Excalibur Illusione No.1: A Regal Fusion of Legacy and Craftsmanship

“This is a cigar you will put down and come back to repeatedly during the course of its cigar life.”
— Cigar Reviews by the Katman

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A Legendary Collaboration: Crafting the Excalibur Illusione No.1

In the world of premium cigars, few collaborations have stirred as much excitement as the union between Dion Giolito of Illusione Cigars and Justin Andrews of Scandinavian Tobacco Group. Their joint venture birthed the Excalibur Illusione No.1, a limited-edition masterpiece that marries the rich heritage of the Excalibur line with the innovative flair of Illusione.

Handcrafted at the renowned AGANORSA Leaf’s Agricola Ganadera Nortena S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, this cigar is a puro, composed entirely of Nicaraguan tobaccos. The blend features a Corojo ’99 wrapper from Jalapa, a Corojo 2012 binder from the same region, and a filler blend of Criollo ’98, Corojo ’99, and Corojo 2006 from Estelí .

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Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Richness and Complexity

From the first draw, the Excalibur Illusione No.1 envelops the palate with a harmonious blend of flavors. Expect notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and cinnamon, evolving into roasted coffee beans, sweet wood, and subtle spices. The retrohale reveals hints of cracked black pepper and toasted nuts, culminating in a lingering aftertaste of caramel and oak .

This medium-to-full-bodied cigar offers a chewy and rich smoking experience, with transitions that keep the smoker engaged throughout its generous 7.25-inch length and 54 ring gauge.

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Design and Presentation: Fit for a King

Echoing the legendary sword of King Arthur, the Excalibur Illusione No.1 is presented in royal blue lacquered boxes adorned with gold detailing. Each box contains ten cigars, emphasizing the exclusivity of this release. With only 4,960 boxes produced, this cigar is as rare as it is exquisite .

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A Personal Journey: Rediscovering a Classic

For Dion Giolito, this collaboration was more than a professional endeavor—it was a nostalgic journey. Recalling his college days, Giolito shared, “In college, the Excalibur #1 Maduro was my go-to when I could afford them on a college budget. My buddy George and I would enjoy them after class or band practice. They were a real treat back then, and they still are to this day.”

This personal connection infused the project with passion, resulting in a cigar that pays homage to the original while introducing a bold, modern character.

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Expert Insights: A Cigar Worth Savoring

Critics and aficionados alike have lauded the Excalibur Illusione No.1 for its impeccable construction and dynamic flavor profile. One reviewer noted, “A true giant. Dion made a monster.”

Another emphasized its complexity, stating, “Heavily complex. Transitions fly by like a desert wind. The finish is pure delight. Depth of character is palpable. Superb cigar.”

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FAQs about Excalibur Illusione No.1

Q: What makes the Excalibur Illusione No.1 unique?
A: It’s a limited-edition collaboration between Illusione Cigars and Scandinavian Tobacco Group, featuring a Nicaraguan puro blend and a medium-to-full-bodied profile.

Q: How many boxes were produced?
A: Only 4,960 boxes of ten cigars each were released, emphasizing its exclusivity.

Q: What is the size and strength of this cigar?
A: The Excalibur Illusione No.1 measures 7.25 inches in length with a 54 ring gauge, offering a medium-plus strength.

Q: Where is this cigar manufactured?
A: It’s handcrafted at AGANORSA Leaf’s Agricola Ganadera Nortena S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Q: What flavors can I expect?
A: Expect a rich tapestry of dark chocolate, espresso, cinnamon, roasted coffee beans, sweet wood, and subtle spices, with a lingering finish of caramel and oak.