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Lawn Chair Reviews: Illusione Singulare Phantom

ThatGuy3510

Alpha-nerd
Rating - 94.1%
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Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
291
Location
Knoxville, TN
Even though it's cold as hell in TN (~30F), I figured a good smoke and some good coffee would keep me warm.

Illusione Singulare Phantom (EL 2010)
Size: 6"x50

Appearance: The wrapper is very smooth, with just a hint of oily sheen. A nice milk-chocolate brown with only minor veins visible. Aroma is faintly of grass.

Pre-light: Cut and cold draw are easy, not much flavor, mostly mild grass and sweet tobacco



1st Third: Burn starts off quickly, and starts of with tasty flavors of coffee and roasted cashews, with just a faint spice tickle. Very flavorful so far, and the stick is putting out clouds of smoke.



Burn is pretty good so far, only a little waver here and there, mostly due to the breeze that picks up from time to time. Draw is just perfect. The aftertaste is fairly Illusione-esque, with just a bit of mustyness

2nd Third: Starting to transition to a richer sweetness, almost like a mole sauce. Mild pepper with some hints of chocolate with the same roasty finish. Fairly mild compared to most other Illusiones I've had.



This cigar is smoking like a freight train, and smells vaguely of charred marshmallows. The flavors are strong, but not heavy. The ash is holding well, dropping about every 1.5"



28 days into no-shave November, and I've been called everything from lumberjack to "Santa-in-training"

Final Third: Same roasty coffee flavors mixing with the savory-ness from the middle, almost reminiscent of smoked jerky with a undertone of sweet tobacco.





Construction remained top notch through the end, though it started to get squishy in the last 1.25" Burn never strayed, and never really got hot (though I'm not sure my fingers could tell, I could hardly feel them at this point)



Final Thoughts: Definitely a mild-medium cigar, much more so than the normal Illusione line. The flavors were very pronounced, and not at all overwhelming. If you're looking for a morning smoke, this is it. The price point isn't terrible either, if you can find them anymore.

Smoking Time: 1:35
Score: 91 (A)



Thanks for reading, guys, and safe travels to those headed home today!
 

keinreis

BoM Oct '11
Rating - 100%
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Dec 27, 2009
Messages
1,140
Location
Fort Myers, FL
What do you call those smoke protectors you have on your hands, and what purpose do they serve?:laugh: Seriously tho nice review!
 
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May 3, 2009
Messages
2,574
great review and pics!

i'm glad i'm not the only tennessean braving the cold for a smoke...lol
 

kockroach

BoM August 2010/2011
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Dec 5, 2009
Messages
2,288
Location
Chicago
Great review, TJ. Way to bear the cold weather and smoke outside. I agree, this is definitely a first smoke of the day type of cigar. Great flavors throughout.
 
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Jul 9, 2010
Messages
309
Location
PRESCOTT,AZ.
Thanks for the review...again seems like i will try a new smoke! Like yourself i too have been suffering from the elements up here in the high mountains of arizona but from the garage.
 
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Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
1,809
Location
Knoxville, TN
Thanks for the review and pics. TN is getting kinda cold. When we going to meet up. I got a heated cigar room with beer on tap. Anytime man!
 
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May 4, 2009
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522
Thanks for the great review even during the cold weather.

Sure glad folks like you bear the elements to provide a continued dose of reviews etc.
 
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Joined
Jul 17, 2010
Messages
1,791
Location
Philadelphia
Great review & pics! Another brother with the gloves, I gotta get a pair just for smoking, I know this winter is going to be a cold one :thumbsup:
 
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