This Geek Critique has been generously sponsored by biggsy16 (Rich)
The Cigar: Illusione Gigantes Maduro (6.5 x 56)
The Specs:
Country Manufactured: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexico
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Dual Nicaragua Criollo 98/Corojo 99
The Hype:
Illusione cigars were a dream made into a reality by cigar retail veteran Dion Giolito. Dion had been working in cigar stores and eventually running his own cigar shop for about 15 years. Like a lot of cigar fanatics, he wanted to create his own cigar that was blended for his own personal taste. Dion made a great choice when he paired up with Paul Palmer of Casa Fernandez cigars to make Illusion cigars. Illusione cigars are made with 1st generation Corojo '99 and Criollo '98 tobacco grown in Nicaragua. Illusione cigars are a bold, medium to full bodied experience with a complex blend of flavors ranging from coffee, earth and leather. The taste is reminiscent of pre-Sandanista Nicaraguan cigars.
Illusione Gigantes cigars are a big follow up to the very popular Illusione Rothchilde. The newest cigar from the boutique brand is full of flavor yet medium-bodied, precisely what Illusione is known for.
This large and in charge cigar is packed with earthy flavors such as cocoa, salted nuts, leather, pepper, and has a sweet creaminess from the dark Mexican San Andres maduro wrapper and the well-aged blend of Aganorsa long-fillers derived from Nicaragua. Joined with an enjoyable floral aroma, this premium cigar is not too big for your britches.
A blend of Nicaraguan Criollo '98 and Corojo '99, and finished with a 'Capa Rustica' San Andreas Wrapper. Medium to full-bodied and very complex. The CT series is a blend of Nicaraguan Criollo '98 and Corojo '99, and finished with a Connecticuit Shade Wrapper from Ecuador. Medium bodied and very complex
Due Date: August 25th., 2018
The Reviewers:
Veteran or plus status. Must not have done a Geek Critique review in June, July, or August. Must be an active member.
1. apollo (Stephen)
2. headfirst (Gary)
3. kalmm143 (Kevin)
4. benchjockey (Barry)
5. beegerply (Byron)
Note: A reviewer who posts their review late will receive neutral feedback. A reviewer who does not post at all will receive negative feedback. There are always exceptions to the rule and a reasonable excuse for tardiness or a no show will be respected and thus not counted against the reviewer. Our sponsoring members and our administrators make the choice of who is to participate in any particular Geek Critique and can be better informed of their choices with this initiative in place.
Thanks again to Rich for taking this one on and providing the cigar. THANKS!! And happy smokin'