Illusione Original Documents line already has three sizes that come with a Candela wrapper: The ~88~,~888~, and the ~hl~. In late 2020, the ~cg:4~ size got the same treatment, although only as a limited release. It was launched in 10-ct bundles. Only 500 of those bundles were made, and the Nicaraguan Puro is made at the Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA) factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. The cigars were exclusively sold at The Vault in Meridian, Idaho.
This year, Illusione announced that the ~cg:4~ Candela would get a second release as a 2021 PCA tradeshow exclusive. The second release is now packaged in 25-ct boxes. Everything else remains the same. Only retailers present at the tradeshow were able to get this release.
The Candela wrapper on this Corona Gorda is of a pale green color and has a decent amount of oil and sheen to it. It is smooth to the touch, with only a few small veins present. Construction is flawless.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 46 x 143 mm (5 5/8″)
- Wrapper: Nicaraguan Candela
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $10 | € –
Illusione ~cg:4~ Candela: aromas of nuts and hay, with a hint of spice, are revealed in the cold draw. Once lit, the cigar opens with a mix of hazelnut and pepper.
The first third continues with mainly hazelnut and white pepper, followed by hints of herbs. A sweet and creamy component appears later on as well, and the retro-hale is dominated by white pepper. Strength is mild-medium (2/5).
The creaminess picks up in the second third, with a herbal note appearing and becoming very pronounced. Hazelnut is still present, but the white pepper has decreased quite a bit and is only faintly present in the background. Strength is now close to medium (2.5/5).
In the last third, the herbal note has turned to balsamic herbs and overtakes the hazelnut flavor. While the creaminess has disappeared, the white pepper has returned to the intensity level it had in the first third. Strength is now at a solid medium level (3/5).
Overall, the Illusione ~cg:4~ Candela is a balanced smoke with a straightforward flavor profile. It might not be as broad, complex, and evolving as some other sizes (the regular ~cg:4~) in the Original Documents line with a Candela wrapper, but it is still an enjoyable smoke.