Cigar Pairing: Going Green With An Illusione HL Candela & Green Chartreuse

http://smokinghotcigarchick.com/ Once the preferred smoke of Americans (so much it was even known as American Market Selection), the Candela wrapper is something we don't see a lot of right now. You certainly can't miss it on the shelf with its green color. Yes- it is green. Not because of dyes but because of the process the leaf goes through while being cured that maintains the chlorophyll and thus the green color.

Normally when I think of a candela I think of a mild blend being involved. The hl from Illusione is certainly not a mild blend which excited me when I saw that there was now an hl with a candela wrapper. I have been very excited to see how the candela plays into the complexity of the hl.

Because this is a green cigar, I thought I would have a little fun and make it into a pairing with one of my favorite green liqueurs: Green Chartreuse. Chartreuse is a French liqueur and is composed of distilled alcohol aged with 130 herbal extracts. It was made by the Carthusian Monks at their Grande Chartreuse monastery in the Chartreuse Mountains- where it gets its name. Green Chartreuse gets its flavor from the extracts of 132 plants which is where the chlorophyll comes in giving it a green color. It is also 110 proof- so be warned a drink can go a long way.

I noticed a beautiful silky smoothness in the smoke of the cigar right away from lighting it- not to mention an incredible aroma. I had some spice notes hit me up front, then again at the end with a softness between each note. A very lovely smoke! I can see myself enjoying this cigar on its own quite often, but this being the only one I have on hand I had to take the opportunity for a pairing. Sometimes, certain spirits make me think of certain leaves, and in this case I think they make a nice combination.

For more information on the drink and the cigar, visit

http://smokinghotcigarchick.com/going-green-with-an-illusione-hl-candela-gree...

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• illusione
• dion giolito
• cigar
• cigars
• candela

[hound4680]

lol cool cat, is he fat so he cant run away? lul 

[diddymuck]

Have you ever done speaking engagements, such as at smoke-ins and cigar parties? Your skill with communication, cigar expertise, plus your general all round charm and babe-alichiousness would be a hit!

[BigBadOzBoyMark]

That's one very cool cat!

[kaw37]

awesome CAT!!

[kainemaxwell]

you're beautiful smoking that cigar. Love to try something like that to really take in and enjoy the smoke from sometime.

[TsunaRoll]

KIIIIITTY!!!!!!!!

[kinkyc]

What a great video, I love her nose exhale, at the end of her regular exhale,

Kinky C

[BigColin52]

Great infromative video

Thanks

[OPUSX1500]

hey teresa , nice cat you have , take care of him

[Mrabbytab3]

Nice vid Teresa! Educational and easy on the eyes :) I like your cat; I'm surprised he doesn't run from the smoke. I have 2 cats and they do not like cig or cigar smoke :( Take care, Ashton Churchill fan D.

[shadyguy72]

I'm glad this Illusione worked out for you. I had been curious about the green cigars for awhile and tried the Iguana robusto candella and I have to say it was one of the worst cigars I've ever had. I guess that's what I get for buying a box without trying one first.