In any good conspiracy, the initial moment where a theory is spun up, or a key piece of information reveals the possible existence of an intriguing mystery, sets the conspiracy in motion. But it’s the ongoing speculation, the ceaseless investigation, the never ending search for truth that really lets the conspiracy theory become mature.
Or, as they say in Spanish, “maduro.”
So it is with tobacco, too.
Planting a seed, watching a green stalk poke out of the soil – that kicks things off – but it’s the long and careful tending to that plant that really brings about a worthwhile product. And for maduro leaf, growing a tobacco plant is just phase one. After harvesting, standard or natural leaf with be cured and perhaps quickly fermented, and then certain varieties can be ready for rolling not long after that.
To make a leaf maduro, however, takes a lot more time.
For maduro leaf, after initial curing, there’s a long fermentation period as weeks stretch on and on. Leaves are bundled up into pilones, big piles of leaf kept covered while natural fermentation helps them sweeten, become more flavorful, and turn a deep and dark shade of brown. Perhaps surprisingly, even though a dark leaf looks like it would be stronger, tobacco leaves lose a bit of strength in terms of nicotine content as they age, but the result is well worth it. The flavor profile of a well fermented maduro leaf depends on what type of seed was planted and the country it was grown in, but maduro often brings a delicious earthy flavor, showing notes of cocoa and carrying a hint of sweetness.
Illusione’s Maduro cigar features an interior blend of Nicaraguan Criollo '98 and Corojo '99. The outside maduro wrapper is a “Capa Fina” grade San Andrés leaf. Light it up for medium to full-bodied smoke, giving you plenty to chew on. The flavor journey is where things really take off. Illusione founder and talented blender Dion Giolito has a knack for choosing tobaccos that develop through interesting notes as you smoke along. The Illusione Maduro starts with spice, dark roasted coffee, and even grilled meat. As you get into the middle of the cigar, you’ll probably notice the spice becoming decidedly cinnamon-y, with dark chocolate springing up on the back of your tongue. In the finish, things get woody with a lingering sip of espresso on the finish.
It’s the final maturation.
Please browse our selection of Illusione Maduro cigars at your leisure.
