New Cigar from Illusione

D_A · 07-21-2009, 08:57 AM

07-21-2009, 09:25 AM

Good for Dion in going with Drew. Knowing Drew and what their capable of, I think this will be a great stick. Their quality control is second to none.

07-21-2009, 09:38 AM

Anyone think they look like a couple of gang members rolling cigars in the backyard?
I hope this new line is good. I like the one Illusione I have had.

Mark · 07-21-2009, 10:28 AM

I didn't believe it when I saw the post, but I guess its true!

Drew estate certainly has great quality control, but I have never had a DE that I have liked. Hopefully this will change my feelings towards the company!

bigloo · 07-21-2009, 10:35 AM

I think the Liga Privada is delicious and the Chateau Real has always been a favorite in the mornings for me. This will probably be very very good.

vankleekkw · 07-21-2009, 10:40 AM

The Liga was a real shocker for me. It wasn't a thing like I was expecting. I think that they are priced way too high for what you get though.

Clampdown · 07-21-2009, 10:42 AM

For the most part I think of DE and their crappy cigars as a complete joke. Good luck to them on them in the future though.

skibumdc · 07-21-2009, 10:58 AM

It's a strange move. I would have chosen a better name to use as a larger manufacturing plant....oh well.

Hopefully they don't wind up tasting like the flavored sticks

07-21-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clampdown

For the most part I think of DE and their crappy cigars as a complete joke. Good luck to them on them in the future though.

the cigars may be crappy but thay sell millions of them and thay are getting very big

kelmac07 · 07-21-2009, 11:39 AM

I have seen this...and must say, I am very curious to try one!!

07-21-2009, 11:40 AM

Very true Adam....say what you want about Drew, ACIDs are the #1 selling cigar right now. Remember who was first for many years? Macanudo! While I don't smoke ACIDs, Drew has brought many people into the cigar culture by introducing them to ACIDs. Some are still smoking ACIDs, and some have moved on to other smokes. But Drew has done a lot for the industry in bringing in new smokers.

Mr. Ed · 07-21-2009, 05:32 PM

La Vieja Habana the Early Years Silencio is a great smoke by Drew Estate. Illusione, meh, haven't been too impressed recently.

Ratters · 07-21-2009, 10:09 PM

Yep, The Early Years was a great smoke for the money. And yes, I've never seen a DE cigar with a bad roll. Interested to see what they'll come up with.

Skywalker · 07-21-2009, 10:17 PM

Sign me up to try 'em!!!

T.G · 07-21-2009, 10:45 PM

Here's the full text of the article for those interested:

--BEGIN

DREW ESTATE TO MAKE NEW ILLUSIONE
By Gregory Mottola from Cigar Insider 7/7/09
For the first time in the history of Drew Estate, the company best known for making infused and flavored cigars will be making a non-flavored, premium national brand for a third party—namely Dion Giolito, the man behind illusione cigars.

The new illusione Nosotros, which translates to “us” in Spanish, refers to the collaboration between Giolito and Drew Estate founder Jonathan Drew. While this is not Drew Estate’s first foray into the world of non-infused premium cigars (Chateau Real, Liga Privada No. 9), this is the first time that Drew Estate will be making a traditional premium mark for someone else. “Moving into the traditional market for us was a real challenge because many cigar smokers had a preconceived notion about Drew Estate,” said Jonathan Drew. “They thought of us as the ACID guys or the infusion guys. It was really the opening of our factory Gran Fabrica Drew Estate that moved us towards all areas of tobacco, including the non-flavored traditional market.” Giolito, who has all three of his brands made at the same factory in Honduras, had been seeking a new factory since 2007 in hopes of diversifying his brand portfolio. “Originally, Cruzado was supposed to made in the Joya de Nicaragua factory,” said Giolito. “I went down to the factory in December of 2007 and blended a cigar. At about that time, Drew Estate went into negotiations to distribute the Joya de Nicaragua brand. Subsequently, I wasn’t part of the deal and got kicked to the curb. No biggie.” According to Giolito, Drew approached him the following year at the 2008 IPCPR trade show and invited him to the Drew Estate factory in Nicaragua to brainstorm.

“Quite honestly, I had no intention of making a brand for anyone or with anyone,” said Drew. “Then I met Dion and my attitude changed. It is well known that I have been a personal consumer of his brands, but I knew nothing about the man who made them, other than his avant-garde marketing and conspiracy theory rhetoric. I also knew that the tobaccos in his brands came from well-celebrated farms in Nicaragua controlled by Aganorsa…I pursued working with Dion because his vision is original and raw. He understands that a great-tasting cigar need not be jam packed with ligero.” Drew said he has set up a “micro-factory” within his factory dedicated solely to the construction of illusione Nosotros cigars. It was designed to reflect the spirit of the brand with Nosotros murals on the walls and rollers wearing branded T-shirts.

Nosotros will be introduced at this year’s trade show and will come in eight sizes:
Corona 4 x 46
Corona Larga 6 x46
Robusto 5 x 50
Robusto Larga 5 ½ x 54
Toro, 6 x 52
“660” 6 x 60
Torpedo 6 ½ x 54
Churchill 7 x 48

Although prices have yet to be officially determined, the brand will retail in the range of approximately $7.95 to $11.95 per cigar and, unlike other illusione brands, will be available to Internet and catalog vendors. The brand draws its flavors from a Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 wrapper, Nicaraguan filler, and Connecticut Habano binder grown in Connecticut.

“I’ve never used these filler and binder tobaccos before, and they create a flavor profile that I crave but seldom get to smoke,” Giolito said. “Spicy and clean on the palate with richness and power that really sneaks up on you. The blend is well out of my comfort zone and very nonpareil to my other lines. As it turned out, the first combination of tobaccos that we experimented with wound up being the final blend.”

--END

Link to rehosted press release in pdf format
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=56B8ASED

Anyway, I can't wait to try this cigar as I like how both Dion and Jonathan blend their cigars (Jon's traditional stuff that is - not an ACID fan, but I do respect the cigars).

SmokinApe · 07-22-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibumdc

It's a strange move. I would have chosen a better name to use as a larger manufacturing plant....oh well.

Hopefully they don't wind up tasting like the flavored sticks

I disagree, I think that would be something intriguing about a cigar that tasted like bacon or Miller Lite...

Not that the current flavored cigars taste like that...

KidRock · 07-22-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokinApe

I disagree, I think that would be something intriguing about a cigar that tasted like bacon or Miller Lite...

Not that the current flavored cigars taste like that...

Miller lite taste nothing like bacon

SmokinApe · 07-22-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KidRock

Miller lite taste nothing like bacon

Yeah, but it's the two great tastes that taste great together...

itsme_timd · 07-22-2009, 08:28 PM

I'm very excited about this cigar!

I've never tried an illusione that I didn't like and if you try some of DE's non-infused sticks they are excellent as well - the Liga Privada #9 is a great smoke.

I know a lot of people that wouldn't touch the LP9 because it was a Drew Estate stick and they can't get past the idea of those darn Acids. I think these 2 guys have a lot of potential in making a stick together. I guess we'll see....

07-23-2009, 07:40 AM

I'm sure this will be a hit like the privadas. Dion has some great taste in tobacco. I'm still looking to try that cuchillos (?) cigar. One thing I also admire about him is the release of the smaller cigars. (tres petit, PC's...). I hate it when a cigar is released in nothing but a robusto or larger.

07-21-2009, 09:25 AM	#2
uptown_isy Guest Posts: n/a	Re: New Cigar from Illusione Good for Dion in going with Drew. Knowing Drew and what their capable of, I think this will be a great stick. Their quality control is second to none.

07-21-2009, 09:38 AM	#3
darkninja67 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: New Cigar from Illusione Anyone think they look like a couple of gang members rolling cigars in the backyard? I hope this new line is good. I like the one Illusione I have had.

07-21-2009, 10:28 AM	#4
Mark Tarheel. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mark Location: Chapel Hill, NC Posts: 407 Trading: (1)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione I didn't believe it when I saw the post, but I guess its true! Drew estate certainly has great quality control, but I have never had a DE that I have liked. Hopefully this will change my feelings towards the company!

07-21-2009, 10:35 AM	#5
bigloo Crazy like a fox Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Lu Location: Rose City Posts: 905 Trading: (27)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione I think the Liga Privada is delicious and the Chateau Real has always been a favorite in the mornings for me. This will probably be very very good.

07-21-2009, 10:40 AM	#6
vankleekkw Still Watching My Back Join Date: Nov 2008 First Name: Kris Location: Round Lake, IL Posts: 136 Trading: (3)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione The Liga was a real shocker for me. It wasn't a thing like I was expecting. I think that they are priced way too high for what you get though.

07-21-2009, 08:57 AM	#1
D_A Dave's not here Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: David Location: NC Posts: 272 Trading: (7)	New Cigar from Illusione Nosotros, made by Drew Estate

07-21-2009, 10:42 AM	#7
Clampdown I Cut Like a Buffalo Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Brian Location: Noneya Posts: 868 Trading: (12)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione For the most part I think of DE and their crappy cigars as a complete joke. Good luck to them on them in the future though.

07-21-2009, 10:58 AM	#8
skibumdc That's what she said Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Balco Location: Smoke Less, Age More Posts: 345 Trading: (8)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione It's a strange move. I would have chosen a better name to use as a larger manufacturing plant....oh well. Hopefully they don't wind up tasting like the flavored sticks __________________ The Dude abides

07-21-2009, 11:39 AM	#10
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione I have seen this...and must say, I am very curious to try one!!

07-21-2009, 11:40 AM	#11
uptown_isy Guest Posts: n/a	Re: New Cigar from Illusione Very true Adam....say what you want about Drew, ACIDs are the #1 selling cigar right now. Remember who was first for many years? Macanudo! While I don't smoke ACIDs, Drew has brought many people into the cigar culture by introducing them to ACIDs. Some are still smoking ACIDs, and some have moved on to other smokes. But Drew has done a lot for the industry in bringing in new smokers.

07-21-2009, 05:32 PM	#12
Mr. Ed A horse is a horse... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ed...duh Location: THE Burgh Posts: 499 Trading: (6)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione La Vieja Habana the Early Years Silencio is a great smoke by Drew Estate. Illusione, meh, haven't been too impressed recently.

07-21-2009, 10:09 PM	#13
Ratters Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,848 Trading: (2)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione Yep, The Early Years was a great smoke for the money. And yes, I've never seen a DE cigar with a bad roll. Interested to see what they'll come up with.

07-21-2009, 10:17 PM	#14
Skywalker BABOTL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dice Location: Galaxy Far Far Away Posts: 10,168 Trading: (18)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione Sign me up to try 'em!!! __________________ Smoke what you like!!!

07-21-2009, 10:45 PM	#15
T.G Grrrrrr Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: The Other Adam Posts: 15,543 Trading: (37)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione Here's the full text of the article for those interested: --BEGIN DREW ESTATE TO MAKE NEW ILLUSIONE By Gregory Mottola from Cigar Insider 7/7/09 For the first time in the history of Drew Estate, the company best known for making infused and flavored cigars will be making a non-flavored, premium national brand for a third party—namely Dion Giolito, the man behind illusione cigars. The new illusione Nosotros, which translates to “us” in Spanish, refers to the collaboration between Giolito and Drew Estate founder Jonathan Drew. While this is not Drew Estate’s first foray into the world of non-infused premium cigars (Chateau Real, Liga Privada No. 9), this is the first time that Drew Estate will be making a traditional premium mark for someone else. “Moving into the traditional market for us was a real challenge because many cigar smokers had a preconceived notion about Drew Estate,” said Jonathan Drew. “They thought of us as the ACID guys or the infusion guys. It was really the opening of our factory Gran Fabrica Drew Estate that moved us towards all areas of tobacco, including the non-flavored traditional market.” Giolito, who has all three of his brands made at the same factory in Honduras, had been seeking a new factory since 2007 in hopes of diversifying his brand portfolio. “Originally, Cruzado was supposed to made in the Joya de Nicaragua factory,” said Giolito. “I went down to the factory in December of 2007 and blended a cigar. At about that time, Drew Estate went into negotiations to distribute the Joya de Nicaragua brand. Subsequently, I wasn’t part of the deal and got kicked to the curb. No biggie.” According to Giolito, Drew approached him the following year at the 2008 IPCPR trade show and invited him to the Drew Estate factory in Nicaragua to brainstorm. “Quite honestly, I had no intention of making a brand for anyone or with anyone,” said Drew. “Then I met Dion and my attitude changed. It is well known that I have been a personal consumer of his brands, but I knew nothing about the man who made them, other than his avant-garde marketing and conspiracy theory rhetoric. I also knew that the tobaccos in his brands came from well-celebrated farms in Nicaragua controlled by Aganorsa…I pursued working with Dion because his vision is original and raw. He understands that a great-tasting cigar need not be jam packed with ligero.” Drew said he has set up a “micro-factory” within his factory dedicated solely to the construction of illusione Nosotros cigars. It was designed to reflect the spirit of the brand with Nosotros murals on the walls and rollers wearing branded T-shirts. Nosotros will be introduced at this year’s trade show and will come in eight sizes: Corona 4 x 46 Corona Larga 6 x46 Robusto 5 x 50 Robusto Larga 5 ½ x 54 Toro, 6 x 52 “660” 6 x 60 Torpedo 6 ½ x 54 Churchill 7 x 48 Although prices have yet to be officially determined, the brand will retail in the range of approximately $7.95 to $11.95 per cigar and, unlike other illusione brands, will be available to Internet and catalog vendors. The brand draws its flavors from a Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 wrapper, Nicaraguan filler, and Connecticut Habano binder grown in Connecticut. “I’ve never used these filler and binder tobaccos before, and they create a flavor profile that I crave but seldom get to smoke,” Giolito said. “Spicy and clean on the palate with richness and power that really sneaks up on you. The blend is well out of my comfort zone and very nonpareil to my other lines. As it turned out, the first combination of tobaccos that we experimented with wound up being the final blend.” --END Link to rehosted press release in pdf format http://www.megaupload.com/?d=56B8ASED Anyway, I can't wait to try this cigar as I like how both Dion and Jonathan blend their cigars (Jon's traditional stuff that is - not an ACID fan, but I do respect the cigars).

07-22-2009, 08:28 PM	#19
itsme_timd Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: Tim Location: Woodstock, GA Posts: 338 Trading: (3)	Re: New Cigar from Illusione I'm very excited about this cigar! I've never tried an illusione that I didn't like and if you try some of DE's non-infused sticks they are excellent as well - the Liga Privada #9 is a great smoke. I know a lot of people that wouldn't touch the LP9 because it was a Drew Estate stick and they can't get past the idea of those darn Acids. I think these 2 guys have a lot of potential in making a stick together. I guess we'll see....

07-23-2009, 07:40 AM	#20
McLovin Guest Posts: n/a	Re: New Cigar from Illusione I'm sure this will be a hit like the privadas. Dion has some great taste in tobacco. I'm still looking to try that cuchillos (?) cigar. One thing I also admire about him is the release of the smaller cigars. (tres petit, PC's...). I hate it when a cigar is released in nothing but a robusto or larger.