Okay, it’s been a while since I’ve done a cigar review, but lay off I’ve been busy! All joking aside, I have lots of good things to say about the Epernay. I think it may’ve been Cigar Aficionado’s no. 2 of 2011. I didn’t know why they would choose an Illusione that wasn’t dark and oily like all the others, especially after having smoked one. The first Epernay I smoked was over humidified and the subtlety for which the cigar has become famous was lost. Having realized I should never smoke only one cigar and Dislike it, I tried another and it was GOOD. The cigar is a treasure trove of flavor, somewhat creamy overtones of cedar with notes of ozone and fresh cut granite that linger on the palate like the way the air tastes after a rainstorm. The room note is like sniffing the binding of an old book inside a pastry shop. The doughy and papery subtleties are pronounced but never take center stage. It’s a most curious cigar that would be well paired with a gin and tonic or a champagne. Wow I’ll give it a 93 cursory rating. A modicum of sweetness and sharper flavors would add points.
