Cigar News: Dion Giolito and STG’s Justin Andrews Announce The Illusione of Excalibur

Excalibur will roll out its first collaboration next month with The Illusione of Excalibur, a limited-edition blend that marks the first Excalibur to be made in Nicaragua.

The Illusione of Excalibur was blended by Dion Giolito and STG’s Justin Andrews. The new expression harnesses aged Nicaraguan tobaccos to deliver a rich and layered smoking experience befitting of both Excalibur and Illusione.

Justin commented:

“Dion Giolito and Illusione’s success in the premium cigar category has been driven by his rigorous standards for tobacco and his ability to create cigars that wow the market. So when it came to developing a blend for Excalibur, Dion was our hands-down first choice. I’m very proud of how this project came together. My only regret is that we couldn’t make this a full-time launch.”

Handcrafted the TABSA factory in Nicaragua, the Illusione by Excalibur is a puro featuring

  • Wrapper – Nicaraguan Corojo 1999 from Jalapa
  • Binder – 2012 Nicaraguan Corojo from Jalapa
  • Filler – Criollo and Corojo tobaccos from 1998, 1999 and 2006 grown in Esteli

Dion Giolito said:

“When GCC asked me to do a collaboration and offered up Excalibur, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. In college, the Excalibur #1 Maduro was my go-to when I could afford them on a college budget. My buddy George and I would enjoy them after class or band practice. They were a real treat back then, and they still are to this day. For my part, I wanted to make a cigar in the spirit of Excalibur with a bold character and packaging that pays homage to the brand’s origins. I believe this blend really hits the mark.”

The result is a smoking experience that is chewy and rich, producing notes of Christmas spices, leather and espresso in a refined, medium-plus profile.

The Illusione of Excalibur will be released in just one size, chosen by Dion and Justin to best represent the aged tobaccos of its blend.

In a nod to the legendary sword of King Arthur that inspired its name, Excalibur Illusione will be presented in royal blue lacquered boxes with gold detailing, each containing ten cigars. The cigars will be available for purchase starting on July 4. A total of 4,960 boxes will be released.

No 1. (7.25” x 54); MSRP per cigar $19.99