Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado or just beginning your journey into the world of premium cigars, chances are you've come across the prestigious name Carrillo Cigars. Founded by legendary master blender Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, this brand has gained international recognition for creating some of the finest and most sought-after cigars in the industry. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the rich history and exceptional offerings of Carrillo Cigars and share with you what you need to know about this cherished brand.
Carrillo Cigars Table of Contents
A Brief History of Carrillo Cigars
Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, the founder of Carrillo Cigars, was born into a family with a long legacy in the tobacco industry. His father, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Sr., had been a successful cigar maker in Cuba before the family emigrated to the United States in 1959. Young Carrillo honed his craft and began working in the family business, eventually taking over operations in the early 1970s.
Over the years, Ernesto continued to refine and expand his knowledge of tobaccos and blending techniques, earning a reputation as one of the industry's top cigar makers. After a successful merger with one of the industry's giants, General Cigar Company, Ernesto decided to venture out on his own and pursue his passion for creating small-batch, boutique cigars. Thus, in 2009, the E.P. Carrillo brand was born.
Quality and Consistency: The Hallmarks of Carrillo Cigars
One of the key factors that set Carrillo Cigars apart from the competition is their unwavering commitment to quality and consistency. This begins with the selection of top-grade tobaccos from some of the finest growing regions in the world, including Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador.
Although the brand has experienced massive growth since its inception, Carrillo Cigars remains dedicated to using traditional handcrafted processes. With a skilled team of artisans and rollers, Carrillo Cigars maintains exacting standards at every stage of production to ensure the utmost in quality, flavor, and construction.
Notable Carrillo Cigar Lines
Carrillo Cigars offers a diverse portfolio of premium smokes designed to cater to a variety of preferences and palates. Some of their most noteworthy lines include:
- La Historia: A box-pressed Maduro beauty featuring a San Andrés wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers, the La Historia offers rich and complex flavors of dark chocolate, earth, and sweet spice
- Inch: A line of large ring gauge cigars crafted with beautifully aged tobaccos, the Inch boasts a smooth and creamy smoke with notes of earth, cedar, and hints of espresso.
- Seleccion Oscuro: Wrapped in a dark and oily Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro leaf, the Seleccion Oscuro delivers a bold yet balanced profile of pepper, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts.
- New Wave Reserva: A refined Connecticut-wrapped blend showcasing Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper, a Connecticut broadleaf binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers, the New Wave Reserva oozes with creamy, nutty, and subtly spicy notes that evolve and intensify throughout the smoking experience.
- Encore: The Encore, a blend of 100% Nicaraguan tobaccos, is a rich and full-flavored smoke with a stunning flavor profile boasting notes of oak, pepper, leather, and hints of fruit. This remarkable cigar earned the coveted honor of being named Cigar Aficionado's #1 Cigar of the Year in 2018.
Carrillo Cigars Example:
Interested in trying a Carrillo cigar for yourself? Here's a flavor-packed pairing suggestion for a memorable smoking experience: Enjoy an E.P. Carrillo La Historia with a glass of rich, creamy, and full-bodied Port wine. The sweetness of the wine complements the dark chocolate and earthy flavors found in the La Historia, creating a well-rounded and luxurious experience that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Now that you've been introduced to the remarkable world of Carrillo Cigars, we encourage you to explore, experience, and savor the remarkable craftsmanship and flavor profiles that this prestigious brand has to offer. Let your curiosity guide you, and allow yourself to indulge in the luxury that is synonymous with Carrillo Cigars. And when you've found your perfect Carrillo cigar, don't forget to share your experience with fellow enthusiasts and aficionados on social media, as well as explore the other engaging and enlightening guides on Swinger Cigars.
