Illusione 88 maduro
 

Short review on this Robusto size stick...
Had this in my Humidor for about 6 months and decided time was to give it a try. Really nice construction with a deep, dark, mottled wrapper. With the understated band, it looked like a man's cigar! Not much aroma from the untorched stick, but after cutting and lighting it up, there was a very appealing, classic cigar note present. Initial flavors were dark tobacco, bitter chocolate and unsweetened expresso. Very strong flavors with no sweetness I could detect at all. This one was for me, very different from a classic maduro flavor profile. Burn was wavy, but always self corrected and was resilient in keeping a good burn, despite a fairly stiff breeze outside. Unfortunately, the taste went quite flat around the half way point and actually became almost tasteless, except for an occasional slight bitter note. I tossed the stick at the 2/3 point. Not terrible, but for my taste, will not buy again. Just my :2
RR

Re: Illusione 88 maduro
 

Thanks for the review. I enjoy these and can't remember ever having a similar issue. chalk it up to getting a bum stick, I guess.

Re: Illusione 88 maduro
 

I too have never had an issue with these "losing" flavor, and I have smoked about 3/4 of a box. My favorite Illusione stick, hands down. Maybe you just got a "dud". :2

Re: Illusione 88 maduro
 

Too bad about the flavor loss. These are one of my "go to" sticks.

Re: Illusione 88 maduro
 

Try the 888 :sh

Re: Illusione 88 maduro
 

I've always loved these maduros. One of the finest out there.

Re: Illusione 88 maduro
 

Didn't even know they made these with Maduro. Absolutely loved the regular ones. Unfortunately not available on this side of the pond :td

Re: Illusione 88 maduro
 

I'm curious, BadB, how you do with other San Andres maddies? I don't get any satisfaction from these, either, but I chalked it up to being a SA, which I don't typically like very much.