Illusione Haut 10 Toro 2021 (FRCSW5)

[bishop532]

It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a Haut 10. All I really remember about this cigar is that I enjoyed the hell out of it. It’s a Robusto extra - 5 1/2 x 52. This particular stick has a rustic, toothy, slightly-overdone-caramel colored wrapper. It has a triple cap with a small fantail. It’s cold outside, and there’s supposed to be a blizzard coming. I have no idea why I’m picking a cigar that’s probably going to run close to 2 hours for a night like this. 

 

The aroma from the foot is light but nice, sweet pastry, tobacco, and vanilla. The cold draw is also pretty weak. I notice floral flavor upfront but also a sort of generic sweetness and some dough notes. 

The first third is buttery, floral, vegetal, and nutty. There’s a creamy almond flavor that comes on after a bit. The retro is earthy with just a touch of white pepper. Construction is near perfect at this point, and it’s burning nice and slow. 

The second third pushes the floral note to the fore. There’s also baking spices and sugarcane. Around the middle of the cigar it transitions to an amazing, creamy, sweet cinnamon pastry note. Transitions on this cigar are razor sharp. Unfortunately the burn line is not, and needs a touch up at this point. 

Heading into the final third, there’s caramel and graham cracker, floral sweetness, and black pepper (still far from overwhelming). The retrohale is black pepper and baking spices. There’s a transition to an earthy, nutty, spicy mix towards the end. The nub is beat up at the finish, but I keep shifting it to find finger holds. I would say it wound up at medium or medium-full strength, but full body. 

This was a damn good cigar. Now I remember why I enjoyed this thing so much the last time. It was exceptionally complex; the kind of cigar that takes you on a journey, I suppose. I found it to be a particularly meditative smoke. Definitely recommended, without reservation. 
 

Total Smoking Time: 1 hour 48 minutes 

Score: 94/100

 

[Juliano88]

Masterful blend. Illusione fires on all cylinders but this is their masterpiece. 

[Chef]

I also enjoy several blends from Giolito, the Haut 10 being one of his best. 
 

Thank you for the review. Very enjoyable to read.