Brief Overview: Illusione Haut 10
Flashback to 2016. Illusione Cigars were celebrating ten years of being one of the top dogs in the industry that’s forever changing.
So, the founder of Illusione, Dion Giolito released an anniversary cigar, the Illusione Haut 10 cigar, that was made with all the love and affection a master blender could give to one of their creations.
At the same time, Giolito was planning big things for Illusione’s 10th anniversary, the FDA came down hard on the tobacco industry by creating new jurisdiction for tobacco retailers and products that would change the game forever. The “Deeming Rule” put strict guidelines and limitations on specific tobacco products.
During a time of what was supposed to be a celebration, Dion Giolito and Illusione had little to no faith that the Illusione Haut 10 cigar would see life past 2017.
Lucky for us, the “Deeming Rule” hasn’t come down too hard on the cigar industry to the point where cigars have ceased to exist. We’ve also been extremely fortunate enough to have had the chance to smoke this cigar a handful of times, allowing us to give a dependable Illusione Haut 10 review.
Cigar Specs
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium-Full
- Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Sizes Available:
- Illusione Haut 10 Haut 10 (5.5 x 52)
Strength and Body
The ultra-premium blend from Illusione uses aged and complex tobaccos from the famed TABSA factory, with Aganorsa tobaccos that flow throughout.
This perfect combination allows the strength and profile of the Illusione Haut 10 to stand out above the rest of the lines under the Illusione brand.
If you’re looking for a delicious Nicaraguan puro that isn’t too melodious, but also isn’t too jarring for your palate, then the Haut 10 will be your go-to smoke for quite some time.
Cold Draw
The Illusione Haut 10, which translates to a French word for “Top” or “Elevated” is the perfect description of the flavor profiles that flow throughout this medium to full-bodied smoke.
During the cold draw test, I was expecting a touch of brown sugar and roasted peanuts. Once I snipped off the cap and took a few draws, I detected nothing but pepper. That’s a flavor note that seems very common with most Nicaraguan puros throughout the industry.
After that, I did the “smell test” on the wrapper and was able to identify a hint of honey and a hint of cream. So, I was excited to dive into this in hopes of tasting the notes I smelled coming off this gorgeous-looking wrapper.
Flavor Profile of the First Third
Roughly five to ten minutes in the flavor notes started hitting my palate with full force. The peppery note I pointed out in the cold draw remained notable from the beginning.
Two other subtle notes I pointed out in the first third were salted nuts and coffee. The taste of the salted nuts was more eminent than the coffee notes, but this combination alongside the pepper really added for something special that was beginning to brew.
Flavor Profile of the Second Third
As I entered the second third of the Illusione Haut 10, I tried my hand at a retro-hale. I haven’t perfected that craft yet, but it helps me get a gist of how spicy and strong the Haut 10 would end up being.
Alongside the salted nuts, pepper, and coffee, I was able to pinpoint one of my favorite flavor notes that seem to be in Nicaraguan puros too. A bite of cedar and oak came to the forefront of my palate when I was halfway into my smoking session.
So far, I was absolutely captivated by the flavor profile the Haut 10 had provided.
Flavor Profile of the Final Third
When I got to the tail end of the final third of the Haut 10, nothing changed whatsoever. The complexity of the pepper and salted nuts clashed perfectly with the oak I discovered in the second third.
I thought I detected a dash of cream towards the end; however, I think it was just my beverage I was having alongside this smoke that coated my tongue with the sweet richness I pointed out in the final third.
Pairings
This was only my second experience smoking the Illusione Haut 10. The first time I smoked this gem, I had a mixed cocktail, Jack Daniels with a Coca-Cola.
This time around I smoked the Haut 10 in the morning, so I was able to have a favorite beverage of mine, as well as a nice little snack that was a much-needed treat.
I enjoyed a chocolate glazed donut and an iced coffee throughout my smoking experience. I know you may think this all sounds like an odd combination of items, but trust me, they worked off one another extremely well.
I truly believe that the Illusione Haut 10 is destined to be paired alongside something sweet. Whether it’s a piece of food or a drink, the pairing tastes phenomenal together.
In Conclusion
For the ones who’ve enjoyed any brand under Illusione, you know what to expect when you end up smoking one of Dion’s gems.
Illusione isn’t usually a name novice cigar smokers hear about at first. Yet, if you happen to be new to cigar smoking and want to take a chance on a cigar from this illustrious company, then the Illusione Haut 10 is the smoke for you.
Available in one size that comes in a box of 12, Illusione Haut 10 cigars are now available on our website and is waiting to be added to your humidor today.