Right off the bat, the Illusione MJ12 Maduro impresses with its presentation. Yes, I know black foil is not exactly amazing, but it is different. Once I unwrap the foil, I notice that the wrapper is oily and has some minimal veins running throughout. The decorative band near the head is subtle, yet classy. It has the MJ12 moniker stamped on it in elegant font. The black, gold, and red colors look good against the wrapper too. The cigar is mostly firm and seems to be well-packed with tobacco. The triple cap looks good. Overall, the construction is excellent. As for the pre-light aroma, it’s sweet, and so is the cold taste.

The cigar's good looks translate to a superb burn. The draw is as good as one could expect, and plenty of thick smoke comes through. The white ash is very long and solid. No touch-ups are needed. I love smokes that are basically maintenance-free, and the MJ12 Maduro appears to be one of them.

Illusione packs a good amount of flavor in the MJ12 Maduro, and that's always a plus in my book. The first third is rather subtle and inviting. It begins with sweetness, but I also notice some fruity flavors and chocolate. It's definitely medium-bodied at this point. It picks up a bit in the second third, with spice and coffee. Towards the end of the second third, the cigar gets a tad stronger with a spicier kick. This continues through the final third and chocolate makes an appearance once again.

There are really no complaints when it comes to the Illusione MJ12 Maduro. I loved the whole theme or meaning behind the cigar. Its construction was excellent, and the flavors were very enjoyable. I'd recommend the cigar for fans of Maduro wrappers who want something that is smooth but still has some kick to it. At $9 per single, the MJ12 Maduro is not cheap. Then again, you get what you pay for. It also comes in packs of five or boxes of 20. I recommend a box.

The Illusione MJ12 Maduro earns a rating of 3.75 out of four stars.