Illusione cg:4

09 Apr 2013 • Posted by Jack • Illusione • 3271 views

If you live in the Dayton area, I have good news. The Wharf increasing their Illusione offerings. They now have the largest selection in the area - which means good things if you are looking for great cigars. There are still several Illusione offerings that I have yet to try, yet every one that I have had has been simply amazing. That being said, my choice for today is the Illusione cg:4, which is a very nice looking corona gorda size. The more I smoke corona gorda sizes the more I enjoy them. They are elegant, flavorful, easy on the jaw, and surprisingly long smokes for being fairly small. So, how is this as-yet untried Illusione? Let's see?

Construction: The cg:4 has a nice classic Cuban size about it. The wrapper is a nice red-brown with a terrific rustic appearance. A lot of the boutique brands have this rustic look which is something I find quite appealing. Who cares if a cigar is flawless looking if the smoking experience is sub-par?

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: There is a very nice sweet and slightly spicy tobacco aroma coming from the foot. The wrapper has a very slight grassy aroma. Overall nice. Cutting is a breeze and the draw is absolutely perfect.

Light and Burn: It took me one wood match to light this nice little corona gorda. The burn is almost dead on with a nice dark gray ash. I noticed that the smoke from the cg:4 is rather aromatic as well.

Tasting: Starting off there is a nice hit of spice and then, like every Illusione I have had, this creamy smooth flavor kicks in. In the first third I am getting some very nice wood, nuts, and cream. There is a nice leathery taste as well as a smattering of earthiness as well. So far this thing rocks. Into the middle third and the spice and woody notes are increasing a bit. Overall I would say this is a medium bodied cigar so far. There is a hint of cocoa on the palate as well. The finish is nice and sweet and cool. The final third adds a little bit more spice - something like a chili pepper flavor mixed with the wood, nuts, cream, and cocoa. The cg:4 is absolutely delicious! As I puff this cigar to a finger-burning nub, I pick up a few additional flavors like cinnamon, honey, and dark chocolate. Outstanding, Illusione, outstanding.

Value: At around $9 and change, the cg:4 is maybe a little on the high side for a small vitola. However, Illusione cigars are always, and I mean always worth the price.

Final Thoughts: Illusione has cemented a space in my top five favorite cigar manufacturers too date. Every time I smoke one of these lovely creations, I find myself satisfied beyond my expectations....which are actually always high for such a great boutique. Without question, I highly recommend this cigar.

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium to full

Size: 5 5/8 x 46