Intro: this blend is exclusive to Rocky Patels new lounge in Naples, "Burn". They can only be purchased from the lounge in person. I got the Churchill on Brooks recommendation, as I trust his opinions. I happened to be in Ft Myers for Christmas visiting family. I made a trip to Burn just to purchase these. The lounge itself was very nice and worth the trip if you are in the area. This is my second public review, I hope you enjoy.
Price: $10.25
Purchased: 12/26
Pre-light: beautiful wrapper and construction as always from Illusione. Nice reddish hue to the wrapper and it has minimal veins, perfect triple cap.
The prep: punched with my Xikar and toasted with my Xikar EX.
First third: nice hit of spice through the nose, not black pepper, more of a cinnamon/nutmeg tingle Sweet tobacco finish. Large volume of smoke with little effort. Salt and pepper ash. Spice fading to a toasty tobacco finish. Towards the end of the third, a little more of the toasty flavor and leather is coming through, very enjoyable start, very smooth flavors. Salt and pepper ash, a bit flaky, but holds for almost an inch.
Second third: leather coming to the front, spice almost gone. Leather starting to dominate. Minimal spice through the nose. Spice starting to increase on finish. Going out a little, quick relight and back on track. Still producing tons of smoke. Nutty flavor appearing.
Final third: flavor strengthening, no major changes. Perfect burn for the duration. Ash still flakey, but holding well. Leather dominating.*Final third a continuation of the first.
Conclusion: good smoke from Illusione yet again. I would like a little more complexity and definition of flavor. I'll be resting these for 6 months or so and revisit to see what has changed.
Score: 90