E.P. Carrillo 15 Year Anniversary L.E. | Cigar Reviews by the Katman
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés (aged 10 years)
Binder: Nicaraguan (aged 15 years)
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan (aged 5-7 years)
Size: 6.5 x 54 Gran Toro
Strength: Medium
Price: $20.00
Production: 3500 boxes of 15 cigars

My cigars received only one month of naked humidor time. With the extensively aged tobacco in play, it should be enough to present an accurate blender’s intent.

BACKGROUND:
From E.P. Carrillo cigars:
“Wrapper: Born from the Mexican soil, the wrapper is from San Andres, aged for 10 years. Ernesto was so impressed with this wrapper’s texture and oiliness that he saved it specifically for this celebration.

“Binder: A Jalapa aged 15 years from Nicaragua adds a distinct layer of complexity and subtlety. This binder complements the rich profile of the cigar. On top of the complexity it provides, expect a binder that stays lit, allowing you to take your time and enjoy without having to relight. It takes this blend to another level.

“Filler: We have strategically curated a core of 8 filler tobaccos, including a Criollo 98 Ligero from Estelí and a Corojo 99 Ligero from La Canela Dominican Republic. Additionally, a Jalapa Seco and a Condego Viso both from Nicaragua round out the blend and add an unforgettable personality. These fillers have also been aged between 5-7 years, ensuring a harmonious and refined smoking experience.

THE WHOLE MEGILLAH:
The cigar smells like an aged stick with strong aromas of oak, bourbon, and rich black coffee. The cold draw is stockpiled with strong notations of raisins, caramel, oak, Minari, and dark chocolate.

Resistance is spot on. I feel a tug on my sock. It is the PerfecDraw asking to be put in the game. A gentle flick and the tool is sent across the room into the cat’s litter box. I hear a tiny voice: “Wow Mr. Katman…so this is Palm Springs.” Idiot.

The wax paper sleeve is unmovable. There is a long strip of clear tape holding it in place. I use my incredible shrinking brain and rip the fucker to shreds.

Incredible first notes edgy with roasted almonds, bittersweet chocolate, espresso, bourbon-soaked oak, black pepper, and bell pepper. And leading the pack is a wonderful sweetness that is both nougaty and light like a cruller.

Enormously complex from the get-go. Can the blend maintain this even keel throughout to the end? Man, I hope so.

An inch in it’s all Almond Joy. Dark chocolate, black licorice, peanuts, and sweet pea.
There is a subtle flavor of whiskey. There is oak, sweetness, malt, and spicy black pepper. The balance is incredible. The transitions are working overtime. And the complex nature of this beast is more than I expected. This is a masterpiece. The industry sites will give it an 89. But I will do better.

I love the restrained power. It holds sway at medium strength. Meanwhile, the body is full tilt.

So many overpriced cigars on the market. No doubt that this limited edition cigar is worth the double sawbuck.

There is a constant tingle in the flavor pod of this blend. In trying to describe it, it is the bubbles of a Coca Cola, it is the spritely tang of good bourbon, and it is the perfect lemon twist and shout.

Palate pleasers are in constant motion like the millions of Gen Z girls showing how to attach false eyelashes on TikTok. The flavors twirl like a tutu-wearing hippo giving the brain an even account of all this blend has to offer.

The burn is evenly incremental. It lingers like a whore on 7th Avenue. My half century of cigar smoking tells me this is a cigar that, with several months of naked humidor time, will soar like the eagles.

The cigar is a clean machine.

I’m glad I could sneak this cigar into the end of year reviews. It will definitely make my top cigars of 2024.

You can purchase the E.P. Carrillo 15 Year Anniversary L.E. from sponsor Small Batch Cigar (No promotion or discount codes can be applied for this cigar. 15% off, through Dec. 31, will be honored for all other cigar purchases…unless noted otherwise).

RATING: 97

Check out Katman’s Kartel page at Small Batch Cigar and score deals on cigars from My Top 32 Cigars of 2023 ~ Rated 96 or Higher! Use promo code: KATMAN for 10% off. Until Dec. 31, katman promo code will get you 15% off.

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS

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