Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Wrapper - Nicaraguan Shade-Grown Corojo
Binder - Nicaraguan
Filler - Nicaraguan
Size - 6×46

Prelight has a soft feel...seemingly under-filled with a very easy draw. Love the size.

First third - Woody and cedar flavors with tons of smoke. The smoke is a bit on the dry side for the first 1/2 inch but quickly turns very smooth with a creamy and smooth mouth feel. Buttery nose exhale with toasted nuts on the aftertaste.

Second third - Hints of cinnamon, toasted nuts, tobacco, and cedar. Quite complex. Has a very smooth non-spicy aftertaste. Still lots of buttery feel on the palate.

Last third - Increases in the tobacco flavors while still maintaining a complex flavor. The spice in the aftertaste picks up near the finish.

This smoke started out a bit rough with dryness of the smoke but quickly turns into a consistent very buttery and smooth smoke with a good amount of complexity. A spicy aftertaste only became present near the end. All in all quite delicious. Recommended.

http://www.internetarmy.com/cigars/eph/img_0639.jpg

http://www.internetarmy.com/cigars/eph/img_0640.jpg

http://www.internetarmy.com/cigars/eph/img_0645.jpg

http://www.internetarmy.com/cigars/eph/img_0646.jpg

http://www.internetarmy.com/cigars/eph/img_0649.jpg

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Thanks for the review & pictures. I am pro Illusione. :tu

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Forgot to add...this smoke was gifted by RPguy in a contest he ran...thanks again Jaime!

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Thanks for the review. I smoked the Epernay Elegence a couple days ago. Awesome smoke. Wish I had more :(

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Nice review. Love the size but didn't particularly care for the flavors of this stick.

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Nice review, thanks for sharing.

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Very nice, great pics...What's the price point on this one?

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

I picked one of these up on Saturday at Tampa Humidor on a suggestion from Jaimie. I can't wait to try it... thanks for the review!!!

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

I really enjoy all of Dion's other smokes. However, I have been reluctant to try this line because I didn't like the ECCJ which this line was based on. I will have to pick up a 5er and give it a shot though.

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

These are right around $9/stick

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

I liked the ECCJ myself, got a box put away from January 2009. It came across as a much fuller smoke compared to the ECCJ to me. I enjoyed the smaller ring gauge Epernay's better too.

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Me, Too! Great Smoke! Thanks For The Fantastic Review & Pics.!

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Thanks for the review, and nice pictures!!

I've only smoked one Eperany -- the corona size. It was AWESOME! Can't wait to find more of them.

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Thanks for the review. Super cool pics!
I love these too.

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Cause you're a hater Steve.

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

smoked one of these last night and loved it. There was nothing particularly unique about the flavor (doubt I could pick it out blind among other Nics) but it was very complex, balanced and tasty.

My thoughts were pretty much the same as the original poster. started out a little harsh, could hardly nose inhale at all, but after an inch or so it smoothed out and maintained a very nice complex flavor for the rest of the smoke.I only purged once but It never really got bitter either, which is a pet peeve of mine.

I will be buying more of these for sure.

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Haven't had these, excellent pics as always! Thanks for the post...

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Thanks for the post. This cigar is in my top 3.

Re: Illusione Epernay Le Grande
 

Nice review! I've only had one Eperany (the corona), and I LOVED that cigar! Can't wait to try the rest of the line.