I’m a big fan of the Epernay brand. Back in 2022, I reviewed the Epernay Le Matin and had this to say, “This is one of those cigars where you can truly sense the blender’s intent, there are no happy accidents at play here – this smoking experience is unfolding by a very carefully calculated and expertly constructed design.” High praise indeed. So when I caught wind via Halfwheel that a new variation of the Epernay line was to be unleashed earlier this year, my interest was piqued. Here’s what Illusione’s main man Dion Giolito had to say upon the Tuonela’s release:
“Illusione cigars presents Epernay Tuonela. The first line extension of Epernay to date. Tuonela is combination of Criollo and Corojo tobaccos, finished with a silky Capa Fina San Andreas wrapper. An olfactory sweetness that is a signature of illusione cigars along floral notes and a creamy finish. Complex and decadent.”
That sounds great but I suppose I still need to review this thing…
THE CIGAR – EPERNAY TUONELA by ILLUSIONE CIGARS
Size: 5 1/4 x 48 (Le Ferme)
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Price: $11.20 (Is your humidor running low on inventory? If so, you can head over to Famous Smoke Shop and use promo code TNCC20 to save $20 of your purchase of $100 or more!)
My first reaction upon laying my eyes on the Epernay Tuonela is that it looks nothing like the original Epernay release. Which of course makes perfect sense given the wrapper changing from the lighter shade, almost golden Nicaraguan Café Rosado leaf to the much darker San Andrés tobacco. Illusione’s band designs have also been recently updated and, I have to admit, I prefer the original Epernay band. The previous Epernay band and box design was minimal but memorable, it was distinct, and it stood out from everything else on the humidor shelf in a very classy, understated way. This new look… not so much. In fact, I may now ignorantly breeze past it thinking it’s a Rocky Patel or some other brand I’m not interested in. Once the cellophane sleeve is removed, there are not many aromas present other than faint leather and a hint of floral when sniffing the foot directly. Slight surface oils are detected along the veiny, rustic body.
After a quick punch of the cap, I’m greeted by heavy rodeo flavors from the cold draw. If an angry bull curb-stomped a rodeo clown’s sad painted face in to the red dirt, this is what the poor bastard would taste. Heavy, lingering jalapeño spice floods the nostrils upon ignition, backed by a touch of dry flowers. The draw is comprised of a sweet mesquite woodsiness and dark chocolate pudding here early on. The burn line almost immediately grows uneven, it seems as though it’s burning along a vein path as opposed to a straight line across. It’s not a big deal, yet, but I go ahead and proactively correct matters with my lighter. Downstairs, a raisin-like sweetness now appears just beneath the mesquite and dark chocolate. Upstairs, a lead note is beginning to develop alongside the pepper and floral offerings.
Smoke production is copious, as the Tuonela pours thick white smoke from its foot. Despite my intervention, the burn line stubbornly continues along its uneven path so I just let it go where it goes for now.
The Tuonela’s draw is ideal, delivering the perfect amount of airflow. The cigar’s overall profile is working very well as a whole, I have no complaints in the flavor department whatsoever.
The spice drops down a notch as the Tuonela nears the fifty yard line, leaving the retro’s lead and floral notes to take the lead. The draw continues to be dominated by mesquite and dark chocolate as the raisin sweetness came and went way too fast. The fragile ash fell on my lap but I was able to sweep it off my crotch before it burned my dick off.
Everything stays mostly unchanged here in the Tuonela’s second half. The exception being a distinct yellow cake flavor that’s beginning to spring to life on the draw. That yellow cake builds up fast, so much so that it overtakes the mesquite element almost entirely as the burn approaches the primary band… did I mention that I prefer the original Epernay artwork over this new band design? I think I did, so I’ve said it twice now. Oops. Whenever a drastic aesthetic change is made to one of my favorite cigar lines, I always wish that it was tax return time so I could buy up as many original boxes as possible before they disappear forever…
A relight is required but that pesky burn line has finally agreed to fall in line here in the Tuonela’s final act. Mild in strength with medium body and an expertly executed balance, this portion of the cigar is a highlight of the smoking experience. The fluctuating jalapeño spice combined with lead and floral make the retrohale memorable and it compliments the flavor trio of yellow cake, dark chocolate pudding, and the now subtle woodsiness on the draw.
THE NUB
TNCC FINAL SCORE = 92
Other than the floral component, the Epernay Tuonela doesn’t remind me of the original Epernay line at all. And I suppose that’s the point. What’s the same is that both blends are well balanced and complex, featuring nuanced flavors that deliver a highly enjoyable 68 minute smoking experience*.
* I tried mightily to make it to the 69 minute mark but the cigar grew a bit too hot on the lips so I failed you. I can and will do better.
