Illusione Epernay Le Grande

[djrey]

With the warmer weather returning to my neck of the woods a new cigar season has arrived. I have effectively given up on buying any new Cuban stock and find myself back into new world cigars. Smoked a handful of these years ago and recall liking them. Purchased a box recently and this is my first one from it. 

The cigar starts out on the mild medium side with a perfect burn. Shortbread/gram cracker notes is how this one starts out. We hit medium body right around the midpoint and the burn keeps on just perfectly. If you puff on the quick side you get the slightest touch of "Nicaraguan spice." However, if you take smaller sips from the cigar you really could easily confuse this with Cuban. Smoke is medium body with a creamy texture. Sweetness encompasses nearly every puff from this cigar. I find myself continuously imagining I am smoking a HUHC, especially once under the last half.  

I was considering a cheaper box purchase of HUHC soon but considering I can get these for about the same price I know where my money is going. Overall a great start to a season dedicated to finding Cuban alternatives. 

93 pts.

[SCgarman]

It is a great blend and has no Nicaraguan spice or pepper. I am loving my box. Especially at $205/box25. I used to buy RASS and PSD4 at that price point, but not anymore. 

[djrey]

17 minutes ago, SCgarman said:

It is a great blend and has no Nicaraguan spice or pepper. I am loving my box. Especially at $205/box25. I used to buy RASS and PSD4 at that price point, but not anymore. 

And now at $500 for RASS and PSD4 its laughable! People are still lining up for those prices meanwhile you can get 2.5 boxes of these for the same price. 

[99call]

Love these cigars,

I can sort of get what you mean about the Upmann notes, but they came across as being a bit more Sancho Panza to me.....maybe a mash up between the two. 

The reality is (I guess) they don't need any CC comparisons as they are great cigars in their own right.  At $166 you cant go wrong.

[djrey]

24 minutes ago, 99call said:

Love these cigars,

I can sort of get what you mean about the Upmann notes, but they came across as being a bit more Sancho Panza to me.....maybe a mash up between the two. 

The reality is (I guess) they don't need any CC comparisons as they are great cigars in their own right.  At $166 you cant go wrong.

Have not had Sancho Panza sadly but based on what I have read I can see what you mean. A little salty brine character. 

[Kaptain Karl]

IMO these are the most cubanesque NC's I've had. Consistently excellent!

[Nocoins]

Yes, Epernay are nice. Le Elegance also is a fine cigar from this line.

[Cabbie]

I just ordered a few singles to give them a whirl! Thanks boss!

[KCCubano]

Have had a few from Epernay line and they are pretty good sticks. Would like to try Haut Toro and the HL Lancero as well. Heard some good things about them. 

[DiBo12]

Illusione makes some great cigars. Always liked the OneOff series. Definitely get some Cuban-esque tasting notes off them especially with age.


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[JC67]

I know this is a Habanos forum but it may be worth FOH starting to stock some of the the better NC`s??

i have bought a few lately but would much prefer to buy them from Rob. 

[99call]

9 hours ago, JC67 said:

i have bought a few lately but would much prefer to buy them from Rob. 

couldn't agree more, but i'm sure easier said than done. 

[HoyoFan]

17 hours ago, JC67 said:

I know this is a Habanos forum but it may be worth FOH starting to stock some of the the better NC`s??

i have bought a few lately but would much prefer to buy them from Rob. 

I believe this is coming, at least for a few select brands.

[Kaptain Karl]

21 hours ago, JC67 said:

I know this is a Habanos forum but it may be worth FOH starting to stock some of the the better NC`s??

i have bought a few lately but would much prefer to buy them from Rob. 

This is a good point. Maybe the more Cubanesque NC's. I love my local B&M but they're stocked much heavier on the stronger, punchier NC's which I'm not a huge fan of. They do keep a consistent stock of Epernays...bless their hearts! 

[Cabbie]

Coming back to report, I had one of the singles yesterday. Absolutely blown away. Very good cigar for being non Cuban. Definitely box worthy when I free up some humidor space. 

[Cairo]

I have a 2012 50-cab of these--still have a few left in the cab--they aged beautifully.

[Cabbie]

2 hours ago, Cairo said:

I have a 2012 50-cab of these--still have a few left in the cab--they aged beautifully.

That sounds wonderful. Glad to hear it.

[Vortigan]

I've always heard very good things about the Epernay line! Haven't managed to get my hands on any but still hoping to at some point.

[LizardGizmo]

I really love the Cruzado and will try these after this review - thanks!

[Sir Diggamus]

Great review! I love these and always get a cookies and cream note from them. I read somewhere Dion blended the Epernay series to pair with champagne, I haven’t tried that but it does pair well with an IPA or tea.


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[BurstReynolds]

Nice review. Can anyone comment on how it compares to other vitolas in the epernay line?

[EdmundGTP]

I recall Le Matin being a pretty nice smoke from this line. Haven't tried any other vitolas so I can't comment comparatively between them. 

[cmbarton]

On 3/27/2023 at 1:01 PM, Kaptain Karl said:

IMO these are the most cubanesque NC's I've had. Consistently excellent!

Have you tried the Herrera Esteli Habano line?  I’ve heard folks make similar statements so I ordered a couple boxes of their Edicion Limitada Lancero that have yet to arrive.   Curious as to your thoughts if you have tried them.

[HoyoFan]

2 hours ago, cmbarton said:

Have you tried the Herrera Esteli Habano line?  I’ve heard folks make similar statements so I ordered a couple boxes of their Edicion Limitada Lancero that have yet to arrive.   Curious as to your thoughts if you have tried them.

I would say if memory serves that the Herrera was more leather and less cream and sweetness. That being said, it was still a solid smoke. I only had the pyramid though, not the lancero.