Illusione TAA ESP 2022 Shipping This Week

This week, the Illusione TAA ESP 2022 will begin shipping to retailers that are members of the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA).

It’s a 6 x 56 toro extra that is made entirely of Nicaraguan tobaccos from AGANORSA, including corojo 2006 viso leaves in the filler. This is the second year in a row Illusione has produced a TAA release, previously, Dion Giolito—founder of Illusione—told halfwheel that the two blends are completely different

The Illusione TAA ESP 2022 has an MSRP of $15 and is limited to 1,500 boxes of 10 cigars.

It is produced at Agricola Ganadera Norteña S.A., the AGANORSA-owned factory previously known as Tabacos Valle de Jalapa (TABSA) in Estelí, Nicaragua.

The TAA is a fairly small group of some of the country’s top tobacconists, about 80 retailers, as well as 40 or so manufacturers. The association gathers annually to discuss issues facing the industry and retailers, as well as to have its annual trade show, a unique event that works on a group buying format in order to secure exclusive deals for these generally high-volume merchants.

During the event—which occurred in late March in Cabo San Lucas—the organization holds two selling events, one known as the Dream Machine where the retailers collectively order to secure larger discounts, while the other is a more traditional trade show. Typically, around a dozen manufacturers release new exclusive cigars for the retail members of the organization under the TAA Exclusive Series Program banner. Those manufacturers agree to give a portion of the proceeds to the organization, a minimum of 50 cents per cigar.

Asylum, E.P. Carrillo, Ferio Tego, Forged Cigar Co., Gurkha, Illusione, Joya de Nicaragua, La Flor Dominicana, La Palina, Rocky Patel, Tatuaje and Villiger have announced TAA 2022 releases.