West Chester, Ohio

Cigar Reviewed: Illusione HL Maduro Lancero

Smoked at: West Chester, Ohio

Illusione HL Maduro Lancero – a 7 and a half by 40 stick made of Nicaraguan filler, a Nicaraguan binder, and covered in a San Andres Negro Maduro wrapper. Pairing it with Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength. Not for the faint of heart. This single malt packs a flavor punch - peat, smoke, maritime, iodine - plus an ABV of 58.3%.

Oak, cabinet spices, light pepper, tea, almonds, earth, leather and hints of cherry, coffee and caramel. It’s medium-full bodied and strength.

Tight draw that required several toothpick pokes – I am always cautious using the Perfect Draw on Lanceros, one false move and you’ve destroyed the cigar, problems keeping it lit – also an occasional issue with Lanceroes, decent smoke production when staying lit, and flaky ash.

I enjoyed the flavors of this cigar. I likely would rate this stick higher had the construction issues not gotten in the way.