CIGAR REVIEW: E.P. CARRILLO

Los Angeles, August 29, 2010 – Ernesto Perez-Carrillo is a legend among U.S. cigar connoisseurs. So it was no surprise that the introduction of his new E.P. Carrillo core blend and the first of his Edicion Limitada lines was greeted with great enthusiasm at the recent IPCPR trade show in New Orleans. We couldn't wait to try them either . . . and we were not disappointed:

E.P. Carrillo:
[Dominican Republic: available in 6 sizes]
The long-awaited "Core Blend" of the E.P. Carrillo line finally debuted at the IPCPR show in New Orleans in early August, combining Perez-Carrillo's favorite medium-brown, Ecuadorian-grown, Sumatra-seed wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan-grown filler leaves.

 It's medium-to-full in body, with a spicy and toasty aroma right from the start. There's a light note of caramel and a spicy finish that's lively, but never overpowering or punishing. The draw and burn are perfect.

The flavor balance remains slightly in favor of spice in the second half, with a darker, sweet note in the background. There is a satisfying smoothness to this blend, despite the preeminence of the spiced notes, and the flavor remains stalwart right to the end. Given the newness of this blend and the brightness of spice, it could be even better with 9-12 months of aging . . . if anyone will give it that long.

The Core Blend is presented in boxes of 20 in all six sizes, with accessible retail pricing of $6.45 to $8.20 each, not including local taxes.
Overall grade: : Excellent.

E.P. Carrillo Edicion Limitada 2010:
[Dominican Republic: available in 1 size]
The EPC Cigar Co. plan is to release an Edicion Limitada blend each year, beginning with the 2010 version. The first edition features a Brazilian Habano wrapper, with a Dominican binder and Nicaraguan filler, with a full body. It's easily identified from the second band, marked "Edicion Limitada" in gold against a black background.

 The taste offers a smooth, light note of milk caramel combined with a light, tingly, spicy note, in perfect balance. The construction is excellent, with an easy draw and an even, steady burn. It's elegant, relaxed and subtle, probably best enjoyed indoors to catch some of the more delicate notes.

The balance and flavor are retained to the very end, making this a thoroughly enjoyable cigar and a triumph for the fledgling EPC team of Perez-Carrillo, son Ernie and daughter Lissette.

This really is a limited edition. The single size – 6 inches by 54 ring – is offered only in boxes of 10 and only 1,000 boxes were made. That already makes this inaugural Limitada a collector's item. Suggested retail for these cigars is $15 each or $150 per box, exclusive of local taxes.
Overall grade: : Excellent.

Perez-Carrillo noted that he blended these cigars to offer “spice, creaminess and strength” and he has succeeded admirably. His new venture is off to a great start.
~ Rich Perelman