Background
The Illusione MK Ultra is referred to as the “teaching machine” by Illusione owner Dion Giolito due to the classic corona size which is often thought by many to deliver the best flavor. It is not unusual for this size to be used to test new blends and it happens to be a favorite vitola of mine. Dion Giolito has posted the following additional information on the history of the MK Ultra on his site.
…MKULTRA was much stronger than I wanted it to be…I let out my stock of MKULTRAS because I just wasn’t pleased with the blend. You guys ate them up! Thanks
So when the MK Ultra was re-released at this years IPCPR, I grabbed one from my local shop, but when I got around to grabbing a few more they were long gone. Recently, a fellow BOTL and friend of mine recently visited Dion’s Shop (Fumare) in Reno, NV and was kind enough to grab a few of these sticks for me (Thanks Al). Lets get to burning this baby!
Stogie Stats
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua (Corojo)
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium/Full
Vitola: Corona
Size: 5 1/8 x 42
Age: N/A
MSRP: About $8.00
Review
The wrapper is a uniform dark brown with quite a few veins. The front half of the cigar has a little bit of sponginess to it while the second half is firm. The smell and pre-light draw are composed of a lot of rich tobacco. I am liking the simplicity of the black band with white lettering, which is in complete contrast with the white band and black lettering used on the regular Illusione MK band.
The first third begins with rich, dark flavors including earth, leather, coffee, and pepper with a nice toasty finish. The strength of the cigar is strong but the flavors are refined and balanced. My initial thought is these sticks should age tremendously. The draw is a A+, burn good, and ash holds for about 3/4 of an inch. I am loving the “chewiness” of this stick! The flavor profile and finish reminds me a tootsie roll (with some cojones).
The second third begins with some sweet syrupy goodness on the finish. Flavors are primarily earth and spice but the finish has become much longer. The ash continues to fall before hitting one inch. The draw remains great and the burn good. I have managed the strength until about the halfway mark where I really begin feeling the nicotine.
The last third continues with the same flavor profile but the syrupy finish is gone. The draw and burn remains good. I swear the cigar is burning slower but it may be just me slowing down to the strength of this smoke. Wow does this stick have some power! I fall a bit short of nubbing it because of its strength but I feel satisfied.
Conclusion
The Illusione Mk Ultra has a great flavor profile and if you like a cigar with some kick, I recommend trying it. Personally, it was a little over the top for me on the strength scale but I did enjoy the flavor profile of the first half. I felt the strength on the second half did take away from the experience. Consequently, I am going to give the 2011 Illusione MK Ultra a Stogie Geeks Rating of “The Fiver”. If the aforementioned description fits your flavor profile and you enjoy a stick with some kick, give it a try and age the rest. I am curious on what this stick will deliver with a few years on it.
Stogie Geeks Audio
December 8, 2011
Review: Illusione MK ULTRA
Tim Mugherini 3- The Fiver Reviews, Stogies 0 Comments
Background
The Illusione MK Ultra is referred to as the “teaching machine” by Illusione owner Dion Giolito due to the classic corona size which is often thought by many to deliver the best flavor. It is not unusual for this size to be used to test new blends and it happens to be a favorite vitola of mine. Dion Giolito has posted the following additional information on the history of the MK Ultra on his site.
So when the MK Ultra was re-released at this years IPCPR, I grabbed one from my local shop, but when I got around to grabbing a few more they were long gone. Recently, a fellow BOTL and friend of mine recently visited Dion’s Shop (Fumare) in Reno, NV and was kind enough to grab a few of these sticks for me (Thanks Al). Lets get to burning this baby!
Stogie Stats
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua (Corojo)
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium/Full
Vitola: Corona
Size: 5 1/8 x 42
Age: N/A
MSRP: About $8.00
Review
The wrapper is a uniform dark brown with quite a few veins. The front half of the cigar has a little bit of sponginess to it while the second half is firm. The smell and pre-light draw are composed of a lot of rich tobacco. I am liking the simplicity of the black band with white lettering, which is in complete contrast with the white band and black lettering used on the regular Illusione MK band.
The first third begins with rich, dark flavors including earth, leather, coffee, and pepper with a nice toasty finish. The strength of the cigar is strong but the flavors are refined and balanced. My initial thought is these sticks should age tremendously. The draw is a A+, burn good, and ash holds for about 3/4 of an inch. I am loving the “chewiness” of this stick! The flavor profile and finish reminds me a tootsie roll (with some cojones).
The second third begins with some sweet syrupy goodness on the finish. Flavors are primarily earth and spice but the finish has become much longer. The ash continues to fall before hitting one inch. The draw remains great and the burn good. I have managed the strength until about the halfway mark where I really begin feeling the nicotine.
The last third continues with the same flavor profile but the syrupy finish is gone. The draw and burn remains good. I swear the cigar is burning slower but it may be just me slowing down to the strength of this smoke. Wow does this stick have some power! I fall a bit short of nubbing it because of its strength but I feel satisfied.
Conclusion
The Illusione Mk Ultra has a great flavor profile and if you like a cigar with some kick, I recommend trying it. Personally, it was a little over the top for me on the strength scale but I did enjoy the flavor profile of the first half. I felt the strength on the second half did take away from the experience. Consequently, I am going to give the 2011 Illusione MK Ultra a Stogie Geeks Rating of “The Fiver”. If the aforementioned description fits your flavor profile and you enjoy a stick with some kick, give it a try and age the rest. I am curious on what this stick will deliver with a few years on it.
Share this: