“Some people meditate, I smoke cigars!”
—Ron Perlman
Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D’Aosta
Manufactured By: Raices Cubanas
Blended By: Don Giolito
Vitola: 6×50 Toro
Filler: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Cafe Rosado
Binder: Nicaragua
Body: Medium Boldness
Price: $12
Visual / Pre-light Draw
- Rough, oily, and extremely veiny
- Simple and skinny white/gold band
- Slight shaggy foot
- Medium brown wrapper
Dry Draw
– Heavy oats and fig notes
– Cigar is soft and sits comfortably
– Medium draw, nice gauge size
First Third
- Very nice pull, burst of sweet oats
- Creamy earthy tobacco notes
- Nice creamy and floral foot aroma
- Light to medium body cigar
- Tons of foot smoke aroma
Second Third
- Cigar flavor is consistent as I pour a second glass of delicious rye
- Tons of foot smoke and foot smoke aroma
- Ash holding nicely, cigar only getting creamier
- Vanilla oats, creamy floral notes, hint of honey
- Ash fell off with unexpectedly but with dignity
Final Third
- The cigar remains smooth and creamy
- Very enjoyable smoke, nice even slow burn
- Tons of flavor and foot smoke aroma, hint of coffee
- No re-lights required, sit back, relax, and enjoy!
This pairing was like pouring a creamy caramel glaze over fresh rose petals. The cigar is light, easy to smoke, and the toasted barrel finish mellows the high 109.4 proof of the rye whiskey. The sweetness of the cigar and toasted barrel marshmallow notes of this Michter’s expression made for an awesome pairing, reminiscent of the perfect turkey day dessert.
The Pairing
What a great way to kick off the fall season with some Michter’s Barrel Strength Toasted Barrel Finish Rye. This bottle is sweet and spicy, creating a beautiful balance with the sweet creamy and floral notes of the Illusione goodness. This pairing was like pouring a creamy caramel glaze over fresh rose petals. The cigar is light, easy to smoke, and the toasted barrel finish mellows the high 109.4 proof of the rye whiskey. The sweetness of the cigar and toasted barrel marshmallow notes of this Michter’s expression made for an awesome pairing, reminiscent of the perfect turkey day dessert.
Happy Thanksgiving WBSE
Acknowledgment
Thank you Binny’s Spirits Consultant and whiskey enthusiast Joe McEwan for recommending this superb Illusione stick!
Photography by: James Archie
