Dion + Drew = ?

[jefslat]

Finally got around to smoking the pre-production corona that Jon Drew gave me of the upcoming collaboration between him and Dion of Illusione.

First and foremost, this is one stout cigar; definitely not for those who favor mild to medium sticks. It seems that Jon and Dion combined the strongest parts of the Liga Privada and the Illusione to come up with this one. In fact, the pre-light aroma was so strong that it brought to mind old tires. I was thankfully not deterred by this and lit the cigar, which burned perfectly throughout.

This cigar presents strong ligero notes throughout and is decidedly not for the weak of pallet. The majority of the flavor seems to come from the very dark and oily wrapper, although no doubt the bunch adds to the effect. There is without question no shortage of ligero in this cigar; a wonderful thing for me but a cautionary note to the smoker of a milder cigar.

Do not misunderstand; this is a wonderful smoke, but it may be overly challenging for some.

Now, keeping in mind that this is in fact a pre-release prototype, the final product may in fact be a little less challenging to the average smoker. But for me it was refreshing to taste that Dion and Drew are capable of producing a cigar this potent is definitely encouraging to me, a smoker with a more jaded palate.

Thanks again to Jonathan Drew for sharing this great cigar with me.