EP Carrillo 2021 TAA Exclusive Cigar Review

In 2018, E.P. Carrillo joined the Tobacconist Association of America. For consumer’s the TAA is known for here limited edition releases to the 80+ shops that make up the association. Back in 2018, his first was met with rave review. For his third TAA release, Ernesto utilizes Brazilian tobacco in the blend.

Cigar Review: E.P. Carrillo 2021 TAA Exclusive
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Brazil, Nicaragua
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Toro

The Look: Packaged in a rather plain-looking 10 count box made of cedar the EPC TAA Exclusive won’t stand out on the shelf or humidor in a closed box. Once the box is open, the cigars have a Nicaraguan wrapper that has some subtle oil. The band which features the TAA logo on a white background with red accents and gold foil serving as a border. In the hand the cigar is firm with no soft spots and a well packed foot.

The Notes: The cold draw of this TAA Exclusive release has a cold draw of cookie dough, hay and cedar while the aroma off the foot serves up hint of earth, hay and cedar After toasting the foot and lighting the cigar notes of hay and cedar dominate the palette.

Moving into the first third the EPC made cigar sees cedar as the dominant note with a long earthy finish. There is a subtle mocha sweetness lingering in the background and as the first third comes to a close notes of rye and wheat become dominant. The retrohale of the cigar has a nice coffee component and a hint of pepper.

The second third sees the notes of rye emerge as the dominant taste with a touch of wheat and cedar. The mocha sweetness disappears around the halfway point and coffee remains on the finish. The retrohale serves up hints of lychee nut and pepper.

Moving on to the last third notes of coffee dominate the palate with some rye in the background and a long earthy finish. The retrohale sees a subtle sweetness and more lychee nut. The retrohale takes this cigar to the next level.

The Finish: In 2018, EPC joined the TAA and released his first cigar exclusively for TAA Retailers. It was at this time that I believe EPC achieved a resurgence. For the last 3 years it’s been on excellent release after the other and this cigar continues the trend. The 10 count box is inexpensive and definitely worthy of a box purchase.

Score: 93
Price: $9.75 / $85.99