2008 illusione 68

stearns · 08-03-2017, 08:47 PM

Decided tonight would be a good night to smoke something a little older and write about it, so when I saw this guy I jumped at it. This illusione 68 is from 2008, back when I used to smoke these by the box. This is not one I've aged myself, I received it from an overly generous RevSmoke in a MAW a few months back. The weather was nice on the balcony so I put on some music, poured a ginger beer and bourbon (the cheap stuff) and clipped the cap

The prelight draw was spicy, stronger than I was suspecting but I'm not too surprised.
The first draw continues to show the strong flavor, not overwhelming but I need to be careful on the retrohale, only slightly less strong than I remember them being fresh. The smoke is very thick, and the draw is perfect.

Moving into the second third, the spice is still there but it's getting more earthy. Easier on the exhale, but still on the med-full line. Very enjoyable, it's different than the type of stuff I usually smoke and a nice change of pace.

Towards the end and still a similar profile, still on the heavy side of medium but I'm really liking it. These small ones were always on the one dimensional side, but I'm fine with that.

Overall about 1 hour smoke time, but I'm always slow when it comes to that. I had to touch it up a few times, but nothing that effected the experience. If I had more I'd be happy to smoke them, but alas this is my only one. Glad it was good

Thanks Todd!

elderboy02 · 08-03-2017, 08:56 PM

Great cigars!

stearns · 08-04-2017, 08:09 AM

Good looking little guy too

icehog3 · 08-05-2017, 11:49 AM

Great review, Ben. Illusione makes some of my favorite NC smokes.

08-03-2017, 08:47 PM	#1
stearns Dogbert Consultant Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ben Location: Park Hill Posts: 5,386 Trading: (50)	2008 illusione 68 Decided tonight would be a good night to smoke something a little older and write about it, so when I saw this guy I jumped at it. This illusione 68 is from 2008, back when I used to smoke these by the box. This is not one I've aged myself, I received it from an overly generous RevSmoke in a MAW a few months back. The weather was nice on the balcony so I put on some music, poured a ginger beer and bourbon (the cheap stuff) and clipped the cap The prelight draw was spicy, stronger than I was suspecting but I'm not too surprised. The first draw continues to show the strong flavor, not overwhelming but I need to be careful on the retrohale, only slightly less strong than I remember them being fresh. The smoke is very thick, and the draw is perfect. Moving into the second third, the spice is still there but it's getting more earthy. Easier on the exhale, but still on the med-full line. Very enjoyable, it's different than the type of stuff I usually smoke and a nice change of pace. Towards the end and still a similar profile, still on the heavy side of medium but I'm really liking it. These small ones were always on the one dimensional side, but I'm fine with that. Overall about 1 hour smoke time, but I'm always slow when it comes to that. I had to touch it up a few times, but nothing that effected the experience. If I had more I'd be happy to smoke them, but alas this is my only one. Glad it was good Thanks Todd! __________________ "Ignoring all the racket of conventional reality" - Keller Williams

08-03-2017, 08:56 PM	#2
elderboy02 Lets Go Buckeyes! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 12,508 Trading: (133)	Re: 2008 illusione 68 Great cigars!

08-04-2017, 08:09 AM	#3
stearns Dogbert Consultant Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ben Location: Park Hill Posts: 5,386 Trading: (50)	Re: 2008 illusione 68 Good looking little guy too __________________ "Ignoring all the racket of conventional reality" - Keller Williams

08-05-2017, 11:49 AM	#4
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,293 Trading: (60)	Re: 2008 illusione 68 Great review, Ben. Illusione makes some of my favorite NC smokes. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!