| ione Epernay from Dion Giolito was released in 2008 | | | | salt and pepper, although it is heavier on the pepper, |
| in honor of the 15th anniversary of the European | | | | which seems to be a bit weak at times. The draw on |
| Cigar Cult Journal. Similar to, but lighter than the | | | | this Epernay is perfection—with just enough |
| original ECCJ release, Epernay was created to pair | | | | resistance for the relaxation that true aficionados |
| with great French champagnes. Giolito stated, | | | | seek. |
| “I named it after a region in France that | | | | After lighting, the Epernay tastes like a holiday feast |
| made this grape famous.” | | | | with some amazingly defined flavors throughout the |
| Envisioned as more suited to a “European | | | | cigar. The first third is a symphony of apple cinnamon |
| palate,” Epernay is an all-Nicaraguan cigar | | | | spice. A mild flash of cinnamon and spice fades into |
| made of a combination of Criollo and Corojo | | | | notes of apple with some floral, roasted nuts, and |
| tobaccos enfolded in a slightly reddish shade-grown | | | | wood tones as well. |
| Corojo ‘99 wrapper leaf of superior quality. | | | | This refined burst of delicate flavors in the second |
| Don Giolito was seeking-- and has apparently found-- | | | | third is where Don Giolito’s homage to |
| more refined, sweeter floral notes that perfectly | | | | France’s Champagne is most evident. Just |
| blend with the delicate flavors found in French | | | | before the final third, the Epernay becomes fuller |
| champagne. | | | | bodied as a creamy honeyed coffee flavor with |
| Giolito’s dream aside, the Epernay is a vision | | | | undertones of pepper and cedar emerges and then |
| of beauty. The wrapper has minimal veins and has | | | | remains to the end. The spice in the aftertaste |
| that glistening sheen of oil to its surface. This | | | | accelerates near the finish of this fine cigar. |
| traditionally classic cigar has a flat, Cuban-style triple | | | | When all is said and done, the Illusione Epernay is a |
| cap, and a decent heft to it. Totally lacking in soft | | | | delicious smoke with a complexity of flavors, both |
| spots, this cigar is so well-crafted it is nigh impossible | | | | sweet and piquant in a medium-bodied cigar that cries |
| to find the seam in the roll. | | | | out to be paired with an elegant French champagne, |
| As one would expect, the cigar band bears a strong | | | | good companions, and relaxing conversation. Patrick |
| resemblance to the ECCJ cigar with its white and | | | | Semmens of the Stogie Guys website claims to have |
| gold band. From head to foot, this cigar is an | | | | skeptically paired his Epernay Le Elegance with a |
| aficionado’s dream. A pre-light draw reveals | | | | favored Cava champagne only to find… that |
| honey and cedar notes intermingled within the | | | | Don Giolito has done what he set out to do, or in |
| Epernay—a great beginning for an | | | | Patrick’s words, “I found that the |
| accompaniment to fine champagne. | | | | crisp, lively bubbly was an excellent |
| As one would expect from such a fine wrapper and | | | | accompaniment.” Cigar smokers everywhere |
| artisanship, the Epernay cigar has a perfect burn that | | | | are the beneficiaries. La vita dolce! |
| is even and consistent from start to finish. The ash is | | | | |