Illusione Epernay Le Elegance Cigar Review

This week, we have another guest cigar review from our friend Ryan Collman. He’s reviewing the Illusione Epernay Le Elegance, a cigar from Illusione’s fairly new Epernay line. This is the first review of an Illusione Epernay cigar on The Weekly Cigar, so I hope you enjoy his review.

Size: 5 3/4 x 40
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Body: Med/Full
Construction: Very good.

From the Illusione website:

“This blend originally debuted in 2008 through the ECCJ 15th limited release. From this blend, Epernay has been made into four unique and exciting sizes with a combination of Criollo and Corojo tobaccos. The cigar is finished with a superior-grade Cafe Rosado coverleaf. The Epernay blend is very complex and prfectly balanced treating the palate to hints of coffee and honey, further enhanced though the olfactory with floral note, and a creamy finish.”

1st Third: After clipping this cigar with my Xikar cigar cutter, I tested the draw (which was perfect) and gently toasted the foot with a single flame torch. The first puff had a nice pepper and toasted wood flavor with a creamy finish. These were the predominate flavors of the cigar, with hints of other flavors here and there (black cherry and vanilla). As the 1st third came to a close, more notes of wood and nuts came to forefront, with a unique sweetness that was hard to pinpoint.

2nd Third: As the 2nd third opened up, the flavors began to become more apparent to me. The cigar had a smooth almond flavor, with hints of caramelized sugar and milky coffee. It was absolutely phenomenal. The cigar began to pick up some more strength here as well, but nothing too overpowering.

Final Third: The final third brought with it more charred wood flavors accompanied by a sweet floral aroma and flavor. As far as medium bodied cigars go, this is where it’s at.

Hands down, this was one of my favorite cigars from 2009, especially this vitola. If you were to describe this cigar in one word, it would be “refreshing”. It’s not just refreshing in the sense that it isn’t too heavy or over powering, but this cigar is also refreshing in that it is something radically new. It’s totally unique and is a delightful addition to the Illusione line. Dion Giolito, owner of Illusione Cigars, has a winner on his hands. If you haven’t had a chance to try this smoke, you need to find it for your next purchase. You won’t regret it.

Recommended Beer Pairing: Although Dion recommends champagne with this cigar, I prefer a Belgian Pale Ale or Strong Pale Ale like Grimbergen Blonde, Duvel or Delirium Tremems.