Cigar Review: Illusione 88

Cigar Reviews – Illusione ~88~

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Rosado Oscuro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Made In: Honduras
Size: 88 – 5×52 Robusto
Price: About $8 per single

Cigar Background: A couple months back I reviewed the Illusione cg:4 which I think is a fantastic cigar and it even made it into Fire Up That Cigar’s Top 25 Cigars of 2009. Today I have the 88, which is the robusto in the line. You are probably wondering why I am reviewing the same cigar in a different size and my answer to that is the following. Dion Giollio blends his sizes to taste and smoke a little different. A lot of companies subscribe to the theory that the entire line of cigars should taste the same, or as similar as possible. However, many like Dion Gillioto believe that the different sizes should taste similar but have a unique difference that sets each of them apart.

Appearance & Construction: The Illusione 88 is nice looking robusto with a deep brown colored wrapper and a few medium sized veins running the length of the cigar. The cigar is firm with a slight bounce when gently pressed between the fingers. The roll seems great and the seams are nice and straight. Overall, a very nice looking cigar with good construction.

Smoking Characteristics: This cigar has a good even draw that produces a moderate amount of smoke. The burn is very wavy but did not require any touch ups. The body of the cigar starts out medium, but slowly works its way into the lighter end of the full spectrum by the time the cigar concludes. The strength is average on this cigar.

Flavors: The Illusione 88 has a nice semi sweet oaky core with notes of dark chocolate, some coffee bean, spice and a bit of leather. As the cigar progresses the flavors slowly pick up in intensity and by the final third there are nice rich flavors of coffee bean, nuts, and some leather.

Final Thoughts: Although the body seems heavier than some of the other Illusione cigars I have smoked, I still prefer the cg:4 over this cigar. The finish of the Illusione 88 also seems a bit drier which isn’t nessisarily a bad thing, its just diffrent. Don’t get me wrong the 88 is a great cigar and if the 88 is all your shop has, buy it. On another note, I like that the sizes of the Illusione taste a little diffrent but I certainly wouldn’t look down on cigar lines that do tast the same. The fact that they are blended to be diffrent just shows the skill of Dion Gillioto and the passion that he brings to his brands.