Illusione 88 Candela VS Viaje White Label Project Candela
Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Robusto
Size : 5 x 52 (Illusione), 5 x 50 (Viaje)
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : $8-9 each
Smoked 2 of each for review

Since two of the top brands in the industry (Illusione and Viaje) decided to come out with candela cigars, I found it only appropriate to match these up face to face to see how they compare. The two cigars are the Viaje White Label Project Candela and Illusione’s 88 Candela. What makes this match up even more interesting is that both cigars come out of the same factory. For a lot of people out there this may be a problem, especially for those loyal to their brands and they don’t like the fact that the factory allowed two candelas to leave its doors. Some even have gone as far as to say that Andre Farkas of Viaje is following (or copying) the lead of Dion Giolito. But the only question to myself, was which one of the cigars was better? So whose cigar is King of the Candela?

Read the full review of Raices Cubanas Candela War…

Origin : Honduras
Format : Lancero
Size : 7.5 x 40
Wrapper : Maduro
Filler : Nicaraguan
Binder : Nicaraguan
Hand-Made
Price : $8 each

The standard Illusione ~hl~ is a favorite of mine. I consider it the single best Lancero on the market right now. Whether you agree with me or not on that point, there is no denying it is an excellent cigar. Recently Illusione added a Maduro and Candela version of this elegent Lancero. I smoked a few of the Candelas recently and it proved to be an excellent version of the Holy Lance. One I enjoyed very much. It seemed only natural that I finish the cycle and try the third and final incarnation of the Lance.

I really enjoyed the ~hl~ with the maduro wrapper. The flavors were very rich and very different from the others. It was earthy with very nice dark chocolate notes and subtle bitter/semi sweet component to it. It was perhaps not as complex as the other two. It never really changed much but the thing is that it doesn’t need to. The flavors are deep and delicious. It is a great smoke that I enjoyed and never got bored with. It is a total change of pace from the Rosado and the Candela ~hl~’s.

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Corona Gorda
Size : 5 5/8 x 46
Wrapper : Nicaraguan
Filler : Nicaraguan
Binder : Nicaraguan
Hand-Made
Price : $9 each

The first thing I noticed about this cigar was the wrapper: an aromatic, slightly veiny, dark textured brown wrapper. I did not find any issues or problems with the wrapper or the construction of the cigar but holding it in my fingers, it did feel a bit on the dry side. I believe this is due to my own humidor and not reflective on the build of the cigar. The band of the cigar, a simple yet pleasing looking band, uses great typographical elements to really complete the look of the cigar on the whole.

Read the full review of Illusione CG:4…

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Corona Gorda
Size : 5 5/8 x 46
Wrapper : Nicaraguan
Filler : Nicaraguan
Binder : Nicaraguan
Hand-Made
Price : $12+

ECCJ stands for European Cigar Cult Journal, which is a cigar magazine. Dion Giolito was asked to make this cigar for the celebration of the magazine’s 15th anniversary. I have never read or seen the magazine, but I hear you can read it in both English and German, that’s pretty cool.

Read the full review of Illusione ECCJ…

Origin : Honduras
Format : Lancero
Size : 7.5″ x 40
Wrapper : Candela
Filler : Nicaraguan
Binder : Nicaraguan
Hand-Made
Price : $8 each

I have to believe that this cigar is a first in the Modern Cigar Era. A Candela wrapped Lancero. I recently reviewed the Illusione ~88~ Candela which kindled a spark of interest for this wrapper that I largely ignored in the past. Like I said in that review of the ~88~, Candela wrappers seemed to be reserved for use on bad cigars. The regular Illusione ~hl~ sports a rosado wrapper and is probably my number one favorite Illusione cigar. The standard ~hl~ is the definition of elegance and balance. The Candela ~hl~ is a different animal.

I don’t know if the blend of this cigar was tweaked or just entirely different from the blend used for the standard Holy Lance but this green version tastes nothing like the original. The Candela is heavy on the palate with a strong spice. The Candela wrapper imparts a crispness with a slight grassy note and a subtle sweetness that is almost completely overpowered by the spice and tobacco flavors. The heaviness of the flavors is backed up by a fairly stout punch in the strength department. I found the ~hl~ Candela to be a bit rough around the edges but still a really good robust smoke. If you asked me to pick a favorite of the Candelas I think I’d have to give the nod to the ~88~. One I will certainly enjoy again. Still, I thought the Lancero was excellent and offers a different Candela experience. It is a cigar I will certainly enjoy again soon. My Local just got a bunch of boxes in so I should be able to stay in good supply.

Origin : Honduras
Format : Petit Corona
Size : 4 x 46
Wrapper : Nicaraguan Criollo
Filler : Honduran and Nicaraguan
Binder : Nicaraguan
Hand-Made
Price : ~$8 each

The Encounter: I’ve been searching the country for this target since it appeared on our Most Wanted List. An informant on vacation in Florida tipped me off to its whereabouts. A plane ride later, I had sequestered the target for interrogation.

Read the full review of Cruzado Avalitos…

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Robusto
Size : 5 x 50
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : USA
Hand-Made
Price : ~$8 each

The long-awaited Illusione Nosotros blend was released in 2009 in a joint venture between Jonathan Drew from Drew Estate and Dion Giolito from Illusione Cigars. These cigars are rolled in Drew Estate’s factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. They come in eight vitolas with the Robusto been the subject of today’s review.

Read the full review of Illusione Nosotros…

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Petit Corona
Size : 4 x 44
Ring : 44
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$5 each

The Bombone is the smallest vitola in Dion Giolito’s Illusione line, but looks can be deceiving!

I decided to partake in this little treasure while laboring away at the rituals of fall. Wisconsin is seeing the last days of warmth, and with that comes leaves and yard-work. The day was relatively warm and sunny, with temperatures in the 50’s, but my hedge trimmer was even hotter! While raking and trimming I decided to find a smoke that would be quick and wouldn’t require too much attention. The Illusione 68 fit the bill. Here’s my take…

Read the full review of Illusione 68…