Illusione Cigars
Rothchildes *r* Maduro by Illusione Cigars

Vitola: Petite Robusto
Length: 4.5
Gauge: 50

Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99
Filler: Nicaraguan Aganorsa
Blender/Creator: Dion Giolito
Factory: Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A.
Country: Nicaragua
Purchase Source: Timber Valley Tobacco
Date Purchased: April 28, 2018
Price: $5.00
Date Smoked: July 19, 2023
Quantity: 15

Rothchildes *r* Maduro by Illusione Cigars

07/19/2023
Once lit, the Rothchildes “r” Maduro, greeted me with a burst tobacco flavors that I was looking forward to from this 2029 specimen. The Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper immediately sets the tone with its dark and oily appearance. After a first few puffs, notes of dark chocolate and espresso come to the palate. The Maduro wrapper adds a pleasant sweetness to the smoke, balancing out the earthy and leathery undertones. The retrohale introduces a subtle spice that tingles the nostrils without overpowering the blend. The burn is even, producing a solid ash and allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors.

Into the second third, the flavor profile of the Rothchildes “r” Maduro delivers mostly chocolate and espresso tobacco flavors that have a creamy quality probably from all the resting time in the TupperDor, with a hint of dried fruit and cedar that adds a layer of complexity. The retrohale still delivers the pepper spice, providing a satisfying kick that lingers on the palate. The draw remains smooth and effortless, ensuring a consistent smoking experience.

At the final third of the Rothchildes “r” Maduro, the flavors continue to evolve. The Nicaraguan Aganorsa filler tobacco takes center stage, delivering a burst of rich, earthy flavors. The chocolate and espresso notes now blend harmoniously with hints of roasted nuts and leather. The retrohale remains spicy, enhancing the overall intensity of the smoke. The construction of the cigar holds up beautifully, maintaining a steady burn and allowing you to savor the flavors until the very end.

Overall, the Rothchildes “r” Maduro is a well-crafted cigar that showcases the expertise of the blender. The combination of the Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper, Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 binder, and Nicaraguan Aganorsa filler creates a harmonious blend of flavors that transition smoothly throughout the smoking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of cigars, the Rothchildes “r” Maduro is sure to deliver an enjoyable and satisfying smoke.

For a smallish firmly tobacco-packed cigar, this gem lasted well over a hour for me.


11/10/2022
COVID-19 Day 962
 Dion Giolito, Illusione Cigars, illusione, Maduro, Mexican, Mexican San Andres, Nicaraguan, r, Rothchildes, San Andres I declare… “I simply LOVE this Cigar” to Edward Wong (of Drew Estate fame)… just to watch his expression because in his mind nothing is better than a Drew Estate cigar for the time being… stay tuned!

When my time is short and I want something with full-flavored satisfaction, this is my “Go To” cigar!

Until Next time…
Stay Smoky
Stay Chill


08/20/2022
COVID-19 Day 881
 Dion Giolito, Illusione Cigars, illusione, Maduro, Mexican, Mexican San Andres, Nicaraguan, r, Rothchildes, San Andres It’s no secret that this cigar is in my regular cigar rotation… because I love this blend!

Once lit, deep rich tobacco flavors of dark baking chocolate, spice, leather, and everything nice come to me from this delicious and “Tried and True” Rothchildes *r* Maduro by Illusione Cigars… along with a retrohale of black pepper with that brought with it a bit of a zingy spice.

At the second third, dark coffee or espresso flavors join the party with more chocolate coming to the forefront.

At the end of it all, I was feeling pretty smart and sassy knowing that I chose the perfect cigar to end my day with in this awesome Rothchildes *r* Maduro by Illusione Cigars. I can’t wait to smoke this again!

Stay Smoky
Stay Chill


11/25/2021
COVID-19 Cigar Walk, Day 613: 2.5-Mile Cigar
 Dion Giolito, Illusione Cigars, llusione, Maduro, Mexican, Mexican San Andres, Nicaraguan, r, Rothchildes, San Andres It’s the fourth Thursday in November… National Day of Mourning (aka Thanksgiving).

On today’s Cigar-Walk I contemplated the “Real” significance of today’s “Historical Meaning” that I remember that began as a high school student in 1970… The National Day of Mourning.

Today, I will create smoke from this Rothchildes *r* Maduro by Illusione Cigars as an act of Respect to our North American Indigenous Brothers and Sisters.

Some Indigenous Elders say that tobacco is used to connect the Worlds since the plant’s roots go deep into the Earth and its smoke rises high into the sky. In this regard, the tobacco plant is highly respected and honored. Giving and sharing tobacco is a beautiful way of our Indigenous peoples. Ceremonies using tobacco invoke a relationship with the energies of the universe, and ultimately the Creator, and the bond that is made between Earthly and Spiritual Realms is not to be broken.

I have always been aware of the American Indigenous cultural and spiritual significance of Tobacco in the United States. Today I become more motivated to do more research to learn more about this topic.

Stay Tuned… Until next time…
Stay Smoky
Stay Chill


10/19/2021
COVID-19 Cigar Walk, Day 575: 2.5-Mile Cigar
 Dion Giolito, Illusione Cigars, llusione, Maduro, Mexican, Mexican San Andres, Nicaraguan, r, Rothchildes, San Andres An exquisite 2.5-Mile trek on this morning’s Cigar-Walk with this tasty little dandy… in this Mexican San Andrés wrapped Rothchildes *r* Maduro by Illusione Cigars.

Enough punch in this to deliver those awesome Mexican San Andrés tobacco flavors in the wrapper that stood up to the chilly outdoor conditions this morning.

As soon as I get my Cigar-Budget in order… it’s time to purchase a box of these mighty-fine Illusione Rothchildes *r* Maduros! Box-Worthy for sure!

Stay Smoky
Stay Chill


02/18/2021
COVID-19 Day 333


09/23/2020
COVID-19, Day 186
 Illusione Cigars, llusione, Maduro, Mexican, Nicaraguan, r, Rothchildes, San Andres, Dion Giolito Well, I think the verdict is in on the Rothchildes *r* Maduro by Illusione Cigars… and I’ll be seeking a Box Purchase of these very soon.

Packed with Maduro flavor, these Rothchildes are an affordable flavor journey any time, anywhere.

Stay Smoky
Stay Chill
Stay Healthy
Stay Sane


06/17/2020
COVID-19 Cigar Walk, Day 87: 2.5-Mile Cigar


02/25/2020
Illusione Cigars, llusione, Maduro, Mexican, Nicaraguan, r, Rothchildes, San Andres


10/13/2019
I’m a fan of almost every Illusione cigar I’ve smoked in my come back to the Cigar Hobby. Today’s Illusione Rothchildes *r* (Maduro) was a reminder of how wonderful this cigar hobby can be without spending a ton of money.

The Illusione Rothchildes *r* (Maduro) is a very affordable cigar of deep rich tobacco flavors that has consistently delivered what I’ve come to expect from this firmly packed dark Maduro beauty.

Once lit, smooth cocoa, earth, and coffee fill my pallet; I expect this to continue from prior experience from this firmly packed cigar. The draw is a little snug so I retrieved a wooden toothpick and poked a few holes in the cap area… it helped.

About an inch in, the retrohale starts to produce a nice pepper spice to add to the cocoa, earthiness, and coffee tobacco flavors. I sense some leather coming on board.

At the last third… this is what I’ve been waiting for, more creamy smoke of earth, dark cocoa, and coffee. This is a perfect and affordable cigar from Illusione.

Stay Smoky
Stay Chill


09/23/2019


08/27/2019
Illusione Cigars, Illusione, Maduro, Mexican, Nicaraguan, r, Rothchildes, San AndresI can’t believe that I’ve ignored the Illusione Rothchildes *r* (Maduro). This being my second time with this cigar, the first time way back in November 2018.

Right off the start, the Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper and Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 draw me in along with the incomparable Nicaraguan Aganorsa fillers… What could go wrong?

Sweet cocoa, earth, leather, and coffee are coming on board at the first third.

I’m in the zone with this Illusione Rothchildes Maduro… Deep rich creamy tobacco flavors from lots of medium-bodied chewy smoke… Sakamoto Happy!

At the last third, only more of the same just ramped up a bit. This cigar stays in the rotation. Again, I can’t believe that I’ve somehow left this cigar behind. Maybe it’s because I’ve left it marinating for a few months (May 2019).

Stay Smoky
Stay Chill


11/15/2018
Smokey Chewy Earthy Cocoa
Black pepper arrives on the retrohale and the rest of the journey is good.

Halfway through and I’m chewing on my smoke; Hot Chocolate Coffee Smoke

At the final third, everything ramps up and, I’ll exclaim that this isn’t bad for an affordable cigar ($5.75 at 82nd Tobacco & Pipe)

Of course, look at the pedigree
I’ll probably look to get some more of these. Maybe a 5-pack

04/28/2018


The Experience

Appearance:Toothy
Combustion:Even
Ash: Even
Draw: Perfect
Smoke Output: Thick
Flavor: Earthy
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium/Full
Finish: Long
Value: Excellent
Overall Rating (1-5): 3

The Cigar

Chocolate: 3
Coffee: 2
Cream: 2
Earthy: 4
Fruit:
Grass/Hay:
Leather: 1
Pepper: 2