Wrapper: Undisclosed

Binder: Undisclosed

Filler: Undisclosed

Vitola: Robusto (5 x 52)

Strength: Medium

Purchase Link: Illusione The Group of Five

GROUP OF FIVE REVIEW – DOM

Summary: Cinnamon spice and chocolate malt balls hit me like the first Christmas song of the season.  Unfortunately, the maltiness shifts to a slightly musky mouth feel.

Halfway down, I’m still enjoying the cigar like Christmas music, but I’m skipping the songs I don’t care for.  Cabernet tannins and a vegetal note at the end don’t stray too far from the linear profile of this cigar.  I’d smoke another, though I’d prefer it with a drink.

If You Like That, You Might Like This: Christmas decorations on your car

Pairing Suggestion: Bourbon

Perceived Strength: Mild +         

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single

GROUP OF FIVE REVIEW – RICH

Summary: This cigar brought notes of red pepper, hay, almond, rye, and anise. The profile was enjoyable and I'd be happy to smoke another.

Burn and draw were both right on point; no issues with either. A well-made cigar.

If You Like That, You Might Like This: Dark breads

Pairing Suggestion: Stout

Perceived Strength: Medium

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack

GROUP OF FIVE REVIEW – BEN

Summary: Started off pretty good with green pepper, wood, and milk chocolate until my wrapper began to unravel at the 2nd third until the end and it got a little funky for a while. Toasted almonds with a bready sensation for the close. I’ll always wonder what may have been.

If You Like That, You Might Like This: Having high hopes

Pairing Suggestion: Irish whiskey

Perceived Strength: Medium

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single

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. 

View Illusione's Group of Five