Illusione Epernay

Epernay is named for the champagne town and blended to match the idea — a Nicaraguan cigar that is refined rather than strong. The wrapper is a light Café shade of the Corojo-Criollo hybrid Illusione uses across the range, and the blend under it is medium-bodied with cream, cedar, a honeyed sweetness and a floral note that most Nicaraguan tobacco does not show. It is the cigar to hand someone who thinks all Nicaraguans are pepper bombs. The slim sizes suit it: Le Elegance, a petit lancero, concentrates the wrapper and is the size we would pick. Construction is Raíces Cubanas-made and very good. It is priced in the everyday band and, given the quality, that is generous.

A morning or early-evening cigar for someone who wants Nicaraguan quality without Nicaraguan strength.