Illusione has been making a huge impression on the cigar industry. It seems like nowadays you can’t go anywhere without seeing one if not a full line of their products. Well, in 2016 the company turned the big 10. To celebrate their decade of mastery and skill, they released the Haut 10. Haut in French means “top”, so I expect nothing less than a good experience with this stick. The Haut 10 comes in one size, 5 1/2 x 52. The Nicaraguan Cafe Claro Corojo wrapper is a light soft brown with some veins that are mostly flat, a twisty fin cap and a classy brushed silver band. The dry draw is a sweet cedar with some floral notes and hint of pepper. The initial puffs off the foot is, soft cedar, cream, floral notes and light cracked pepper. About an inch in, the profile already opens up. It is a complex combination of cream, cedar, a floral bouquet, a soft bit of cracked pepper with toasted almond and pecan in the background. The finish on the Haut 10 is soothing and relaxing. The retrohale is a hearty cracked pepper with a hint of nutmeg. As I smoke through the middle portion, the dominate flavor pleasantly bounces from cream to cedar while the pepper influence increases ever so slightly. As I roll into the final third of this captivating experience, the complex profile adds an element dried fruits that may have been present earlier but it’s more pronounced. The final puff of this journey I didn’t want to end was just as rich and smooth as the body, with absolutely no bitterness. The Illusione Haut 10 smokes at a smooth medium with no issues with burn or draw. This masterpiece is a must have for anyone who appreciates the art of cigars. If you are looking for a full on relaxing experience of flavor and complexity, pick up the Haut 10. Welcome to flavor country……..

– David Harvey

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