Illusione Epernay

[awkwardPause]

So I'm aware most of the folks here prefer CC and in general, I've really steered that way as well in the last couple of years. Just works well with the flavors I look for in a cigar. Interestingly, it seems that the NC often mentioned on this forum are Opus X, Ligas, etc, which I consider to be pillars of peppery, strong Nicaraguan sticks (and often quite opposite of what I look for in CC).  That being said, there are still a fair number of NC that really display a lot of nuance in flavor, complexity, and consistent construction. One that has always stood out to me is the Illusione Epernay line from Dion Giolito. Definitely not your typical dark, palette-destroying pepper bomb that makes you want to empty the remnants of your humidor into a bonfire.  Any one else out there enjoy these sticks? It seems to sort of parallel what I look for in the CCs I purchase. (In the same vein, I really enjoy the Cruzado line from Illusione as well, although for different reasons).

[irratebass]

I really haven't had anything in the Illusione line that I didn't like. Probably my 3rd fav brand.

[Philc2001]

I don't know that line at all. Is it available online or just B&M? 

I have enjoyed The Griffins Robusto from time to time, they are on the mild and tasty side, and when you get them on sale at CigarBid they can be under $3 per cigar. 

[BMWBen]

I love the Epernay's, I was actually just looking for them yesterday but they were all sold out.

[omartout]

I love that cigar, my go to NC. I haven't really had an Illusione I didn't like. Check out the Ultra and Rothschild when you get a chance.

[HavanaSunday]

Illusione is a top notch brand top to bottom. Epernay le grande is a go to stick for me. In addition their Singulare line is phenomenal as are the ECCJs. 

[Cohiba Stevie]

As limited my exposure has been, the few illusione cigars i have tried have been superb. the cg4 in particular had me very confused as it could almost pass for cuban in terms of flavour.

[Icaminero91]

I'm so surprised that you bring up this cigar as I've always considered this cigar line to be the closest to a cuban cigar.

I couldn't believe what i was tasting as i smoked it the first time.

I even went ahead and mailed the company to congratulate them.

 

 

[Mattb82]

My local cigar lounge won't allow me to bring in cc anymore so this may need to become my go to moving forward when I'm there and cant sneak a cc

[RWhiz]

Love the brand, it helps that they are located right here in Reno, and I get into Dion's store several times a year.  He and I have some mutual friends, and it's pretty cool going into the store and having Dion wait on you and check out your purchases!  More important is that they create amazing cigars.  

[watches_whiskies_cigars]

I second the ECCJs as well. I like the Epernay Le Monde but the one I keep coming back to is the HL. As a lover of thin ring guage cigars, that lancero is a 1 hour 45 minute treat that is very consistent.

[jman]

It's a wonderful cigar. I used to smoke them years ago. It was known for pairing well with champagne. 

[ndhaon91]

Yep. Love the Epernay and the ECCJ. The ECCJ 15ths were especially good. The 20th are close, but not quite on the same level. Their latest, the Haut 10, is another home run. 

If you're looking for similar profiles, I highly, highly recommend the Regius black label. It's incredible close to a PSD4. 

[awkwardPause]

I don't know that line at all. Is it available online or just B&M? 

I have enjoyed The Griffins Robusto from time to time, they are on the mild and tasty side, and when you get them on sale at CigarBid they can be under $3 per cigar. 

I've always had a lot of success getting them online for some very reasonable prices, my favorite vitola being the la ferme (hermosos #4 size, 5x48) which comes in cabs of 50. I also have a great B&M that stocks a nice selection of sizes that I'll pick up singles from time to time. Even though not in the Epernay line, the HL lancero has very similar traits and I believe was blended to fall in line with the Epernay (focus more on milder viso and seco leaves). In general, can't go wrong with the brand and definitely worth checking out!

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[miurajus]

6 hours ago, Icaminero91 said:

I'm so surprised that you bring up this cigar as I've always considered this cigar line to be the closest to a cuban cigar.

I couldn't believe what i was tasting as i smoked it the first time.

I even went ahead and mailed the company to congratulate them.

 

 

I've done the same thing for that same reason.

Hoping in time to have an aged rotation of the Epernay and Fume lines locked and loaded.

Only NCs in my collection ATM.

[Boss Hog]

Exceptional cigars. Always consistent.

[Dozerhead]

I'm a fan of this line. One of the few NC's nowadays that doesn't try to blow you away with nicotine and strength, but rather with balance and complexity.

[Bohn007]

5 hours ago, Mattb82 said:

My local cigar lounge won't allow me to bring in cc anymore so this may need to become my go to moving forward when I'm there and cant sneak a cc

They cut you off? Did you try and buy other things to support them? 

[jcorona]

Haven't had the epernay yet, it is on my wish list. I have had the rothschild, a highly enjoyable smoke, which I would buy again.

[Danimalia]

Illusione is one of my favorite cigar companies. The Epernays are fantastic. The Fume D'Amours are fantastic. The original documents are (mostly) fantastic. I really enjoyed the new Garigiste, though I found that quite full and peppery, so it might not be to everyone's taste. The Epernay (and FD'A as well) offer a pretty unique flavor profile for a boutique Nicaraguan and they really demonstrate how much flavor you can get in a light to medium cigar.

 

[Mattb82]

3 hours ago, Bohn007 said:

They cut you off? Did you try and buy other things to support them? 

Yeah they don't want to see Cubans , I still sneak some. They actually credit everyone $200 per month from the monthly dues that have to be spent on cigars so I'm accumulating way to many NC in my locker there.  It's a davidoff lounge so the rules are a little tight, but it's the closest lounge to me. Nice people there though, just don't support Cubans 

[CaptainQuintero]

 The illusione cg:4 is probably my joint all time favourite NC. Subtle, creamy and no pepper strength. Almost like an Upmann, great size too.

That and the Toscano classico are the only two NC which I stock. Both stand up to Cubans for me.

[btubes18]

Fantastic cigars. Illusione cigars have some of the best NC flavors.


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[wabashcr]

Glad to see Illusione, and the Epernay in particular, getting some love here.  It's such a nicely balanced cigar, and for me it slots in nicely alongside anything I'm smoking out of Cuba.  As others have mentioned, the ECCJ is another great one, as are the various Singulare releases.  They're such a stark contrast with the typical NC power bombs.  I would also add some Warped lines into that category, especially the Don Reynaldo, La Colmena and their new Villa Sombra.  While these all have some striking similarities with many CCs, I think they also all bring something flavor-wise you don't quite get from Cuba.  I can't quite put my finger on it, but my point is that I think they're more than just imitations.  They all stand on their own for me.

[vivalanation734]

Illusione is a killer brand and Dion has an excellent palate. If you like his stuff, a lot of the other things coming out of TABSA are really good, particularly the stuff from Warped.