Discover the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary Limited Edition Cigar

The EP Carrillo cigar company celebrates a milestone in cigar craftsmanship with the celebratory release of their 15th Anniversary cigar. This exclusive blend highlights the special nature of the cigar. This cigar represents the company’s journey, encapsulating 15 years of challenges, progress, and passion. This limited edition cigar is known for its unique blend of tobaccos from Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, offering a rich and memorable smoking experience. Produced in a small quantity, it stands out as a collector’s item and a testament to 15 years of excellence by the EP Carrillo brand. In this article, we will explore what makes this cigar special and its journey from conception to your humidor.

Key Takeaways

• The EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar celebrates 15 years of craftsmanship and innovation, symbolizing the brand’s legacy in the cigar industry.
• This limited edition features a unique blend using tobaccos from Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, contributing to its complex and rich flavor profile.
• Available exclusively in Gran Toro size 6 1/2 X 54, the cigar offers a prolonged smoking experience, and its limited production release of only 5,000 cigars enhances its appeal to collectors.

Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence

The EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar is more than just a smoke; it symbolizes the brand’s unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and innovation over the past decade and a half. This limited edition anniversary release is a tribute to the legacy and journey of EP Carrillo, marking 15 years of excellence in the cigar industry. The celebration of this milestone highlights not only the brand’s achievements but also the strong community and relationships built with cigar aficionados and enthusiasts around the world.

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo himself describes the anniversary cigar as a reflection of the passion and progress the company has made since its inception. Featuring a unique blend that showcases the evolution of the brand, this cigar tells a story of challenges overcome and triumphs celebrated. It is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and the art of cigar making.

The Mastermind Behind the Blend: Ernesto Perez Carrillo

At the heart of the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar is the genius of Ernesto Perez Carrillo. Born into a family with deep roots in Cuba’s cigar industry, Ernesto learned the craft from his father, who operated a small cigar factory. After the Cuban Revolution forced the family to flee to Miami, Ernesto initially pursued a career in jazz before finding his true calling in the cigar world.

Ernesto’s pivotal moment came when he convinced his father not to sell their factory, leading him to immerse himself in the art of cigar making. Taking over the helm of El Credito at the age of 29, Ernesto faced significant financial challenges but persevered, eventually gaining recognition with the creation of La Gloria Cubana. This brand skyrocketed to fame after receiving high ratings from Cigar Aficionado, solidifying Ernesto’s reputation as a master blender.

In 2009, after a successful stint with Swedish Match, Ernesto launched E.P. Carrillo with a focus on crafting a family-run boutique cigar brand. His dedication to quality and innovation is evident in every cigar he creates, and the 15th Anniversary cigar is no exception. This blend is a testament to his expertise and his relentless pursuit of perfection.

Crafting the Perfect Cigar: Tobacco Origins

Creating the perfect cigar is an art that requires a deep understanding of premium tobaccos, their origins, and unique characteristics. For the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar, Ernesto Perez Carrillo has meticulously selected tobaccos from three renowned regions, each contributing distinct flavors and aromas.

These origins include Nicaragua’s Jalapa Valley, Mexico’s San Andrés Valley, and the Dominican Republic, each playing a crucial role in crafting this exceptional blend.

Nicaragua's Jalapa Region

Nicaragua’s Jalapa Valley is celebrated for its exceptionally fertile soil, which produces some of the finest tobacco in the world. The tobacco from this region, known for its smooth, creamy, and sweet characteristics, often includes aged tobaccos, making it a prized component in premium cigar blends. The rich and robust flavors of Jalapa tobacco add depth and complexity to the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar, making it a sought-after choice for discerning smokers.

The unique blend of the 15th Anniversary cigar includes a 15-year-old one leaf from the Jalapa region, emphasizing the importance of time and patience in creating a masterpiece. This aged tobacco contributes to the cigar’s overall richness, offering earthy notes that enhance the smoking experience.

The Jalapa region’s tobacco perfectly complements the other tobaccos in the blend, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Mexico's San Andrés Valley

The San Andrés Valley in Mexico is renowned for producing tobacco with a distinctive flavor, sweetness, and earthiness. This San Andres tobacco is often used as a wrapper or binder in premium cigars, and its unique characteristics make it an essential part of the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary blend. The rich flavor of San Andrés tobacco enhances the overall profile of the cigar, adding a layer of sophistication and complexity.

The San Andrés wrapper is particularly notable for its natural sweetness and thick, elastic texture, which makes it ideal for both binder and wrapper roles. This tobacco’s earthy undertones and robust flavor contribute significantly to the cigar’s balanced and flavorful experience.

By incorporating San Andrés tobacco, Ernesto Perez Carrillo has ensured that the 15th Anniversary cigar stands out as a truly unique and memorable smoke.

Dominican Republic Fillers

Fillers from the Dominican Republic, known for their rich aroma, play a crucial role in achieving the complex and balanced profile of the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar. This filler is known for its smoothness and complexity, enhancing the overall balance of the cigar’s flavor profile. The creamy and smooth texture of Dominican fillers complements the spicier and bolder wrappers, creating a harmonious blend.

Dominican fillers, particularly Piloto Cubano and Criollo, are valued for their strength and richness, contributing significantly to the cigar’s flavor. These tobaccos provide a smooth and creamy texture, adding to the balance and mouthfeel of the cigar.

The combination of Nicaraguan, Mexican, and Dominican tobaccos ensures a diverse and satisfying smoking experience.

The Unique Blend of Three Countries

The EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar features a remarkable blend of tobaccos from three different countries, resulting in a complex profile with each contributing its unique characteristics to the final product. The blend includes a Brazilian wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and fillers from both Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. This diverse combination results in a complex and well-balanced flavor profile that is both rich and satisfying.

Nicaraguan tobaccos are known for their rich flavors and depth, adding a bold and full-bodied element to the blend. The San Andrés wrapper from Mexico is distinguished by its natural sweetness and thick, elastic texture, which not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the cigar’s overall structure. The cooler climates and volcanic soil of the San Andrés Valley further enhance the robust flavor of this tobacco.

The fillers from the Dominican Republic provide a smooth and creamy texture, balancing the spiciness and earthiness of the Nicaraguan and Mexican tobaccos. This combination of tobaccos from three countries creates a diverse flavor profile that is both complex and harmonious. The result is a cigar that offers a rich and memorable smoking experience, appealing to both seasoned smokers and newcomers alike.

Unforgettable Smoking Experience

The EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar offers an unforgettable smoking experience characterized by a blend of cocoa, creaminess, and spice. This rich tasting journey is marked by notes of cocoa, coffee, and a hint of spice, creating a layered and nuanced flavor profile. The interplay of different tobaccos from Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic allows smokers to discern individual flavor notes from each region, enhancing the overall experience.

The cigar’s balance of sweetness and pepper creates a harmonious experience appealing to both seasoned smokers and newcomers. The cigar’s aroma is a significant part of the experience, featuring earthy undertones that complement its flavor. The burn quality of the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar is notable, ensuring an even smoke that enhances the overall enjoyment.

Gran Toro cigars, in particular, are known for delivering a balanced flavor profile, combining nutty, earthy, and sweet notes that develop more complexity as the cigar is smoked. The larger size of the Gran Toro also allows for a more robust and full-bodied flavor to come through, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.

The EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar, with its blend of extra old tobaccos, offers a truly unforgettable smoking experience.

One Size Smoke: Gran Toro

The EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar is available in one size: Gran Toro. This size is characterized by a larger ring gauge, typically around 54, which enhances the intensity of the flavors experienced. The Gran Toro size allows for a more generous filling of tobacco, resulting in a richer and more pronounced taste. This format is favored for its ability to provide a longer smoking duration, making it ideal for leisurely enjoyment.

Smoking a Gran Toro cigar can take between 120 to 140 minutes, offering a prolonged and immersive experience. The larger ring gauge contributes to a cooler and slower burn, enhancing the overall smoking experience. This size is particularly suited for the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar, allowing the complex blend of tobaccos to fully develop and shine.

The Gran Toro format is known for its balanced flavor profile, combining nutty, earthy, and sweet notes that develop more complexity as the cigar is smoked. This size is ideal for those who appreciate a robust and full-bodied flavor, making the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar a perfect choice for any cigar enthusiast.

Limited Edition Release Details

The EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar is an exclusive release, produced in a run of only 500 boxes, each containing 10 cigars. This totals just 5,000 cigars, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors and enthusiasts. Of these 5,000 boxes, 3,500 are allocated to the U.S. market, with the remaining 1,500 designated for international markets. This limited availability adds to the cigar’s exclusivity and allure.

This limited edition cigar was released on July 2, 2012, as part of the celebration marking 15 years of EP Carrillo. Shipping for this special release began recently, allowing retailers to stock the product just in time for the holiday season.

Enthusiasts can find these cigars through select retailers, with Atlantic Cigar Co. being one of the initial distributors. The EP Carrillo 15-Year Anniversary Cigar will also be launched at a special event on November 15, 2024, at 8 to 8 Cigars in Villa Park, IL.

Extra Old Tobaccos

The use of extra old tobaccos in the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar enhances its complexity and depth of flavor. Similar to the aging process of wine, aging tobacco allows for the development of unique flavor profiles influenced by environmental factors. The fermentation process, which involves pressing leaves into dense stacks, allows for chemical changes that define the flavors in the final product.

Cigars typically rest for a period post-rolling to allow the flavors to meld and any harsh ammonia to dissipate. This resting period is crucial in ensuring a smooth and balanced smoking experience.

The extra old tobaccos used in the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar contribute to its rich and memorable flavor profile, making it a standout choice for cigar connoisseurs.

Villa Park: A Hub for Cigar Enthusiasts

Villa Park, IL, has become a key location for discovering and enjoying fine cigars, including the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar. One of the most luxurious cigar lounges in the United States, 8 to 8 Cigars, is located here, enhancing Villa Park’s appeal as a destination for cigar lovers. This lounge is known for hosting special events, such as the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary Cigar release, providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to sample various EP Carrillo cigars.

Cigar enthusiasts in Villa Park can attend celebrations that include dinner and the chance to experience the rich flavors of the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar. These events foster a sense of community among cigar lovers and offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind each cigar.

Villa Park truly represents a hub for those passionate about fine cigars.

Summary

The EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary Limited Edition Cigar is an exclusive release that stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence and innovation over the past 15 years. This cigar, crafted with a unique blend of tobaccos from Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, offers a rich and unforgettable smoking experience that honors the legacy of Ernesto Perez Carrillo and his family’s deep roots in the cigar industry. The meticulous selection of extra old tobaccos and the Gran Toro size further enhance the cigar’s complexity and flavor, making it a must-have for any cigar aficionado.

As a limited edition release, the EP Carrillo 15th Anniversary cigar is a highly sought-after item, with only 5,000 boxes available worldwide. The significance of this release is celebrated through special events in places like Villa Park, where cigar enthusiasts can come together to appreciate and enjoy this exceptional creation. This cigar truly represents the culmination of 15 years of passion, craftsmanship, and dedication to the art of cigar making.

Frequently Asked Questions