Once upon a time, there were no cigar publications as you know them today. Back then, if you wanted information about cigars, you might head down to your local smoke shop. For many people, whatever you heard there was your main source of information. Then, along with the cigar boom in the 90s came cigar magazines. Cigar Aficionado is, of course, is one of the most successful and memorable. Meanwhile, over in Europe, the European Cult Cigar Journal was launched not long after CA. ECCJ earned a dedicated audience, and is still in publication, although today it is known simply as “Cigar Journal.”
The Illusione ECCJ cigar pays homage to this esteemed source of cigar information, as it has on Cigar Journal’s 15th and 20th birthdays. The 15th birthday edition went on to become one of Illusione’s most awarded blends: Epernay. The most recent edition of the ECCJ cigar was created in 2019 to celebrate Cigar Journal’s 25th.
Happy Birthday, Cigar Journal, and many more!
This version of the ECCJ cigar features a blend of Seco Corojo ’99 (from a farm in Jalapa) and Seco Criollo ’98 (from growers in Estelí). To add body and a hint of sweetness, there’s also Viso Corojo ’99 (from Jalapa) in the blend. As you can see, leaf selection is focused on lower primings, instead of ligero-heavy top leaf. Fans of the Illusione Singluaré will recognize this approach. Then, on the outside of the cigar, you’ll find an attractive “AAA Grade” Café Rosado Corojo wrapper.
The smoke itself is mild to medium bodied, and, true to Illusione form, very complex. Expect classic Nicaraguan spice notes, along with a bit of sweetness and a wealth of other flavors that always seem to find their way in to Illusione founder Dion Giolito’s blends. This cigar has a lot to say, just like Cigar Journal itself. Don’t miss it!
Please browse our selection of Illusione ECCJ cigars at your leisure.
