The fact that Dion posted here with another apology, shows his commitment to his customers!:-)

BTW - Looks like I won't be smoking one today, but Mark (NorcalMark) at Tower Pipes & Cigars put one on hold for me to try!!!
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Although Dion's response was maybe a bit cheeky, he's right on the money.
I mean no disrespect when I say "If a plugged cigar is going to effect you so dramatically as to ruin your night, you may want to try another hobby."
You're going to experience more plugged cigars, for sure. If you start smoking cc's, you can expect LOTS. It happens, and it always will.
Cigar smoking is supposed to be relaxing, brother. Maybe if you expect them all to be plugged, then it'll make your night if a particular cigar isn't plugged?
At any rate, I think you kinda went off the deep end on this, and I can say that from experience. I've gone off the edge more than once, myself. :-)
I just hope you can forget this and start enjoying your smokes again.

On a personal level, I don't smoke Illusione's because I don't care for Dion's persona, or the weird ideas and thoughts he's put out there in the past. His response to you was really no surprise to me at all. As far as I'm concerned, he can suck it. :-)
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Some of these (and the Maduros) shipped a bit wet, but that cleared up after sitting a while...

The Mk Ultras are a great cigar, and I love the size...

Dion's stuff is NOT usually problematic, in fact, I have had VERY few problems construction wise with his sticks, and most have been exceptional...

Zach, send me your address, and I will send you another Ultra from my box, that I am sure you will not have a problem with :-)

~brooks
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Well I will admit I probably did do over the edge a bit on this one. I've had many plugged cigars (including cc's) in the past, but they were still smokable (just a really hard draw). I haven't had time the past 2 weeks to smoke a cigar, nor can I really waste $9 right now, since my dog had hip surgery over a week ago. I only had about a 75 minute window to myself last night and I ended up spending a good 30 mins trying to get this plugged cigar lit. Again, sorry if I went off a tad, but I ultimately emailed Illusione to provide my feedback. I took Dion's reply as tongue-in-cheek.

Certainly, everyone is in-titled to their own opinion. I just hope you brothers don't end up with a cigar like this, whether or not it's an Illusione.

In the future, is there anything at all that can unplug a plugged cigar, besides long-aging?
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Draw tools work wonders on a plugged stick. :-)
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Here's a "plug" for my friend boom! He makes some very nice draw tools!:-)

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showpo...18&postcount=1
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Thank you for the offer, but you don't have to do this to make things right.
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It is what BOTLs do...:-)

PM ADDRESS :-)

~brooks
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I just cut my cigar then give a test draw if it doesn't draw it goes back in the humi until it will. Often times this system works out.
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I've smoked a couple Illusiones but never had a draw problem. I do find them to be pretty strong in strength for me which kind of turns me off. They kick my arse.
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I have good and bad cigars from many different manufacturers. Although a good or great cigar can really make my day, I don't let a bad cigar ruin my day. Life's too short...
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Way to go, Brooks!!!:-)
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Sorry but it's no longer there. I gave it away.
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Smoked an Ultra last night and the draw was a little tight, but I was able to smoke it. I used a Xikar multi-tool to just barely cut the cap. The draw opened up a little as I smoked it, but it went out once when I went inside to grab a glass of water, so I think they need some down time before smoking the next one. They have only been in my humidor for a week at 70%. I really enjoyed the stick and will probably buy a box.
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I'm close to finishing off a box of Illusione CG4s. Early on in the box I had a bad one that literally looked like a cigar load had gone off on the end of it. All the rest have been great. Illusione makes some great cigars (for my taste) so I wouldn't give up on them yet.
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you could just send me your other illusions. I'll dispose of them for you.

But seriously, I wouldn't let one cigar ruin a whole brand for you.
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:-)
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hahaha!:-)
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Think You Had One Bad Stick, Brother. I Smoke Illusiones All The Time & Never Had A Bad One. In Fact, Had An Awesome Illusione hl Maduro This Morning!:-)
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As to Dion's response. The problem with Email and texting is that it is one demential. He may have taken what you wrote vary serious and will follow up on it. I am sure he receives 100's of emails about his products (good and bad). I am impressed that at least he responded personally. He could have sent a canned response and just blow you off. I am not trying to make excuses for him, but look at what someone in his position deals with on a daily basses. just my two cents.
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