A Year End Note From Illusione Cigars
Fellow Tobacconists,
2009 is drawing to an end, and in the midst of the economic downturn, we’re surviving, and in some cases, growing both in business and as a family. I’d like to thank all of you for your ravenous support of the illusione brands. I’d also like to take this opportunity to re-affirm my commitment to keep illusione cigars small, manageable, and a protected brand in the future.
With the coming of 2010, I’ll be meeting with my reps, assessing the market value of the product, the brand identity, and the relationship with some of my retailers. We as tobacconists know that the sale of a cigar or brand goes beyond ratings and marketing. It’s up to passion of the individual retailer to sell a brand such as illusione. Sure, ratings and ad’s help, but it’s the involvement and relationship of the tobacconist and the client that makes all the difference in the world.
Being a retailer, I’ve practically made all of my box footprints in the 5 on 5 format. Many of you, as do I, appreciate companies that release product in this format. The 12 on 13 boxes take up a lot of space and are cumbersome, unless you have a 1000 square foot humidor, which many of us can’t afford the luxury to have. There are also brands in my humidor that practically sell themselves like Davidoff White Label, Tatuaje, and a few others. I go out of my way to carry everything within the line to give them a powerful presence, and as gratitude for making such an excellent product. I’ve also realized over the years that it takes 8-10 of anything to sell one beit, cigars, lighters cutters etc. Clients like variety and choice.
As of new releases coming in 2010, Nosotros – the cigar I blended At Drew estate will be released sometime in March. It is an excellent blend of the most flavorful and aromatic tobaccos that Nicaragua has to offer. As with all of my blends, power and balance walk hand-in-hand, and Nosotros is no different
In the spirit of the limited edition e c c j cigar I released last year, I will continue the LE series under the name illusione Singulare’. They will be a different blend and size each year, and will come in 15 count boxes, as did the e c c j. I will only make 1000 boxes each year. This LE cigar will not go to the retailers that spend the most money with illusione, but rather the retailers who spread a true and generous representation of all illusione brands in their humidor.
Thanks again for all of the comments both positive and constructive, and know that my staff and I are here for you, the Retailer – first and foremost.
Dion Giolito – illusione cigars
Tatuaje Havana VI Nobles Cigar Review
Tatuaje Havana VI Nobles Cigar Review
This 5×50 medium chocolate wrapped stick offered an excellent burn and perfect draw, lasting just under 1 hour to the band point. Flavors started a little on the mild side but woke up by the 1/2 way point to produce a nice medium body experience. Several transitions led to flavors including leather, sweetness, mild earthiness, pepper washes, cocoa and a warm mild coffee. A great anytime stick! Thank you to Shuckins for trading me for this stick, I always like to try new blends! Photography by BG Pictures.
Daily Deals: Wed, Oct 21st 2009
http://www.joecigar.com/
10 Felipe Power Special Robusto $27.50
http://www.todayscigar.com/
5 Sancho Panza Dulcinea $17.99
http://www.cigarmonster.com/
New deals all day
http://www.cigar.com/DailyDeal/ccCigarDeals.asp
Gurkha 3-Cigar Variety Pack
Gurkha Beauty
Gurkha Titan
Colombia
$11.95
http://www.tinderbox.com/Nicaraguan-Blends-Sampler-Cigars
Nicaraguan Blends Sampler
- (2) Gurkha Park Ave Churchill (7″ x 48)
- (2) Man O’ War Toro (6.5″ x 52)
- (2) Padilla Habano Toro (6″ x 50)
- (2) Rocky Patel Fusion Churchill (7″ x 48)
$29.99
Daily Deals: Wed, Sep 16th 2009
http://www.joecigar.com/
Wacky Wednesday 92-95 Rated Sampler
2 – Alec Bradley Tempus Terra Novo (5″ x 50)
2 – Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic 1979 (5″ x 50)
2 – Oliva Master Blends III Torpedo (6″ x 52)
2 – Padilla Miami Churchill (7″ x 48)
2 – Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo (6.5″ x 52)
$39.99
http://www.cigarmonster.com/
New deals all day
http://www.cigar.com/DailyDeal/ccCigarDeals.asp
5 Torano Cameroon 1916 Robusto $15.95
http://www.tinderbox.com/Smooth-and-Mild-Sampler-Cigars
Smooth and Mild Sampler
(2) La Princesa de Cuba Torpedo (6.5×52)
(2) Rocky Patel Connecticut Toro (6×52)
(2) Macanudo Cafe Hyde Park (5.5×49)
(2) CAO Gold Robusto (5×50)
(2) 5 Vegas Gold Robusto (5×50)
$39.99
GREAT Sampler on Cigar.com
I’m not sponsored by cigar.com or anything, but just have to say this latest catalog that came today has what I consider to be a GREAT sampler deal, especially for anyone relatively new! Not only is the price very good at $199 for 60 sticks – but they are ALL really good sticks! No $2 duds or house blends. I have had most of them and REALLY like almost all of them. If I had the funds I would pick one up just for pleasure smoking right now! Check this thing out:
Includes two each of the following:
CAO Black (reviewed here)
Graycliff 1666 (reviewed here)
Padilla Miami
Torano Signature
Oliva Serie ’O’ (reviewed here)
Perdomo Habano
Puros Indios Viejo
601 Oscuro
Bahia Blu (reviewed here)
Gurkha Regent
And five each of:
5 Vegas Limitada ’09
G.A.R.
Padilla 1932
Nub Habano
Romeo y Julieta Viejo
Rocky Patel Vintage 1990
Man O’ War
Gurkha’s Park Avenue (reviewed here)
CVM Offering Free Cigars
Take advantage of this offer while it lasts – it’s already changed since I did, last week! The offer was originally a one-a-day thing, now a one-time-only offer. It may be stopped at any time, who knows.
Shipping was only $6 and change for me and they arrived in 5 days after placing the order, so that’s very reasonable. What I received were some CVM house blends and a couple Rocky Patel house blends. I have no experience with any of them, but will be doing reviews on them in a couple months after they sit in the humidor.



