22. Illusione La Grande Classe Rex

Illusione

• Country of Origin: Nicaragua
• Factory: Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A.
• Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano)
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Length: 4 7/8 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 40
• Vitola: Petit Corona
• MSRP: $5.50 (Bundles of 25, $137.50)
• Release Date: July 2017
• Number of Cigars Released: Regular Production
• Original Score: 92

Without all the exact numbers in front of me, Illusione is one of the more consistent companies to show up on the Top 25 list, with two releases on this year’s list alone. The La Grande Classe Rex is a follow-up to both the La Grande Classe and the Rex, combining traits of the two releases to create a delightful petit corona that sets itself down in the 22nd spot on our list.

A sweet, complex and balanced profile along with consistent construction give the La Grande Classe Rex an easy placement in our top 25. One of the good things about this too is that it’s not just a one and done limited edition like its predecessors, but a regular production that also has an awesome price point coming in under $6 a stick. There isn’t much more you could ask for from a cigar. — Brian Burt.