Illusione of Excalibur No. 1

It’s not every day that the creator of Illusione cigars (Dion Giolito) decides to work on a collaborative project, but when he does, it is usually something pretty special. He worked hand-in-hand with the blending team at STG to create an entirely new take on Excalibur cigars by Hoyo de Monterey. This was a cigar that he often smoked while in college and knew its history as one of the most famous marks in the world of premium cigars. We couldn’t wait to see the results. The Illusion of Excalibur blend begins with Nicaragua Estelí Criollo and Nicaragua Estelí Corojo tobaccos for the filler along with a Nicaraguan Jalapa Corojo 2012 binder. The core is topped with a Nicaraguan Corojo ‘99 wrapper. Tasting notes include balanced flavors of cedar, earth, and cocoa with hints of pepper, leather, and cream. If you’re a fan of the original Excalibur blend, this should be familiar, exciting, and new all at the same time!

One of our favorite aspects of the cigar industry is the cast of characters that lead some of today’s cigar companies. Some are reclusive and would rather focus on their craft while others are outspoken and ostentatious. However, they all share a passion for outstanding tobacco. Dion Giolito, Illusione’s founder, is what you might call a “super tobacco nerd.” He has a passion for seeking knowledge about different types of tobacco and how they work together when creating a blend. And he’s quite good at it too. It’s why Illusione has garnered a well-deserved reputation and accolades for creating cigars that are known for their balance and intricacy. So when Dion decided to partner with STG (General Cigar) on a new Excalibur blend, we were incredibly intrigued.

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