E.P. Carrillo Inch Maduro
Tuesday, January 8th, 2013You know the story… I was browsing the humidor at Ed’s shop, and he pointed out a cigar that he recently started carrying. As you would expect, I buy whatever Ed suggests, and I trust his recommendations. There is no big story behind this blend, and if there is, I’m unaware. So let’s get right to it.
Wrapper: Connecticut Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican, Nicaragua
Size: 5 x 62
Price: Around $7.00
Pre-Smoke & Construction:
The wrapper was a little rugged looking, but had no significant flaws. The odor of the wrapper and foot was very mild and leathery. There were minor inconsistencies when squeezing the cigar, but I wouldn’t consider it a flaw. The pre-light draw was free, with an earthy/leathery flavor.
The ash held for about 1.5 inches, and the burn required no corrections.
Flavor:
The first third opened up with smooth black coffee and wood. Retrohaling revealed an easy cayenne pepper. The aftertaste clung to the palate, and reminded me of cocoa. As I approached the end of this third, cocoa began to dominate over the other flavors.
Cocoa continued to build in the second third. Coffee increased as well, and reminded me of a fancy mocha/coffee concoction that you’d buy at a designer coffee shop. On occasion, the draw would be mostly wood with coffee, with an aftertaste of cocoa. Otherwise, it remained an interesting mixture of mocha and coffee, with a peppery zing through the nose.
The last third kept the same flavor profile at the second third. It may have increased in strength and richness, but otherwise, it was unchanged. This was just fine with me, and I didn’t look forward to putting this smoke down.
Conclusion:
As you probably guessed, I really enjoyed this medium to full bodied cigar. The flavors were simple, but that was compensated for in richness. Construction, smoke volume, burn, and flavor were virtually flawless. Let’s not forget to recognize, this was a 62 ring gage, which proves that they all don’t have “Washed out” flavors, as many people claim. A cigar doesn’t have to be a lancero to fire on all cylinders. I will be smoking more of these.
