Illusione ~mj12~

[Don Fernando]

This cigar is named after the Majestic 12 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majestic_12), a committee of scientists, military leaders, and government officials that had the task to investigate UFO's. The Illusione ~mj12~ is a toro grande, 6x54 and a Nicaraguan puro, from first generation criollo 98 and corojo 99 tobacco. The cigar are produced in Honduras.

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af186/cigarguide/reviews/illusionemj121.jpg

The packaging of the cigar is quite unique, it is completely wrapped in tin foil. Now I am not sure, but it could be a reference to the tin foil hats and the name sake of the cigar. Once unwrapped I see a nice dark and oily wrapper with just 2 veins. The construction feels good and after punching I get a great predraw that tastes like straw and raisins.

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af186/cigarguide/reviews/illusionemj122.jpg

I taste earth and coffee with some sweetness. The flavors are medium strong but smooth and friendly. After two inch the coffee disappears and I taste sweet herbs and earth. The sweetness is dominant.

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af186/cigarguide/reviews/illusionemj123.jpg

Halfway the aftertaste is herbal without the sweetness. The main flavor still has the sweetness. After ¾ I get some leather in the background and at ⅔ I also taste some wood.

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af186/cigarguide/reviews/illusionemj124.jpg

The smoke time of the 6x54 toro gordo is about 80 minutes. I got a lot of thick smoke and a good draw. I have no complaints about the burn too. The ash is light colored and firm. This cigar is medium flavored and medium to full bodied.

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af186/cigarguide/reviews/illusionemj125.jpg

Would I buy this cigar again? Yes, I would like a few more of these

Appearance: 8 / 10
Construction: 7 / 10
Draw: 7 / 10
Burn: 8 / 10
Smoke & ash: 8 / 10
Aroma first part: 7 / 10
Aroma second part: 7 / 10
Aroma third part: 8 / 10

[Don Fernando]

Forgot to say, this one was gifted to me by the owner of Pheasant Cigars in Las Vegas who shared a box of these with everybody at E.L.V.I.S. in june 2009

[Mr B]

I liked the MJ12. The only problem I got was after the first 1/3 there was not much change and it got a little boring. I seem to prefer the smaller R.G. Illusiones and Epernays. just my :2

[BeerAdvocate]

One of my favorite Illusione - Nice review!!!

[MedicCook]

Thanks for the review Ferdie. I have enjoyed the few I have smoked.

[srduggins]

Nice review, I think it's time for me to spark up another one of these. Thanks for the inspiration.

[MarioF]

I had one last night, it was the newer one not wrapped in foil. I enjoyed it, pretty consistent throughout, nice draw, good even burn but has mentioned above didn't change much, it ended the way it started. I have one more to smoke but not sure if I would pay 9 dollars again. The dark look and the wonderful smell made me pick them out.

[e-man67]

I didn't think I would like these due to the larger ring gauge but they are actually really good.

[Partagaspete]

Funny, I just think they taste like a ring ding with some cedar. F-ing delicious! but as said above it really doesn't change much but they sure are tasty.

:tu

I tried the small one (38 or 68) and that was one lil' firecracker.

ie reviw Ferdie.

[kelmac07]

Another fine review Ferdie. I wasn't impressed with the two I had.

[Dark Jester]

Would I buy this cigar again? Yes, I would like a few more of these

:tpd: Nice review, I'm smoking one as I type this. :D