This cigar review of the Illusione 88 robusto is treat, Ive had a couple of these Illusione stogies but the 88 is my favorite so far.
Blend Nicaraguan, filler binder and wrapper
The wrapper is a corojo, with deep reddish hue. some veinage and minor tooth is notable. This stogie is notably heavier when compared to other robustos, it is firm and no soft spots are evident. A beautiful triple cap cover the head. The ring is simple slender. Black and white, with 88 and the name Illusione on it.
The prelight draw is pleasant, a slight hint of cinnamon is what comes to the forefront.
I used a punch to open up this cigar, and without further delay lets fire it up!
Lite up yields some sweetness on the lips, along with the expected woodsey initial taste. After a couple puffs, a notable spiceyness develops. Not a peppery spice however, though and not very poweful, hmmm! different. Ok, spice and citrus is what Im getting, very pleasant.
A fair amount of smoke and a very smooth easy draw from this stogie. No flavor hangover on the tongue. The flavor is clean and distinct but doesnt lay there til the next puff to get stale like some do.
A few more puffs and the spiceyness all but disappeared. There is still a slightly citrusy note and a sweetness on the lips with every draw, but no spice right now. Nose hale is smooth with no spice whatsoever at the first third.
As I get down to the middle of this cigar the flavor has remained consistant, not very complex but quite enjoyable. The smoothness and flavor profile make this a relaxing smoke. Not to say its bland by any means. Theres just not a big swing in the flavor thus far.
The strength of this stogie is above average, not for the meek and mild.
The burn has been prefect thus far. No touch ups or re-lights to this point. On other occasions I have had to relight this specific blend but no flame outs yet with this one. A word of caution however, the ash is unforgiving and is prone to drop off with out notice at even 3/4 inches in length so take care.
Just past the half way mark and what I perceive to be a light cocoa chocolate flavor developed. Just slight enough to notice but not enough to overwhelm or mask the ever present citrus notes on the rear of the palate. Now a bit of spice has re-appeared this time on the lips and tip of the tongue. Some licorice flavor is also apparent. So much for not being complex, it just took a bit if time to develop, but at the half way mark things have perked up. Hope it keeps on rolling like this. I’ve had a couple of these but usually while sippin on a beverage and playin poker, not paying as close attention as I should or could have.
I Found this cigar review to be amongst the most enjoyable ones, as this stogie is easily in my top 5 , along with the Tatuaje conoju 2003, Tatuaje tubo negro, Arturo Fuente Anejo and the Tatuaje tubo rojo. I had trouble puttin this stogie down. Burned it to a nub.
Overall impression:
Construction excellent
Flavor built slowly but developed well and was very pleasing
Burn impeccable
Price, just right at about 8 bucks
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