When you mention Ernesto Perez Carrillo today, the first thing you thing of is big ring cigars like INCH. For those who have been smoking as long as I have, EPC is The Godfather of cigars. It was his company, El Credito in Miami that created the Dominican version La Gloria Cubana before it was sold to General Cigar.
Today EPC continues to do his thing with a company based in Miami and cigars made in the Dominican Republic. One of which is the often overlooked La Historia.
Cigar Review: Ernesto Perez-Carrillo La Historia
Wrapper: San Andres (Mexico)
Binder: Sumatra (Ecuador)
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5 3/8″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: El Senador (Robusto Extra)
The Look: Packaged in 10 count boxes, the box pressed cigars are laid out in one row. The cigar features a dark San Andres wrapper grown in Mexico. Under the fingers the cigar feels gritty and toothy. The presentation of the Perez-Carrillo La Historia is beautiful. The band is intricate and the bright colors against the dark wrapper are incredibly vibrant. The well pack foot is covered by a blue ribbon and the stick has no voids of tobacco.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar reminds me of nougat. It’s chewy, with hints of honey and nuts. The aroma off the foot is warm and inviting with more notes of honey and a subtle chocolate component. Once the cigar is lit there is some cedar and pepper notes right off the bat.
The first third of La Historia continues down the path of the cold draw. The are notes of chocolate, and nougat that dominate the palate. The retrohale of the cigar is slightly spicy and the finish of the cigar has a strong espresso with a hint of sherry.
In the second third, some of the sherry like notes are noticed on the palate. However, the primary notes is coffee with hints of cedar and nuts. the cherry like sweetness moves to the palate but it is more of an afterthought as the primary notes remain rich chocolate with hints of cedar and a touch of nuts. The retrohale continues to serve up an abundance of pepper with a touch of leather.
The last third sees chocolate remain constant, with a sherry like sweetness. The pepper remains through the nose, and its the strongest as the cigar comes to a close, but there is also some nuttiness as well on the moderate to long finish of this outstanding stick.
The Finish: This box pressed cigar is a full flavored smooth cigar that is medium plus in strength. It’s wonderfully flavored and definitely a cigar I enjoy that I am guilty of overlooking. I couldn’t tell you why because every time I light one up I am satisfied.
Score: 93
Price: $10.69 / $94.99 (10 Count Box)
E.P. Carrillo La Historia El Senador
E.P. Carrillo La Historia El Senador Foot
E.P. Carrillo La Historia El Senador Burn
