2021 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop's List): #26 - Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D’Aosta

“Put together a cigar that delivers on flavor, complexity, and construction and you have a perfect storm.”

Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Honduras
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubanas S. de R.L
Toro: 6 x 50
Price: $12.00

Sponsor: Yes
Samples Provided for Initial Review: No
Review: Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D’Aosta
Brand Appearances on Countdown: 5 (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2021)

Coming in at #26 is the Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D’Aosta. 2019 marked the tenth anniversary of Illusione’s Epernay line, and the Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D’Aosta was created to commemorate that occasion.The Illusione Epernay is considered somewhat of a game-changing cigar. For a long time, cigars with Nicaraguan tobaccos were often associated with strong and bold, but when it came to the Epernay line, owner Dion Giolito went in the opposite direction and delivered a cigar subtle and refined in flavor.

The 10th Anniversary D’Aosta is a 100% Nicaraguan puro. While most of Illusione’s production has shifted to TABSA in Nicaragua, the Epernay line is still produced at Raices Cubanas in Honduras. Consistent with the Epernay line, the Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary D’Aosta is also produced at Raices Cubanas. The D’Aosta vitola is a standard 6 x 50 Toro.

The Illusione 10th Anniversary D’Aosta maintained the subtle and refined flavors I have come to expect from the core Epernay line. It’s a cigar mild to medium in strength and body, but loaded with complexity and flavor. This cigar delivers notes of natural tobacco, earth, cedar, citrus, must, baker’s spice, black pepper, cream, and nuts.

This marks the fifth year Illusione has landed on the Cigar Coop Countdown. It also is Illusione’s first countdown cigar since 2016.