Illusione ~hl~ (Holy Lance)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Café Colorado
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Made In: Honduras
Size: 7.5×38
Price: About $9 per single
Appearance & Construction: The Illusione hl is a great looking lancero with a pigtail cap. The wrapper has a few small veins and seems a little lighter than most of the Illusione line. The seams are cut straight and there are no signs of flawed construction.
Smoking Characteristics: The hl has a nice smooth even draw, probably the smoothest drawing lancero I have ever had. There were a few burn issues which is somewhat disappointing considering that small ring gauge cigars usually burn pretty even. The ash was normal for a lancero and fell off at about the three quarter inch mark. The body of the cigar is medium and the strength is average.
Flavors: The Illusione hl has a nice smooth cedary core with notes of almonds and coffee. The finish is my favorite part of this cigar and is similar to a nice dark tea. In the second third the cigar becomes a bit sweeter and earthier. The final third is the same as the second third with just a touch more body.
Final Thoughts: Wow what a great lancero. I absolutely love the flavors of this cigar but the one that stuck out the most is the dark tea flavor. I can’t get enough of it. I don’t know what else to say about the Holly Lance besides Holy Shit go get you some. I highly recommend this cigar.
Worth a Shot: Yes
Buy Again: Yes, box worthy
Rating: Excellent
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Thanks for the review, I’ve been looking at the hl lately but haven’t made the purchase.
Interesting take on these. I have had one, and was not “wow”ed (my word when something makes me sit up and take notice). Didn’t get the tea finish. Did get the almonds and coffee, but very one dimensional for me, but not surprised to have that happen given the ring guage.
It is a stick I look forward to trying again, but am squeamish about the price tag.
Thanks for the review.