Illusione · Original Documents
New WorldExperiencedIllusione Original Documents ~88~ Robusto
The Illusione ~88~ Robusto is the gateway size of the Original Documents line — a 5 x 52 Nicaraguan puro wrapped in a AAA Corojo Rosado that punches well above its price.
Flavor profile
Earthy · Balanced · Spice · Roast
Dion Giolito launched the Original Documents line in 2006 as the house blend for his Fumare tobacconist in Reno, Nevada. The name comes from Giolito's love of conspiracy lore — each vitola carries a code instead of a traditional name. The 88 is the robusto, and it remains one of the line's most popular sizes.
What it tastes like
Under a gorgeous, oily Corojo Rosado wrapper grown in Nicaragua, the 88 delivers that classic Illusione profile: freshly cut cedar, buttered toast, graham cracker sweetness, and cabinet spice, all tied together with a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. The AGANORSA tobacco delivers consistent flavor from light to nub. Construction is typically excellent — an even burn and dense draw that reward slow puffing.
Strength and complexity
This is a medium-full cigar with real complexity for the price. It's not a beginner smoke, but it's approachable for anyone who has been smoking for a year or more. Pair it with a good Scotch, a dark espresso, or an aged rum. Not sure how this fits into your rotation? Check our cigar strength guide to calibrate.
Why it matters
The Original Documents line put Illusione on the map as a boutique brand worth chasing. The 88 robusto format is where most people start — compact enough for a 45-minute session, complex enough to hold your attention the whole way through. If you want to compare how Nicaraguan leaf stacks up against Cuban-seed blends, our Cuban vs. Nicaraguan cigars guide breaks it down.
Log your Original Documents smokes and track how the 88 evolves across seasons at Casa DNC.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
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Illusione Original Documents ~88~ Robusto head-to-head
See how Illusione Original Documents ~88~ Robusto stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.