Tasting Note

With a brand as large as Ashton’s Virgin Sun Grown series (12 sizes in total), it’s easy for some of those cigars to get lost in the shuffle, especially with current trends favoring thicker smokes. But it would be a shame to overlook the Illusion, a long, thin lonsdale that gave an enchanting performance. It may not be the most popular size in the line, but it was the most memorable this year and a shape that best showcases the dark Ecuador Sumatra wrapper. Made by Arturo Fuente Cigar Co. in the Dominican Republic, the Illusion has a powerful earthy base punctuated and enhanced by a rich, precise roasted peanut quality that resonates clearly on the palate.