Illusione Epernay cigars are handmade premium cigars blended by the genius mind of Dion Giolito. They're Nicaraguan puros, grown from Cuban seed tobaccos, and manufactured in Honduras.
The result is a medium-full cigar that puts out plenty of rich, flavorful smoke, and it's easy to see why so many cigar connoisseurs keep a stock of Illusions Epernay cigars close at hand.
In this Illusione Epernay L'Alpiniste cigar review we'll be focusing on the torpedo-shaped 6.75 x 56 L'Alpiniste, but we'll also take a look at the other shapes and sizes in the Illusione Epernay cigar family, so you know what to expect no matter which vitola you buy.
An introduction to Illusione Cigars
Dion Giolito owned a cigar shop, but dreamed of launching his own line of pre-Sandinista style Nicaraguan puros. He achieved this ambition by teaming up with the Casa Fernandez Company and creating Illusione cigars, capturing the essence of those pre-revolution 1970s Nicaraguan smokes that were once so popular in the US.
The Illusione Cigars portfolio has grown over the years, but Giolito has never lost his focus on bringing back the very best of Nicaraguan tobacco from Esteli and Jalapa Valley, and blending it to produce the finest hand-rolled cigars this side of the Sandinista era.
Specs and sizes
There are no fewer than ten vitolas in the Illusione Epernay series, from the 4.5 x 44 Le Petit all the way up to the classic "A" sized Le Voyage. At a hefty 9.25 x 49, Giolito has said Le Voyage will be the last size in the series, and that it was created purely as an indulgence to himself.
Look out for L'Alpiniste and Le Vie. Both measure in at 6.75 x 56, so technically there are only nine different sizes in the Epernay line-up. The difference between the two is in their shape. L'Alpiniste has a bullet-like Torpedo shape, whereas Le Vie is a traditional Double Corona.
- Country of Origin: Honduras
- Factory: Raices Cubanas, Danli, Honduras
- Wrapper: Nicaragua
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Sizes available:
- Illusione Epernay Le Voyage (9.25 x 49 "A")
- Illusione Epernay L'Alpiniste (6.75 x 56 Torpedo)
- Illusione Epernay Le Vie (6.75 x 56 Double Corona)
- Illusione Epernay Le Matin (6.5 x 46 Corona Grande)
- Illusione Epernay Le Monde (6.25 x 52 Toro)
- Illusione Epernay Le Grande (6 x 46 Corona Grande)
- Illusione Epernay Le Elegance (5.75 x 40 Lancero)
- Illusione Epernay Le Taureau (5.5 x 56 Robusto)
- Illusione Epernay Le Ferme (5.14 x 48 Robusto)
- Illusione Epernay Le Petit (4.5 x 44 Petite Corona)
How is the cigar constructed?
Illusione Epernay cigars are made using Cuban seed tobaccos, with a blend of Corojo '99 and Criollo '98 long fillers and binders. The blend is rich and satisfying, delivering perfect balance right through the stick.
Each handmade cigar is rolled in Honduras at the Raices Cubanas factory, but in terms of the tobacco used, these are Nicaraguan puros and a real connoisseur's delight.
How is the cold draw?
Illusione Epernay cigars are packed a little tighter than most, which puts up some resistance on the cold draw. If you prefer a looser draw, roll the stick between your palms gently. Flavors are hay, sweet honey and citrus, with a little earthiness and that distinctive Nicaraguan taste.
Flavors I enjoyed from the Epernay
Throughout Illusione Epernay you can expect the sweetness of cream paired with rich coffee and leather, and we recommend an iced tea to go with this one if you like to have a drink nearby while you smoke.
First third
Epernay takes no time in finding its flavor profile. From the first few puffs, you should detect some of the tastes that will continue throughout this balanced blend. Coffee and cream give a richness to the mouthfeel, while the flavors are woody, with hints of tea on the retrohales.
Second third
The flavors of the tobacco itself come through more strongly in the middle third, reminding you that this is a Nicaraguan puro. There's hay too, and the coffee remains in the background. The distinctive floral nutty taste of almonds develops, with top notes of white pepper spice.
Final third
The back end of Epernay offers a sweet finish. Fruit tea and spices swell to create a more complex profile, and the strength overall nudges toward medium-full. Flavors include milk chocolate and baking spices, especially nutmeg. Savor every last draw, as the tightly packed tobacco hangs in there until the very last moment, without producing a burning sensation in the smoke.
How strong is the Epernay?
Epernay is medium body, medium-full strength, with a thick and velvety smoke that will fill the room if you light it up indoors, or dance on the breeze if you prefer to smoke outside. Well worth taking the extra few seconds to focus on the retrohales on each draw, for even more of that distinctive and enjoyable sweetness from the Corojo tobacco.
Closing thoughts
The Illusione Epernay series is a fantastic achievement, bringing back the flavors and aromas of Nicaraguan tobacco from the 1970s, in a blend that beats most modern cigars on the market.
The rich, deep smoke really takes you on a journey, especially if you opt for the giant-sized Le Voyage. Keep a box of any of the ten vitolas nearby and you'll never be short of a companion to join you for an hour or two.