Has anyone tried this new one from Illusione? From NewHavanaCigars email notification:

"Just in from Illusione! The -eccj 15th- was commissioned by the European Cigar Cult Journal to commemorate the fifthteenth anniversary of the publication.

The e c c j 15th is a classic 5 5/8 x 46 vitola. The special blend is accentuated by a Corojo cover leaf of the Rosado Claro shade. Careful selection has been made with regards to the wrapper to bring clarity to the complex 6 blend, puro Nicaraguan cigar tempered for the European palate. There are 15 cigars per box and a run of only 300 boxes have been made for world-wide attention."

Haven't tried one yet, but I now have a box on the way and will let you know what it's like as soon as it rests. I have not been displeased with any illusione with the exception of the lancero plus I am a sucker for any thing that is limited run

quote:

Originally posted by big mike:
I am a sucker for any thing that is limited run

As am I! I managed a box for myself, and am also looking forward to lighting this one up!

Same here; on its way from New Havana.

I expected these to sell out with only 300 boxes made. They're still available so I guess not as hot as the Tatuaje Black. I wanted to get a box, but previous Illusiones have not really wow'ed me. They are good cigars, but with that money, I'd probably put them towards a box of BGMs.

Those of you who got a box. Let us know how they smoke!

So how are they smoking? I'm surprised boxes are still available.

I don't know if it's the same blend, but the Holy Lance also has the gold-on-white band. I can't stop smoking it. I think it's the best NC lancero going right now. Gorgeous, amazing draw, and extremely rich and complex for such a small ring gauge.

Have you had a chance to smoke the MK Ultra?

Talking about the lancero, I just picked up a 5 pack of Padilla 1932. We'll see how that ranks.

OZ, I have been trying to find the MK Ultra. No luck. You see any on Long Island? I keep reading the promo at NHC for it and would like to find some (if there are any left).


Anyway, ECCJ is a tasty cigar. I liken it as a cross between a MK with an Oliva V. It is peppery (think white pepper) to start and then has a smoother, richer, creamier complexity than say an MK, 68, or CG with a solid tobacco core. I bought some more boxes after the first single. The only bad thing, I did get a poor stick in the box. Hope that is not a trend in the rest.

BTW, Extensioncord, I like the HL as well and am sitting on a box. Fun smoke, different than the other illusiones.

quote:

OZ, I have been trying to find the MK Ultra. No luck. You see any on Long Island? I keep reading the promo at NHC for it and would like to find some (if there are any left).

How do you know which one the ultra is? Does it say ultra on the band or does the gold represent the ultra and the MK is black?

Ozz

You cannot tell them apart other when ordering or from the box (from what I have read at NHC). I think that the MK Ultra was simply a low profile small batch release as an "experiment". Not entirely sure, but I hope NHC or any retailer/etailer gets them back in sometime soon. Let me know if you have any wish list Illusiones. I may have stick or two that you can try. If I pop it in the mail, you'll have it in a day (I'm on LI too).

I just got my box from NHC. I really enjoyed these cigars myself and can see me buying another box of the Illusione brand.

I too would like to try an Ultra.

BTW Dan from NHC, really does send a nice package. I was impressed.

Gonnagal,

Dan does a very good job and I have been very satisfied doing business with him. I really appreaciate the vaccum like packing with the boveda...especially since I am waiting for a larger humidor and I have to keep some ECCJ boxes stored in his packaging (not in my humidor!). It appears that he hand packs each order?!? I say this b/c he packaged two boxes in the same packaging with one large boveda.

quote:

Originally posted by mbrody7903:
Gonnagal,

Dan does a very good job and I have been very satisfied doing business with him. I really appreaciate the vaccum like packing with the boveda...especially since I am waiting for a larger humidor and I have to keep some ECCJ boxes stored in his packaging (not in my humidor!). It appears that he hand packs each order?!? I say this b/c he packaged two boxes in the same packaging with one large boveda.

I actually thought about doing the same thing myself. I was really impressed with the Boveda and the hand vaccum seal. Needless to say I think I'll be ordering more Illusiones and some Tatuaje's from him in the near future.

quote:

Originally posted by mbrody7903:
Ozz

You cannot tell them apart other when ordering or from the box (from what I have read at NHC). I think that the MK Ultra was simply a low profile small batch release as an "experiment". Not entirely sure, but I hope NHC or any retailer/etailer gets them back in sometime soon. Let me know if you have any wish list Illusiones. I may have stick or two that you can try. If I pop it in the mail, you'll have it in a day (I'm on LI too).

I see. Guess my B&M in Hicksville doesn't have the Ultra. The Lancero is the only thing I want to try besides the Ultra that my B&M doesn't carry. Where do you buy them? Port Jeff?

Ozz, I get them from NHC online. When I shop local, I hit Jim's in Mt. Sinai. Never saw Illusiones there. When I calm down a bit at work, i'll get you a HL.