Well, I'll be damned....

pnutbutrsangwich · 07-22-2010, 08:18 PM

I've been an "NC" hater for quite some time now so when I heard another habanophile who has been smoking for over 20 years talk up the Illusione Epernay series, my skepticism turned to intrigue. I've heard the "it tastes like a Cuban... really!" claims more times than I care to count but I've always found these claims to be total rubbish. Since the shop across the street from my office carries these, I figured I'd do a little experiment.

I grabbed the "Le Grande" vitola and sat down for a smoke the other day. Through the first half inch, confirmation bias was strong... it was a bit harsh and nearly un-nose-smokable. I thought that I had wasted $11.50 (thanks, Mayor Mike!) However things changed about an inch in... after that it developed a magnificent smoothness... no harshness or bitterness. Just a sweet, nutty, creamy, and spicy smoke that combined elements of an SLR Serie A and an Upmann Mag50! There were many times when the smoke fell a bit flat, but I think that storage in the tobacconist's walk in (likely a bit too wet for my tastes) held it back a bit. I was shocked, but it was a great smoke.

If you're doubtful that an NC can be enjoyable in the least, these will likely prove you quite wrong. It was incredibly refreshing to find a cigar that I can enjoy when a client or coworker wants to grab something on the fly. Amazing!

07-22-2010, 08:18 PM	#1
pnutbutrsangwich Go Green! Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 472 Trading: (3)	Well, I'll be damned.... I've been an "NC" hater for quite some time now so when I heard another habanophile who has been smoking for over 20 years talk up the Illusione Epernay series, my skepticism turned to intrigue. I've heard the "it tastes like a Cuban... really!" claims more times than I care to count but I've always found these claims to be total rubbish. Since the shop across the street from my office carries these, I figured I'd do a little experiment. I grabbed the "Le Grande" vitola and sat down for a smoke the other day. Through the first half inch, confirmation bias was strong... it was a bit harsh and nearly un-nose-smokable. I thought that I had wasted $11.50 (thanks, Mayor Mike!) However things changed about an inch in... after that it developed a magnificent smoothness... no harshness or bitterness. Just a sweet, nutty, creamy, and spicy smoke that combined elements of an SLR Serie A and an Upmann Mag50! There were many times when the smoke fell a bit flat, but I think that storage in the tobacconist's walk in (likely a bit too wet for my tastes) held it back a bit. I was shocked, but it was a great smoke. If you're doubtful that an NC can be enjoyable in the least, these will likely prove you quite wrong. It was incredibly refreshing to find a cigar that I can enjoy when a client or coworker wants to grab something on the fly. Amazing!