Target Name:

Illusione Cuchillos Cubanos 47

Target Vitals:

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua Long and Medium

Vitola: Churchill

Year: 2009

Background Info:

The Illusione Cuchillos Cubanos (which translates to Cuban Knives) is a value line from Dion Giolito. Illusione is a boutique cigar brand that is becoming one of the top brands in the U.S. At roughly $18 for a box of 4 47s, Dion may be ahead of the curve when it comes to making a quality cigar at an affordable price in the current economic difficulties.

Mission Notes:

Disclaimer: Now I must admit, I am a huge fan of everything Dion makes. So while I will keep this review honest and fair, I am a bit biased. You could almost say I have a man-crush on him (wait, did I just type that? I gotta remember to take that line out). For some reason I always feel like a bad-ass when I smoke his stuff. “You want a piece of this?” But I digress….

The sun is setting, the crickets are chirping and I am fully into my mellow (just finished doing my daily zazen). This is my favorite time of day to smoke. It’s primetime to unwind, enjoy the outdoors and smoke a good cigar

Appearance and first impressions:

The wrapper has a darkish brown appearance and feels strong in construction. There are a few small veins in the leaf, but overall it has a solid look and feel. First whiffs of the foot and wrapper gives off a slight nutty smell mixed with a hint of espresso. This will be my third CC.

Today’s pairing:

Pairing today’s Illusione Cuchillos Cubanos with good old spring water.

From the first light through the first few puffs, I get a nutty taste along with some hints of earth and espresso and just a tiny sprinkling of pepper. It is medium bodied from the start, and gives me a nice “full” feeling in my chest. I usually like to have some music on in the background when I smoke and this smoke gives me a Social Distortion feeling, so that’s what we’ll listen too.

As I get through the 1^st third of the Illusione CC, the taste has really evolved into a nice toasted espresso finish. There are still hints of pepper, just teasing me. The smoke coming off this cigar is a nice off-white color and thick and creamy. I am now starting to feel a little nicotine kick in my head and still have that nice full feeling in my chest. I am getting deep into my mellow and am starting to get a Gangstarr feel from this cigar, so let the music player reflect it.

Now we are over halfway through the Cuchillos Cubanos 47 and the taste has evolved from espresso back to nutty with a hint of cocoa and still has that tease of pepper. The feeling in my chest has worked its way down into my gut and while it doesn’t have the kick of a full-bodied smoke, it definitely feels like it is on the high side of medium to me. It’s giving me a Face To Face feeling, so: “1, 2. 1,2,3,4! You don’t know what you wanna be…..”

As I dig into the last third, the taste has evolved yet again. We are back to espresso, but the pepper is much more prevalent. It leaves a nice little peppery aftertaste and if I am not mistaken, a slight sweetness akin to the cocoa I tasted earlier. I definitely am getting the full on nicotine buzz which is a testament to quality of this cigar and the tobaccos used. I really am enjoying this cigar and am fully into what I call my “mellow”.

Final Statement:

The Illusione Cuchillos Cubanos 47 is a great cigar for a great price. It is exactly what I expected coming from Dion. It was a solid medium bodied cigar that was very flavorful and kept me on my toes while trying to keep up with different flavor signatures. I recommend it for all types of cigar smokers looking for a great cigar for any time of the day!

-Agent 24 signing off