Wow! I like wow cigars! I’m not going to beat around the bush. While the Illusione 888 Slam is just a concept cigar, its exactly what I look for when it comes to a cigar! Flavors galore! Slam is a nickname that Dion uses to describe bench press cigars. Kind of like how cars are “slammed” to make low riders. According to New Havana Cigars Dion had to remove a leaf from the filler in order to get the bench press shape so the blend is a bit different from the regular round shape 888 in production.
Video runs a little under 12 minutes. Last year I gushed over the CAO MX3. The Illusione 888 Slam is that cigar this year. Similar to the Illusione ~hl~, the 888 Slam doesn’t focus on power but instead sets it’s sights on flavor. Dark tobacco, sweet woodsy and slight spice can be found throughout the cigar. A little after the halfway point, the sweet woodsy flavor transforms into this caramel creamy concoction. Together with that underlying spice flavor make for one amazing and satisfying treat.
Contest
No humidor should be without the Illusione 888 Slam. I believe it so much that I’m spreading the love around. Instead of hoarding as many of these as I can, I’ve decided to give away a five pack. All you have to do is leave a comment and answer these two questions: 1) What is your favorite cigar by Dion? 2) What movie do you watch no matter how many times you’ve seen it? For example; My favorite cigar by Dion is the Illusione ~hl~ Maduro and I watch the movie Good Luck Chuck whenever its on. One entry per person. Winner chosen at random. Contest ends 12:00am EST on October 25, 2010.
Great review Jerry! My favorie Dion cigar is the Epernay Le Matin and I watch Crimson Tide whenever it’s on!
Illusione f9. Gladiator. Thanks!
Ive only tried one Illusione cigar so far so Id have to go with the 2! That was one memorable smoke. Favorite movie that I will always watch would be Casino, or Goodfellas.
Favorite = 88; Movie(s) = Forrest Gump and Dumb & Dumber – 1994, great year in cinema!
I looked at the slam on new Havana this afternoon. Guess I’ll be placing an order. I’ve only sampled a few from the brand and actually went to the website to look at buying some ~hl~. I’d have to say my favorite illusione is the teaching machine, ~mk~. The movie I watch no matter how many times I’ve seen it is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. To paraphrase Cousin Eddie, the winner of this contest is gonna get something real nice, Clark.
Great review and cool contest.
My favorite Illusione is the MK, followed closely by the Epernay.
And the movie I can always watch is Rushmore.
Fantastc review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favorite is the Illusione ~mj12~.
The movie that I can help but watch whenever its on would have to be Pulp Fiction.
love your reviews jerry, keep em comin
That’s a great contest, Jerry!
I love the MK teaching machines… as for the movie, I’ll go with the Scent of a Woman.
Epernay le Elegance or ~hl~, both great!
I don’t watch many movies nowadays, but love watching old UFC/MMA fights on Spike or HDNET!
forgot about the contest haha…
1) HL is my fav stick by Dion
2) the movie I watch no matter how many times Ive seen it is The Count of Montecristo
Favorite Dion: cg4
Movie: The Big Lebowski
Nice.
Illusione CG4 White Horse and any of the Lord of the rings films.
Cheers
My favorite stogie from Dion is the cg4. The movie that I can watch over and over is The Big Lebowski!!! The Dude abides!
that’s just like, your opinion, man……
I don’t have a ton of experience with Dion’s stuff, but I absolutely loved the few ~68~’s I have smoked. In keeping with the spirit of the season, a movie I can watch anytime is the original Halloween.
my favorite smoke from dion is the ECCJ which unfortunately I only have one left. movie would be pulp fiction
Great review, by the way! My favorite cigar from Illusione is the Epernay Le Grande. The movie Animal House is a movie I can watch anytime. Wanna beer, dont cost nothin.
I love the mj12. Full Metal Jacket is my movie. No matter how many times I have seen it, one more is never too much.
I’ve enyoye smoked the line Illusione Epernay cigars. I love all the James Bond movies but my favorite James Bond movie is with Roger Moore ” Octopussy ” .
Great review. I am definitely looking forward to trying one.
As far as my favorite, so far it is the Epernay.
I will watch Die Hard any time, any place, but it is especially good at Christmas since it is the best Christmas movie ever.
CG4, and Godfather I.
Nice review and contest, by the way!
Great review, as always!
Illusione ~88~
Silence of the lambs
Jerry another great review. My favorite Illusione is of course the Epernay and the movie I watch every year no matter what is The Wizard of Oz.
Love me a 5er! My favorite Illusione is the 88….and I always seem to go back to Superbad.
My favorite cigar by Dion will be the next Dion cigar I smoke, as I’ve yet to try anything from him. My favorite movie to watch any time its on is, ‘The Godfather’.
Nosotros and Scarface… both in your face and hard to turn away from… imo!
Favorite: ECCJ, movie: Shawshank Redemption
I’ve only smoked one Illusione…I think it was the MJ12. My favorite (and should be everybody’s favorite) movie to watch repeatedly is, and always will be The Godfather 1 and 2. Seen them both over 100 times…
Hey G-Torp:
Dion makes some great stuff, but I ‘ve got to go with the HL. Patton is a movie I can’t pass-up.
Unrelated, followed your lead on the Camacho Connie – best out there I think.
Also, had the pleasure to watch you swallow a mouth full of Robaina smoke! Would like to get some of these ISOM’s; can you pass on some trusted suppliers?
Thanks,
Mike
Hey guys, thanks for the great review!
Im a huge flavor guy as well and always love trying new sticks. To answer your questions:
1) Ive actually never had a Dion cigar but they sound amazing. I love those wow cigars and much like you with the CAO MX3, my wow has always been the CAO LX2. Ligero flavor and power…yum!
2) Movie I just cant NOT watch is The Godfather. So classic, so inspiring (in a dark way) and it never gets old…
…just like your favorite cigar! 🙂
Thanks for the consideration
My favorite cigar is the hl Candela, and the movie I can’t pass up is Quigley Down Under.
Epernay
Groundhog Day (it’s like the first time every time…)
I would have to go with the Epernay and he movie I always watch when it is on is Stepbrothers. Thanks for the contest and great review.
My favorite from Illusione is the Epernay. The movie I watch over and over every Christmas is Lampoons Christmas vacation.
Another great review Jerry.
Great review. Looking forward to trying these. My favorite Dion cigar is Illusione Epernay Le Matin, and I can watch Zombieland over and over and over.
~hl~ and Braveheart
favorite cigar illisione 88
Movie: Raders of the Lost Ark
1. Being a fan of lancero’s, my favorite Dion cigar is the hl.
2. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, or what I’m doing, if “Jaws” comes on, I have to watch.
First time for a contest, have been following your website for sometime now. Keep up the good work. Favorite Dion Cigar…… Cruzado Marelas, very good smoke…. Movie….Thats Easy. “Godfather”
illusione 68. Its like .22 pistol but with a kick of a .45 blast! Love it! Movie.. wow there are so many but one really gets me Oceans eleven and twelve.
1)Have not had a chance to try any of Dions cigars.
2)Wall Street-if its on, Im watching!
Great Review, Jerry!
Great review. I gotta go with the ~hl~
And I’m embarrassed to say this, but I can’t not watch Out Cold when its on Comedy Central.
Nice review Jerry. I have always liked the 888, and can’t wait to give this one a try. Keep up the good reviews man.
Favorite by Dion: Illusione mk
Movie: Star Wars IV: A New Hope.
My favorite Dion stick is the MJ 12. Movie I always have to watch is Little Big League. Told you to start Wedmen
Nice review.
1) Illusione mk
2) Saving Private Ryan
My favorite has to be the 88. All time favorite movie is super troopers!!!
I also love the Illusion Maduro, I am a big Maduro fan.
Movie I watch over and over would be Serenity. I am a bit of a Sci Fi geek.
Favorite Cigar without a doubt is the : -hl-
Favorite Movie: Hoosiers
Love the reviews, keep them coming!!!!
1. 88
2. Out Cold
1) ~hl~
2) Stand By Me
Tie between the Epernay Le Ferme and Nosotros Robusto.
Ill always watch Black Hawk Down
Can some one tell me if there is a difference between box press and bench press, was was that a cruz slip?
Jake – box press the cigars are rolled, placed in the box and then pressed from all sides while in the box.
Bench press is that they are pressed via mold before before being boxed.
I don’t know which illisione is my favorite, so disqualify me from the contest, it’s cool.
Any time Airplane the Movie is on, I can’t stop watching it. I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.
1) I’d have to say the regularr 888 is my current fave. Nutty and flavorable without being overpowering…oooh that’ts what daddy likes!
2) The movie or movies I ALWAYS watch no matter when they’re on or how culturally cliched they have become are Forrest Gump and Shawshank. Infact my wife made fun of me mercilessly when we saw a Bubba Gump shrimp restaraunt in Miami. I can only assume that the reason she took so many pictures of the place was to shame me into not watching the movie any more. Gawd I lovectgat woman…
Has a favorite Dion cigar I can’t say cause I’ve never had cause of money and all that stuff.
And Favorite movie that I watch at least once a year on dvd is Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas.
Yours humbly,
Andy.
I like the Epernay.
Movie Dances with wolves.
88
Dumb and Dumber
My favorite Dion cigar is the Holy Lance and my repeat movie is Anchor Man. Stay classy San Diego-ins, San Diegans
Havent had a ton of these, but my favorite so far is the 2.
For some reason, whenever I see it on TV, I cant help but sit and watch Red Dawn.
Thanks for the contest 1. Illusione Epernay 2. Good Fellows
I’d have to go with the mj12 as my favorite Illusione cigar and my favorite movie that I hzve to watch whenever it is on is ‘A Fistful of Dollars’. Can’t go wrong with Clint!
Epernay
Major League
my favorite cigar by Dion is the Epernay Le Petit and my favorite movie is Air Force One.
“GET OFF MY PLANE!”
My favorite is the Illusione 88 and the movie Back to the Future
My favorite cigar by Dion is the Illusione ~hl~ and I watch the movie Revenge of the Nerds!
Love your reviews.
You make the 888 Slam sound mouthwatering. lol
My favorite Illusione cigar has to be the 88. Its rich and creamy with subtle spices. Flavors of nuts, earth, wood, and coffee are experienced throughout.
Havent seen it on TV for awhile, but whenever Top Gun is on I cant change the channel.
I have to say I am partial to the CG4. Bull Duram is one of my all time favorites! I just love a good baseball movie and an incredible smoke!
Sounds like a great cigar.
Favorite Illusione is the ~mk~ without a doubt.
The movie I will always watch if it’s on is The Bourne Supremacy. Any of those three will make me stop and watch, but that’s the one I really like.
LOVE the eccj! “Moonstruck” is the film that I can quote and follow word for word. Whether starting it in the beginning, middle, or end, it’s a classic!
“GET ME THE BIG KNIFE, I’M GONNA CUT MY THROAT.”
“I won’t do it, Johnny, I tell you, I wont!”
“Ah, isn’t she sweet?”
LOVE IT!
Nosotros: twice it was “bleh”, once it was nirvana. So I have two in my humidor I don’t dare smoke, hoping that waiting will be good for them.
I also rather liked that one that was wrapped in foil like a ding dong.
I can’t turn off Office Space.
Man…Where the F**k did all these people come from?
Go give Mike a comment you cheap bastards
I actually re-winded the Onyx jam numerous times before I listened to the review. Brings back good memories 🙂 My favorite Dion creation is the cg:4. It was gifted to me so I only have had 1 Dion Giolito product even though I’ve heard so much of them. I have watched Dumb and Dumber over 100 times all the way through. Embarrasing I know. I also will watch Goodfellas, The Departed, and the Godfather any time it is on.
Hey, Ryan Reynolds….they named it San Diego…which of course in German means a whale’s vagina 🙂
nice review.the Godfather/ Illusione mk.
My favorite is the HL Cafe Colorado wrapper. I did the maduro wrapper for the first time last night as I watch my Yanks get there a$$ handed to them but I would need to try a couple more to see if it is better than the original. There are a few movies that I stop to watch but The Goonies is an all time favorite.
The Holy Lancero is my favorite as well. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I’m pointing at the screen as I write this just for you Jerry.
Its gotta be the Eperney La Ferme Robusto Extra. I always have a 1/2 box to a full box of those babies in my humidor at all times. Regarding the movie, hands down Caddyshack baby!!!
Thanks D.C. – cg:4, The Right Stuff, the scenes with Chuck Yeager. Oh man.
My favorite cigar by Dion is the Illusione Epernay Le Ferm. The movie is Good Fellas.
The f9 is in my regular rotation — I like that size a lot.. And if I’m flipping channels and I see the man with no name, I’m happy — the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is great. Maybe Dion should make a cheroot.
Favorite Cigar: Epernay La Ferme
Favorite movie to rewatch: Sean of the Dead
The slam sounds like a winner!
Hey Jerry great review ! My fav cigar by Dion Giolito is the Cruzado Dantes 5×48 with a criollo wrapper and Nic. / Hon. binder and filler. While I have many movies that fit that bill of watch anytime I would say at the top of my list is the classic Goodfellas.
well; 2 is my favorite (from one of my favorite cigar makers); the movie I will keep watching on TV is Lethal Weapon 2
I would say that currently my favorite cigar from Dion is a toss up between the 88 and f9. Honestly though ,DIon doesnt make a cigar I dont like. I cant say that about many cigar companies. The movie I will keep watching anytime i come across it would have to be Hackers.
My favorite Dion cigar: Cruzados Domenicos
Must watch movie: Big Lebowski —- Dude, are you fucking this up?
Nice review my main man!
My favorite cigar by Dion is the #2 or the Cuchillos Cubano’s, hard to choose 1. The movie I watch whenever is Back to the Future. For some reason, I can’t change the channel!
My favorite Dion cigar is the illusione cg4 and my favorite movie is “As good as it gets”.
Great review Jerry!
I’d have to say the illusione cg4 and
The Outlaw Josey Wales
Now slam me already, PLEASE!!!!
Great Review, I am a huge Illusione fan… I would have to say the Epernay Le Monde is my fave followed closely by the hl. And if Shawshank Redemption is playing, Im watching…
Great review. My favorite is the cg:4 white horse and Rounders is the movie all us poker guys can’t ever pass up on.
My favorite cigar by Dion is the Illusione ~mk~ and I watch the movie A River Runs Through It whenever its on.
cg:4
Kill Bill Vol. I
My favorite Dion cigar is the Cruzado Marelas,
And the movie I always watch when it pops on is Smokey and the Bandit.
holy lance (haven’t tried the maduro)
Movie: Swingers
my favorite stick by dion is the HL, movie would be spinal tap.
MK by Dion
DUMB & DUMBER!
This is a hard contest because it’s so tough to pick a favorite Illusione! Seriously. I guess if I have to, I’ll take the Illusione 88.
I watch the Blu-ray of the Firefly series every few months, as well as the follow-up movie Serenity.
(this is an actual comment on the review, lol)
So you sold me, Jerry. Not that I need much convincing on a Dion stick. This one sounds particularly awesome, though, as I too am a flavor guy. But I REALLY hope he comes out with a smaller size “Slam,” like a 68, 88, or cg:4. With two babies at home and a wife who works crazy hours, I just don’t have time for big cigars these days.
So more Slams, Dion!
The Epernay…and Good Fellas!!!! Every single scene is awesome.
– ~Illusione 88~ –
~Grandma’s Boy~
Great review! Haven’t smoked a slam but it’s hard to go wrong with Illusione.
I think my favorite is probably the MJ12 and I will watch Tombstone anytime
Favorite is the Illusione ~mj12~, and a movie I can watch over and over is The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
My all time favorite is the Illusione ~mj12~. , and the movie i would watch whenever it is on is ‘fight club”.
Favorite Illusione is 68. Movie “Godfather”.
Nice review.
Favorite Illusione: ~2~
Favorite Movie: The Outlaw Josey Wales
Thanks for the contest.
Great review as always, Iv’e gotta go with the CG4.
As for the movie, it would have to be “Jackie Brown”.
The day I watched it for the first time was the first time I tried a cigar, needless to say I’ve been hooked on both ever since.
Great review Jerry, I have to go with the ~ HL~ and the movie is Bronx Tale
MJ12 is the best I had,and the godfather movies,I think ive seen at least 15 times
I’m claiming the cg4 and Zoolander.
Well I guess it all started the first time I went through the second grade. I caught my reflection in a spoon while I was eating my cereal, and I remember thinking “wow, you’re ridiculously good looking, maybe you could do that for a career.”
I need to keep up on my reviews…
Favorite dion stick is also the ~hl~ and the movie I can watch over and over again; Goonies!!
Favorite Dion stick is the mk… and the eperney le grande.
The movie? Killer Clowns from Outer Space.
I just cant change the channel once I find it.
My favorite so far is the Epernay, although I havent been able to get my hands on many. The movie is Rounders.
holylance-maduro flavor bomb and grandmas boy what a riot.
My fave stoge is a casa manga colorado and Die hard. Good combo.
Nice Review Jerry! My favorite stick by Dion is the CG:4 and the movie I can watch whenever its on is ZombieLand.
I could flip a coin between the cg:4 and the Epernay Le Ferme….
and the movie would have to be House of 1000 Corpses or Halloween 4.
Awesome Review Jerry
Favorite smoke by Dion has to be the HL.
Movie that I have to watch is cocktail…
1) CG4
2) Top Gun.
Man oh man, I’m behind on my reviews…lol. As usual, nice job, Jerry. I tend to like much of Dion’s stuff, so I’m sure I’ll give this a shot (although I wasn’t a huge fan of the regular ~888~). Anyway, my favorite stick from him (in the regular/black lines) is the ~68~. Such a little flavor bomb. As for a movie I can watch over and over, I’ve gotta go with Blow. Fantastic acting, and such a compelling story.
My favorite Dion cigar is the CG4.
And the movies I always have to watch is star episode 4, never gets old.
Thanks for the contest.
I am surprised no one dropped the CG4 yet, this is the cigar that made it for Illusione. I keep a box in my humidor at all times. Favorite movie-The Godfather 1.
My favorite cigar by Dion is the Illusione ~hl~, and I watch Fight Club whenever its on.
favorite DIon cigar: Illusione cg4
movie I watch whenever it’s on: The Hunt for Red October
Love Dion’s cigars. My favorite is the MJ12. One movie I watch whenever it is on it Top Gun.
Favorite Illusiones is like asking which women do you prefer more blondes, burnettes or redheads? The best Dion Giolito blend is whichever one I’m fortunate enough to be smoking at any given point in time. As for movies: “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” is my choice. Best Regards
– Epernay Le Ferme & Fight Club –
Dion’s stuff tends to be at the high-end of what I am comfortable paying, but when I feel like something special that a delicious medium-bodied full flavor ciagr, I gotta go with the Epernay Le Ferme. Excellent cigar! Another excellent one is the ~hl~ but have only had the chance to enjoy only one.
Looking forward to trying more of his stuff – really interested in his Cuchillos Cubanos but I haven’t found a shop around me that sells it (based on he website he makes mention to “European size and packaging” so is this something that the states won’t be seeing?)
Just wish his stuff was a buck or cheaper so I could get more =).
From the sounds of it, this 888 Slam is awesome and something I gotta try out. Already eyeballing them online at New Havana (cracks me up that they show the “You save $0.00” on the site for the 888 Slam).
Keep up the awesome work! I always look forward to your reviews!
Epernay Le Petit-only because it was my first from Dion, and I couldnt believe the complex smooth flavors out of that rough little stick. Have since gone on to enjoy many, highlights being the whole Epernay line, Illusione Cg4.
Gangs of New York hits that vintage (super vintage) vibe and Daniel Day is still mesmerizing every time as Bill The Butcher Cuddy.
Peace keep up the reviews-
Mike
Really enjoyed the review…thanks!
1) MJ12
2) I actually have two. Since many others have mentioned The Godfather, I’ll go a different route and mention my other fav…..Jaws. It scared the crap out of me when I was younger, and now I just appreciate it for the masterpiece that it is.
Thanks for the contest!
CG4, and The Princess Bride
Great review! hl maduro, and The Godfather.
Great review Torp. I can’t wait to try them. My fav illusione so far is the hl and movie are all the Friday the 13’s
Cigar – Illusione ~88~
Movie – Tombstone
Cigar- CG~4
Movie- Braveheart
Great review, thanks!
My favorite cigar from Dion is the Illusione 2. The movie I always watch is Apocalypse Now
Epernay and Nosotros are both wonderful. I plan on sampling all Illusion smokes.
My favorite film that I’ve seen at least 300 times is “The Hunt for Red October”. Sean C. is the man!
The No. 2, and Godfather No. 2 !!!!
My favorite illusione is the # 2 and I’ll watch Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas anytime, also fight club
My favorite Illusione cigar is the mj12 and I watch Tommy Boy whenever it’s on.
The mj12 is my favorite…great toro with a larger ring gauge. The original Dawn of the Dead the movie I can’t turn off and will watch anytime…”When theres no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth…”
Cigar – Illusione 88 Robusto
Movie – Pulp Fiction
Illusione 888 slam
Caddy Shack
My favorite of Dion’s cigars is the 68 and my favorite go to movie would be the 5ifth Element, I can’t help but watch this several times a year. Aziz, Light!
Fav’s are epernay and mj12.
Film is “Cool Hand Luke” CLASSIC
Illusiones are fine Non Cuban cigars; thanks for the good review. I just wish they were a little less pricy; I have a hard time paying more for Non Cubans than Cubans!
Who won the contest?
never had a dion cigar would like to try one………..my favorite movie would be band of brothers i consider all episodes one long movie.
I LOVE the HL and if Joe Dirt is on I get sucked in every time.
Illusions are great cigars. No better movie than Forrest Gump.
Been having a craving to smoke, even though I only smoke when drinking very rarely. So, I think that I may try the 888 due to this video. Movie would have to be BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA.