Illusione is a cigar brand founded by Dion Giolito. The MKULTRA began in 2006 as a production run that came out stronger than intended and was sold through retailer NHC Cigars. In 2011 the blend returned as the ~ULTRA~ MKULTRA, a full production line in four sizes with an all-Nicaraguan blend and a corojo wrapper.
The 2026 edition is the third release and marks 20 years since the original. It was shown at PCA 2026 and released on April 27, 2026. It’s a 5 1/8 x 42 corona made at the Aganorsa factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, with an all-Nicaraguan blend.
Stogie At A Glance
Review
First Third
Heavy pepper on the retrohale right off the light. I’m already feeling the strength in the first couple of draws. Black coffee and light cedar come through on the finish, then a bit of slightly chocolate, cocoa notes. There’s still a good amount of pepper on the retro and a light, lingering natural tobacco sweetness, plus a light roasted coffee note on the finish.
Second third
The big pepper notes on the retrohale continue, with a decent amount of spice on the finish. Earthy dark chocolate comes through, along with slightly sweet, earthy cedar and still a good amount of pepper. More earthy notes definitely come out in this third. The pepper has died down a little, and a slightly creamy, slightly sweet note shows up on the finish.
Final third
The pepper on the retrohale keeps going and doesn’t fade like it did in the second third. The spice builds on the palate too, with more pepper and warm spice toward the nub. Earthy, woody notes lead this section, with a good amount of cedar and a light leather note on the finish. Bitter black coffee comes in underneath, and a bit of the slightly sweet, creamy notes from the second third lingers on the finish. The strength from the first two thirds continued to build, and it ends earthy, woody and peppery.
Score
79/100