Press Release with Cigar Aficionado
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: Robusto (5 x 52)
Purchase Link: Illusione Jeremy Piven PIV Robusto
Illusione Jeremy Piven PIV Robusto REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: The first few puffs offer red pepper, cedar, and coffee with sugar (no cream). I’m getting a muskiness that I usually attribute to Honduran tobacco, so I guess this is me shooting my shot. An inch down, the flavors transition to floral graham crackers; don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Testing my patience, the wonky burn-line doesn’t self-correct, so the squeaky wheel gets some grease.
Halfway through, the muskiness returns but with more sweetness. Potpourri. The wrapper unfurls somewhat, requiring surgery by fire. Vegetal carrot and coffee at the finish.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: A nice, clean gardening trowel.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack.
Illusione Jeremy Piven PIV Robusto REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: Flavor-wise, we've got gritty earth, almond, black pepper, raisin, leather, oak, and rye bread going on here. Construction-wise, everything is on point. Draw and burn have no problems at all.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Dark breads.
Pairing Suggestion: Stout.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack.
Illusione Jeremy Piven PIV Robusto REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: This has a nice light brown wrapper; maybe Habano? It’s also tightly packed and has a bit more restriction in the draw than I prefer. I’m tasting green apple, hay and sourdough on the cold draw.
Bread, leather, and a very interesting spice I’m going to have to put some thought into. The draw is definitely a little too tight. I think the flavor would be amazing with more airflow. Bit of a vegetal note in the finish as well. Retro hale is smooth, has very little heat and a touch of sweetness too.
Middlin… more bread with a creamy combo of coffee, caramel, and mixed nuts as well. Pretty nice. Still fighting that tight draw though, dang it. Nice ash hanging…never mind, just dropped. Still offering a nice mellow retro hale mirroring the flavors on the palate.
The end is full of sourdough notes. I’m also tasting mild wood notes, more leather and in the retro hale, lots of caramel and leather. Honestly, the only complaint I have is the tight draw. I’d like to try a couple more of these and see if I can’t find a stick with a more open draw.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Milkshakes… IYKYK.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee, heavy on the cream.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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