Illusione Original Documents Ultra

Today, we review the Illusione Original Documents Ultra in the Gordo size. The Illusione Ultra is a powerhouse blend positioned as Illusione’s fullest cigar in terms of strength and body. In 2022, Illusione announced a major portfolio restructuring. The restructuring included updated packaging, new logos, and new names for the sizes, ensuring consistency across the various options. One notable change was the relocation of the Ultra line to fall under the Original Documents line. As a result, the packaging for the Ultra line will now match that of the Original Documents. One other change that would be created was a new 6 x 56 Gordo size. This would replace the old OP No. 7 size in the line.

SPECIFICATIONS

As for the blend, the Original Documents Ultra is the same as its previous iteration. The blend is a Nicaraguan puro highlighted by Criollo ’98 and Corojo ’99 tobaccos. There is also ligero from two different regions of Nicaragua. The cigar itself is finished with a Corojo wrapper.

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Agricola Ganadera Norteña S.A.
Gordo: 6 x 56

The 6 x 56 size originated from the Original Documents Corona line. This cigar was notably wrapped in foil. Following the restructuring, all newly added Gordo sizes have been wrapped in different colors of foil. For the Original Documents Ultra, a purple foil is used.

PERFORMANCE

The Original Documents Ultra Gordo opened up with a wide variety of notes. These notes included wood, natural tobacco, earth, black licorice, and a mix of black pepper and Asian spices. Early in the smoking experience, the natural tobacco moved to the forefront, but by the middle of the first third, the earth joined the natural tobacco. The spices were present on the retro-hale.

As the Original Documents Ultra Gordo moved toward the second third, the spices receded on the tongue, but remained on the retro-hale. There was an increase in the licorice, but the natural tobacco and earth remained primary. By the second half, the earth became the sole primary note. The natural tobacco receded while the black pepper increased. By the final third, the black pepper joined the earth in the forefront. There still were notes of natural tobacco, wood, Asian spices, and licorice present as the cigar experience came to a close. The cigar finished with a soft, cool nub.

The Original Documents Ultra started strong from the very beginning and maintained that strength until the end. The flavors began as medium to full-bodied and intensified to full-bodied in the second half. Throughout the smoking experience, the strength slightly outweighed the body. However, the burn required more touch-ups than I prefer. Despite this, it maintained a straight burn path and line. The draw was excellent, featuring a slight resistance that I enjoy.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Final Thoughts

The old 6 1/2 x 58 Illusione Ultra OP 7 was one of my favorites in the Ultra line. The Original Documents Ultra Gordo is the closest thing to that cigar. In this case, size matters, and I believe it influences my overall assessment. Unfortunately, this cigar felt like it was missing something, and the final third was less enjoyable than the first two. As a result, this cigar falls into the Try a Sample category. Still, I look forward to trying some of the other sizes in the Original Documents Ultra line.

Summary

Key Flavors: Natural Tobacco, Earth, Wood, Licorice, Pepper, Asian Spices
Burn: Very Good
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium Plus
Strength: Full
Body: Medium to Full (1st Half), Full (2nd Half)
Finish: Very Good