This week while up in Minnesota I picked up an Illusione #2 from Stogies on Grand. I have heard some good things about this smoke and I thought I would try it out for myself. As I headed back from the airport, I needed to get on an hour long conference call about how sales are down and it's all the field sales forces' fault. Of course the teleconference was conducted by the Marketing Department, who could do no wrong. I digress, I was no where near home at the time of this call, but I was driving through the Forest Preserves of SW Chicago. So, I decided to pull into one of the parking lots that overlooked a beautiful lake. It was a gorgeous spring day with plenty of sunshine and a 60 degree temperature. I rolled down the windows and I pulled out the Illusione #2. I fired it up as I sat in my car listening to the blame game.

The Illusione #2 Belicoso Finos are made from first generation Corojo ’99, Criollo ’98 seeds, wrapped with a grade one Café Colorado wrapper, and finished with a traditional triple cap in the premier Raices Cubanas factory. This combination of tobaccos creates a sweet earthy flavor that was pleasant on the palate. It took some effort to get it started, but once the fuse was lit, it burned like a champ. It maintained an even burn throughout the smoke. The draw was firm and loosened as it got towards the middle of the stick. It required no extra flame to keep lit and was overall a very pleasurable experience. These smokes are hard to find but run for about $180 for a box 25. For seven bucks a stick, it was well worth it.  The Illusione #2 is a must have for any humidor and a must try for any aficionado.

Seek out the Illusione #2 and fire it up! You will be happy that your did.

MonkeyDan Rating: 91