Illusione 88 Maduro Robust is a cigar made in Nicaragua. The peculiarity of this line, on an aesthetic level, is the band, with particularly “minimal” dimensions and which varies in text from size to size. In the case of the Robusto size, the number “88” stands for the year when Dion Giolitto, owner of the brand, moved from Oklahoma to Reno for college. According to Dion, the name Robust refers more to the body of the cigar than the actual size.
The blend of this line includes Criollo ’98 and Corojo ’99 tobaccos, rolled in a “Capa Fina” San Andres wrapper leaf, grown in Mexico.
The cigar is dressed in a Maduro shaded wrapper, that is rough to the touch. Construction is flawless.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 52 x 127 mm (5″)
- Wrapper: San Andres (Mexico)
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $ 9.2 | € 10.5
Illusione 88 Maduro Robust: the cold draw reveals hints of earth and spices. The opening brings notes of earth and spices to the palate, enriched with herbal nuances.
It releases toasted nutty notes (a mix of walnut and hazelnut), as well as intense earthy notes, on a spicy background, where black pepper is the main flavor. The smoke is creamy and almost chewable. Strength is medium – full (4/5).
In the central section we continue with nuts, where the mix of walnut and hazelnut is confirmed, even if now the walnut is more pronounced. The spices in the background intensify and in some puffs culminate with hot spices. A herbal nuance, which refreshes the smoke, is also perceptible. The finish is long and earthy. Strength remains constant (4/5).
In the final part the smoke becomes earthier and the herbs become more accentuated, taking the place of the nutty component. Black pepper remains present, but is slightly dialed back. Strength shows no change (4/5).
Overall, the Illusione 88 Maduro Robust releases a masculine and straight forward smoke, with an intense and balanced flavor profile. The only flaw, is a final third that is slightly less performing than the first two, which however isn’t a big deal thanks to the intensity and finish that this cigar boasts.
Rating: 91