1 review for Illusione ~hl~ (Holy Lance) Candela
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Illusione ~hl~ (Holy Lance) Candela
Overall Score
Cigar Region Honduras
Filler Nicaragua
Wrapper Nicaragua
Binder Nicaragua
Length 7 1/2
Ring Gauge 40
Vitola Lancero
Construction Hand Made
Matt
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.
Zen Cigar
My Review of the Illusione ~hl~ Claro/Candela
I’m a big fan of Dion’s products and was very interested to see how he would handle this wrapper, especially on my favorite size in his line, the ~hl~, AKA the Holy Lance.
Now just about all Candela wrapped cigar are blended to be SUPER mild, and I was very surprised with my first puff of this cigar! Tons of pepper and spice from the start! What’s neat is that I can still taste that “green” barnyard flavor common to candelas amidst all the pepper.
One thing I notice right away is that the finish is not dry either. I do get a touch of cinnamon on the finish as well. It reminds me of Dentyne gum without the cloying quality.
The burn is dead-on even and I get copious amounts of smoke with each puff.
Further down, the pepper backs off and I start picking up a bit of mint. I am wholly impressed with this cigar. The last bit smokes like a dream, adding a little coffee to the mix.
When Dion does a limited release, he does it right (ECCJs anyone?)! This is a special cigar I pray makes it into standard production! If you get to try this cigar and like it the way I did, write Dion and make a similar request!
Rating: 92 (A-)