Just before the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show, Dion Giolito announced a major expansion of his Illusione Cigars portfolio. Part of this expansion would incorporate several limited edition lines as regular production lines. One such line is a favorite among Illusione fans, the Illusione ~eccj~. The regular production line brings back the two sizes made of the ~eccj~ blend, plus introduces a third size.

Back in 2008, Illusione Cigars launched a limited edition cigar to commemorate European Cigar Cult Journal’s (now Cigar Journal) 15th anniversary called (appropriately) the Illusione ~eccj~.  Featuring a Nicaraguan Cafe Rosado wrapper, the ~eccj~ 15th would be 5 5/8 x 46 Corona Gorda. In 2014, Giolito would bring back the ~eccj~ blend for Cigar Journal’s 20th anniversary. The ~eccj~ 20th would be a 6 1/2 x 48 Churchill featuring a tweaked blend.

Both the ~eccj~ 15th and ~eccj~ 20th sizes return. In addition, a new 5 1/2 x 50 Robusto size has now been added. All three sizes are available in 15 count boxes.

The ~eccj~ would become the impetus for the Illusione Epernay, which would become one of brand owner Dion Giolito’s most popular lines.

At a glance, here is a look at the Illusione ~eccj~ line:

Blend Profile

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Cafe Rosado
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A – TABSA)

Vitolas Available

Robusto: 5 1/2 x 50 (New Size)
Corona Gorda: 5 5/8 x 46 (~eccj~ 15th)
Churchill: 6 1/2 x 48 (~eccj~ 20th)