E.P. Carillo Core Line – Cigar Review

E.P. Carrillo Core Line

Size: Club 52, 5 7/8 x 52
Price: $126.95 per box of 20, $36 per 5 Pack from Smoke Inn
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican
Made In: Dominican Republic

Appearance & Construction: The E.P. Carrillo Core Line is an okay looking cigar. Being a Sumatra wrapper, it is normal to see some color variation, almost like a subdued camouflage affect. The band is classy and elegant with a nice variation of fire engine red, yellow and blacks and a touch of gold accents. Very well done.

Smoking Characteristics: The E.P. Carrillo Core Line has an absolute perfect draw to it that produces a ton of smoke. The burn was a little off but only required minor touchup as I smoked. The ash although not very solid did stay on for just about an inch.

Flavor: The E.P. Carrillo Core Line starts out with a blast of spice. I had to take a second look to make sure I wasn’t smoking a Pepin. Once things settle down after about a quarter of an inch or so the cigar shows an earthy core with floral notes and fruitiness that I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s not quite berry sweetness because there isn’t much tartness, but more of a rich fruit flavor, almost like a mango or even a peach. As the cigar progresses some coffee notes come in and the earthiness turns to more of a woody core. As I smoke my way through the second third the cigar becomes very smooth and then wham. I hit the final third and the spice returns although not as intense as when I first lit up the cigar. The body of the E.P. Carrillo Core line is medium to full.

Final Thoughts: The E.P. Carrillo Core Line is a winner in my book. When I first started smoking cigars I was really into Sumatra wrappers but as my flavor changed over time, I found myself growing away from them. This cigar may have just reignited my passion for Sumatra wrappers and reminded me of what I loved about them.