Well, I'll be damned....

pnutbutrsangwich · 07-22-2010, 08:18 PM

I've been an "NC" hater for quite some time now so when I heard another habanophile who has been smoking for over 20 years talk up the Illusione Epernay series, my skepticism turned to intrigue. I've heard the "it tastes like a Cuban... really!" claims more times than I care to count but I've always found these claims to be total rubbish. Since the shop across the street from my office carries these, I figured I'd do a little experiment.

I grabbed the "Le Grande" vitola and sat down for a smoke the other day. Through the first half inch, confirmation bias was strong... it was a bit harsh and nearly un-nose-smokable. I thought that I had wasted $11.50 (thanks, Mayor Mike!) However things changed about an inch in... after that it developed a magnificent smoothness... no harshness or bitterness. Just a sweet, nutty, creamy, and spicy smoke that combined elements of an SLR Serie A and an Upmann Mag50! There were many times when the smoke fell a bit flat, but I think that storage in the tobacconist's walk in (likely a bit too wet for my tastes) held it back a bit. I was shocked, but it was a great smoke.

If you're doubtful that an NC can be enjoyable in the least, these will likely prove you quite wrong. It was incredibly refreshing to find a cigar that I can enjoy when a client or coworker wants to grab something on the fly. Amazing!

Chingas · 07-22-2010, 08:22 PM

Nice review brother. Glad to hear the NC's aren't dead to you anymore!

DBall · 07-22-2010, 08:45 PM

Wow. Tom... I'll need to find one of these and try it.

07-22-2010, 08:48 PM

I like these a lot!!!

Glad you enjoyed it.

Jbailey · 07-22-2010, 08:49 PM

One of my NC favs is the cabaiguan corona extra.

Glad you found another cigar you enjoyed Tom.

yourchoice · 07-22-2010, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBall

Wow. Tom... I'll need to find one of these and try it.

Coming from you Tom, I think I will need to seek one out too.

RustyShackleford · 07-22-2010, 09:04 PM

This is one of my all time favorite smokes, a great example of flavor over power. I have found with my limited experience with CC of this flavor over power blending style to be the case. I am growing to like this style very quickly.

I have found that sometime at 65% is a benefit to this smoke.

If you liked this you might want to give the la riqueza a try. It has a different flavor profile but to me it is blended to be another flavor over power cigar.

JJG · 07-22-2010, 09:31 PM

I've had the exact same experience with the Illusione Epernay line. I find them to be uniquely complex and flavorful once the initial harshness fades. I'm primarily a CC smoker as well, but the Illusiones have won a spot on the very short list of NCs I buy regularly.

I'd stop short of saying these tastes Cuban, but that doesn't mean they aren't equally as enjoyable and satisfying.

CigarNut · 07-22-2010, 09:44 PM

Thanks for the review!

wayner123 · 07-23-2010, 07:06 AM

Two things immediately come to mind after reading your post.

1) $11.50 compared to a SLR A or Mag 50 at even UK prices is still high

2) I am glad you gave NC's another chance, and wish that many more hardcore CC only smokers would do so.

JJG · 07-23-2010, 07:42 AM

Even if you prefer Cubans, I think it's still benficial to smoke some NCs occasionally.

CCs may be the smoothest and most complex cigars available, but I've found there is a large range of unique flavors present in many top quality NCs that you don't get in Havanas.

JohnE1000 · 07-23-2010, 09:23 AM

Illusione and Cruzado are some of the best non cuban cigars made. Construction, draw, consistency, and their own unique flavor. The are even better than some Cubans.

Mr B · 07-23-2010, 10:08 AM

Nice to hear you enjoyed it. The Epernays (especially the smaller R.G.s) are one of my favoirtes.
Try getting hold of an El Centurian. I think you will feel the same way.

srduggins · 07-23-2010, 11:12 AM

These are also one of my favorite smokes. I smoked one at So Cal XI, one of the few NCs smoked there. Definitely try the regular Cabaiguan line as well (not the maduros or Guapos) - I like the Guapos, just not sure I would recommend it to an NC hater. And I'll second the El Centurians. Who knows, somebody might actually fall UP the dark slope.

07-22-2010, 08:18 PM	#1
pnutbutrsangwich Go Green! Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 472 Trading: (3)	Well, I'll be damned.... I've been an "NC" hater for quite some time now so when I heard another habanophile who has been smoking for over 20 years talk up the Illusione Epernay series, my skepticism turned to intrigue. I've heard the "it tastes like a Cuban... really!" claims more times than I care to count but I've always found these claims to be total rubbish. Since the shop across the street from my office carries these, I figured I'd do a little experiment. I grabbed the "Le Grande" vitola and sat down for a smoke the other day. Through the first half inch, confirmation bias was strong... it was a bit harsh and nearly un-nose-smokable. I thought that I had wasted $11.50 (thanks, Mayor Mike!) However things changed about an inch in... after that it developed a magnificent smoothness... no harshness or bitterness. Just a sweet, nutty, creamy, and spicy smoke that combined elements of an SLR Serie A and an Upmann Mag50! There were many times when the smoke fell a bit flat, but I think that storage in the tobacconist's walk in (likely a bit too wet for my tastes) held it back a bit. I was shocked, but it was a great smoke. If you're doubtful that an NC can be enjoyable in the least, these will likely prove you quite wrong. It was incredibly refreshing to find a cigar that I can enjoy when a client or coworker wants to grab something on the fly. Amazing!

07-22-2010, 08:22 PM	#2
Chingas Death Is Waiting Join Date: Jun 2010 First Name: Chingas Location: Slayerville, Jersey Posts: 5,295 Trading: (35)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... Nice review brother. Glad to hear the NC's aren't dead to you anymore! __________________ ---Chingas--- ---Team Death Bomb Squad: Captain---

07-22-2010, 08:45 PM	#3
DBall Cigar Jesus Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,779 Trading: (46)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... Wow. Tom... I'll need to find one of these and try it. __________________ --------Dan--------- My Music \| My Videos

07-22-2010, 08:48 PM	#4
dubnick Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... I like these a lot!!! Glad you enjoyed it.

07-22-2010, 08:49 PM	#5
Jbailey Brewcifer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Madison, WI Posts: 5,211 Trading: (17)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... One of my NC favs is the cabaiguan corona extra. Glad you found another cigar you enjoyed Tom. __________________ "Sent to spy on a Cuban talent show first stop- Havana au go-go." Field Marshall Douche Bag.

07-22-2010, 09:04 PM	#7
RustyShackleford Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Chris Location: PA Posts: 79 Trading: (2)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... This is one of my all time favorite smokes, a great example of flavor over power. I have found with my limited experience with CC of this flavor over power blending style to be the case. I am growing to like this style very quickly. I have found that sometime at 65% is a benefit to this smoke. If you liked this you might want to give the la riqueza a try. It has a different flavor profile but to me it is blended to be another flavor over power cigar.

07-22-2010, 09:31 PM	#8
JJG Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Houston Posts: 1,260 Trading: (4)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... I've had the exact same experience with the Illusione Epernay line. I find them to be uniquely complex and flavorful once the initial harshness fades. I'm primarily a CC smoker as well, but the Illusiones have won a spot on the very short list of NCs I buy regularly. I'd stop short of saying these tastes Cuban, but that doesn't mean they aren't equally as enjoyable and satisfying.

07-22-2010, 09:44 PM	#9
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,038 Trading: (111*)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... Thanks for the review! __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

07-23-2010, 07:06 AM	#10
wayner123 Country Gentleman Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Deltona, FL Posts: 2,351 Trading: (159)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... Two things immediately come to mind after reading your post. 1) $11.50 compared to a SLR A or Mag 50 at even UK prices is still high 2) I am glad you gave NC's another chance, and wish that many more hardcore CC only smokers would do so. __________________ 'It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling.'

07-23-2010, 07:42 AM	#11
JJG Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Houston Posts: 1,260 Trading: (4)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... Even if you prefer Cubans, I think it's still benficial to smoke some NCs occasionally. CCs may be the smoothest and most complex cigars available, but I've found there is a large range of unique flavors present in many top quality NCs that you don't get in Havanas.

07-23-2010, 09:23 AM	#12
JohnE1000 Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 393 Trading: (39)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... Illusione and Cruzado are some of the best non cuban cigars made. Construction, draw, consistency, and their own unique flavor. The are even better than some Cubans.

07-23-2010, 10:08 AM	#13
Mr B Livin' in a Van.... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,233 Trading: (79)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... Nice to hear you enjoyed it. The Epernays (especially the smaller R.G.s) are one of my favoirtes. Try getting hold of an El Centurian. I think you will feel the same way.

07-23-2010, 11:12 AM	#14
srduggins Feeling at Home Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: steve Location: So. Cal. No More Posts: 504 Trading: (37)	Re: Well, I'll be damned.... These are also one of my favorite smokes. I smoked one at So Cal XI, one of the few NCs smoked there. Definitely try the regular Cabaiguan line as well (not the maduros or Guapos) - I like the Guapos, just not sure I would recommend it to an NC hater. And I'll second the El Centurians. Who knows, somebody might actually fall UP the dark slope.