Ernesto Perez-Carrillo makes magic with E.P. Carrillo Core Line: A Review
Ernesto Perez-Carrillo is a man who knows his cigars. Over 15 years ago, he was busy creating and expanding his El Credito Cigar Company which included the praised La Gloria Cubana. A few years ago, Ernesto decided to sell his company to General Cigar, a bold move that afforded him the luxury to do whatever he wanted. But Ernesto was not quite ready to retire. In fact, this turn of events enabled him to create a boutique brand, free from the normal stresses and bottom lines. E. P. Carillo was born.
Hot off their success with EPC Short Run 2010, Ernesto Perez has now released the absolutely incredible E.P. Carrillo Core Line. This cigar presents us with an Ecuadorian wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Nicaraguan and Dominican filler tobaccos. The experience went a little something like this:
Cigar Overview: They say it only takes 10 seconds to make a first impression. This is a good thing for the E.P Carrillo Core Line. The construction is beautiful, packed very nicely, and the cigar itself has a sweet smell that is almost like an amuse bouche before the light up. I love the band- simple yet regal.
First Third: There was lots of gorgeous, aromatic smoke right out of the gate. This cigar offered a nice woodiness accompanied with some spice. It was smoking a little hot but I backed off a little, and so did the temperature. This is definitely one of those cigars that demands you take your time, which I can appreciate. Really easy draw, which I was hoping for from the great construction but I was unsure about because I’ve only tried EPC Short Run 2010 from Ernesto. Very impressed so far.
Second Third: The spice calms and a creaminess emerges. There are nuances of cedar which I loved. For me, it settled into a medium body. The spice would flare up every now and then but not like in the beginning. There was hints of pepper and a gradual opening up of that cedar flavor. Still amazing draw.
Final Third: This cigar really allows you to get comfortable with it. The balance and flow is like putting a blanket on your feet. You just needed a little bit of warmth to relax. The strength does increase a bit but it rounds out nicely and never gets too full bodied. I was really surprised by how much cedar I was getting and when it coupled with a small bit of sweetness, this cigar was true magic.
If you can’t tell, E.P. Carrillo Core Line is definitely going to be a repeat customer in my humidor this Fall. It’s the perfect accompaniment to watch the leaves change with a nice cup of Irish coffee on a Sunday before football. But that’s just my plan. This smoke is great for just about anything. Emerson’s Cigars in Hampton Roads, Virginia has five locations around Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, and Virginia Beach. They offer E.P Carrillo Core Line and lots of other boutique brands on our website www.EmersonsCigars.com .
