Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D’Aosta

November 1, 2021

Joe Gulino

“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