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.
