Cigar Reveal #344

Illusione
~88~

The Illusione ~88~ is one of the signature cigars in Dion Giolito's Illusione Original Documents series. Giolito founded Illusione in Reno, Nevada, with the goal of recreating the character of the classic Nicaraguan cigars produced before the Nicaraguan Revolution. Working with Aganorsa-grown tobaccos, he developed a portfolio rooted in traditional Cuban blending philosophies, emphasizing balance, elegance, and terroir over sheer strength.

Unlike many Illusione cigars whose names reference historical events or conspiracies, the ~88~ has a personal meaning. The number refers to 1988, the year Giolito transferred from Oklahoma to Reno for college, a decision he considers pivotal in shaping his future in the cigar industry. Made in Nicaragua using Aganorsa tobaccos, the ~88~ has become one of the brand's flagship cigars and a benchmark for medium to full-bodied Nicaraguan puros.

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~88~
Anatomy

  • Nicaraguan Corojo
    Nicaraguan Criollo
  • Nicaraguan Corojo

  • Nicaraguan Corojo

~88~
Flavor Notes

First Third

Cedar

Leather

Creaminess

Cedar

Leather

Creaminess

Second Third

Toasted Nuts

Caramel

Sweet Tobacco

Toasted Nuts

Caramel

Sweet Tobacco

Final Third

Graham Cracker

Cherry

Coffee

Graham Cracker

Cherry

Coffee

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Reviews + Notes

Stogie Review

Box-worthy, box-worthy, box-worthy. I stand by the words I wrote about this cigar when I put it in my latest top 10 list: “The Illusione 88 is a perfect illustration of what is possible when the best creative minds and the finest tobacco come together.” The name of the cigar may not be a reference to the supernatural, but the rich combination of earth and sweetness that evolves on the palate is about as close to a tobacco-induced religious experience as you can get. Double happiness indeed.

If you haven’t tried the Illusione 88 Robust yet, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s not always the easiest cigar to find in stock, but rest assured, your local supplier of Illusione cigars will have them in from time to time. (Keep in mind that the blends are different from one Illusione to the next.) So when you see them, stock up, you’ll be glad you did.

Casa Fumando

This was one enjoyable cigar, from start to finish the ~88~ kept me happy and enjoying every moment. The flavors kept my attention and the greatburn allowed me to smoke it slowly without worrying about it going out. My general exposure to boutique cigars has been limited since I live in Canada and I was honestly skeptical about them. This Illusione ~88~ has definitely put the skepticisms to rest and I will be looking further into the Illusione line. As Tony mentioned, the price of the stick is around $8 and this seems like a fair price and I would happily spend it to get more of these in my humidor.