#25 2023 Cigar of the Year: Allegria Corona by Illusione Cigars

SPECIFICATIONS

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Agricola Ganadera Norteña S.A.
Corona: 5 1/8 x 42
Price: $9.80

Sponsor: No
Samples Provided for Initial Review: No
Review: Allegria Corona by Illusione Cigars (10/23/23)
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Company): 6 (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2023)

The Details

The #25 2023 Cigar of the Year is the Allegria Corona by Illusione Cigars. In 2022, Illusione Cigars would quietly unveil its version of the Allegria brand. It was back in 2017 when Dion Giolito acquired two cigar brands, One Off and Allegria. These are brands created by Andrea Molinari – and achieved a cult status in the marketplace. However, the brand fell dormant and pretty much disappeared from retail shelves. Giolito decided to bring these brands back to life. In 2018, One Off made its return, and then four years later it was Allegria’s turn.

Allegria is a Nicaraguan puro that showcases the Corojo ’99 and Criollo ’98 tobaccos from the Aganorsa farms. The Corojo ’99 tobacco is used for the wrapper. Allegria comes in five sizes. The Corona size which landed on this year’s countdown is a classic 5 ½ x 42 size. Production comes from the Aganorsa Leaf factory (Agricola Ganadera Norteña S.A.), formerly TABSA.

Allegria Corona by Illusione Cigars

The Allegria Corona by Illusione delivered a mix of earth, fruit, natural tobacco, wood, and pepper notes. The flavors are medium-bodied, countered by medium strength. The Corona size seemed to work very well with this particular blend.

For Illusione, this is the sixth appearance on the Countdown. Before this year, Illusione also had its most recent appearance back in 2021. It’s also the second Nicaraguan-made cigar to land on the 2023 Countdown.

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