Illusione Updates Epernay Packaging

In 2022, Illusione began updating the packaging of nearly every line it sold. There were some exceptions, such as the relatively new OneOff line and Epernay, a line that was introduced in 2009. Now, Epernay looks different.

At the 2024 PCA Convention & Trade Show, Illusione showed off the updated look for Epernay, which is the lone Illusione line to still be made at Raíces Cubanas in Honduras. The entire brand has a new look, one that uses a swan as an emblem on the box. The bands are larger but keep the gold-on-white color scheme of the original Epernay.

The Illusione Epernay Le Voyage, a 9 1/4 x 48 A size, will continue to be the lone vitola sold in coffins, though the coffins are updated to be consistent with the new brand. The Epernay 10th Anniversary d’Aosta also has new packaging.

Dion Giolito, Illusione’s founder, told halfwheel that the company currently has both cigars packaged with the new and old packaging at its Reno warehouse. For the time being, retailers can place orders and specify which packaging they would like until the old packaging runs out.

Epernay’s roots trace back to 2008, when Illusione released the ~eccj~ 15th as part of European Cigar Cult Journal’s 15th anniversary. A year later, that blend reemerged under a new name, Epernay. The name refers to Épernay, a commune in France known for its Champagne. Giolito’s recommendation is to pair Illusione Epernay with Champagne.