition of medium. Nicotine strength is nicely understated.
Heavy cocoa coming back toward end of 2nd third. Just a hint of spice here & there. A minor touch-up at the halfway point. No worries about relighting; it's burning strong, and all that easy smoke makes this stick a pleasure to move through.
FINAL THIRD:
Burning a tad hotter, high sweet notes permeating now. With 2 inches remaining, a tight syrupy sweetness. Minimal harshness. Body is only now medium-plus.
Timing out right at 90 minutes (I smoke slowly).
OVERALL: I smoke a fair number of Illusione in a given month, as a reliable, tasty go-to. If this stick were available to me, I'd go to it more often than other Illusione, especially at this $8.50 price point. It's relaxingly easy to smoke, not terribly complex, but with solid transitions. Definitely more to the creamy side than spicy. I especially appreciated how flavorful it was at only medium body (I generally prefer medium-full), as well as the lack of a nicotine kick. This cigar is Mr. Nice Guy.
Store exclusive to R. Field Wine Company in Hawaii
The 6x54 Nicaraguan toro has a very pronounced box press, thus the the "slam" moniker. Firm but neither particularly dense nor light. In conjunction with the dark, somewhat thick maddy San Andres wrapper, the overall effect is not unlike a Padron 64 -- right down to the hollow sound made when tapping it with a finger.
There's a handsome deep blue and white band stating only "CÍGARES PRÍVÉ" and on either side the maker, "ILLUSIONE."
The cold wrapper smells of heavy cocoa and some coffee, a touch of mint, and a pleasant nondescript sweet/sour. Upon cutting (a v-cut, in this case) the wrapper itself has no discernable taste. The cold draw is coffee and leather with a little sweetness.
You're greeted with an easy draw-- surprising given how little give there is to a squeeze of the stiff wrapper. If you're expecting an overstuffed roll, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The smooth wrapper and flatness of the press make for a nice mouth feel. Like an extra-wide Illusione 4/2g.
EARLY:
Lighting it up reveals sharp cocoa. Just a hint of pepper. A LOT OF SMOKE PRODUCTION on the draw, but a normal amount flowing from the foot. Still that hint of something minty or at least green & grassy.
Burning very evenly. Not razor sharp but close. (NOTE: this cigar was smoked the day it arrived, bagged and Boveda'd, and in honor of the wrapper's origins, paired with a Mexi Coke)
FIRST THIRD:
Very pleasant Turkish coffee aftertaste. Near the end of the first third, a slow smoking will reward you with a sweet, creamy, dazzlingly smooth mouthful of smoke. A major transition. Medium body thus far. Ashed it at about 1/3 through, but from the feel of it could have held out significantly longer. If you're a long-ash guy (or gal), this is your smoke.
SECOND THIRD:
The needle is pegged at a dead-on medium body smoke. The very definition of medium. Nicotine strength is nicely understated.
Heavy cocoa coming back toward end of 2nd third. Just a hint of spice here & there. A minor touch-up at the halfway point. No worries about relighting; it's burning strong, and all that easy smoke makes this stick a pleasure to move through.
FINAL THIRD:
Burning a tad hotter, high sweet notes permeating now. With 2 inches remaining, a tight syrupy sweetness. Minimal harshness. Body is only now medium-plus.
Timing out right at 90 minutes (I smoke slowly).
OVERALL: I smoke a fair number of Illusione in a given month, as a reliable, tasty go-to. If this stick were available to me, I'd go to it more often than other Illusione, especially at this $8.50 price point. It's relaxingly easy to smoke, not terribly complex, but with solid transitions. Definitely more to the creamy side than spicy. I especially appreciated how flavorful it was at only medium body (I generally prefer medium-full), as well as the lack of a nicotine kick. This cigar is Mr. Nice Guy.
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