The ring gauge of a cigar is based on fractions of an inch. A cigar like a robusto is a 50 ring gauge, or 50/64th of an inch. EP Carrillo in 2012 launched the creation of the INCH line, with the ring gauge being 64/64 or, one INCH. At the 2018 IPCPR the company unveiled a Nicaraguan Puro called The Ringmaster for national distribution.
Cigar Review: EP Carrillo Inch The Ringmaster
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Length: 5 3/8
Ring Gauge: 64
Size: No. 5
The Look: Packaged in 24 count boxes with a smooth wood finish, The Ringmaster stands out from the regular INCH release that features weathered boxes. Inside the box, the cigar has two bands both utilizing the colors of bronze, brown and red. The primary band denotes INCH while the secondary band at the foot states Ringmaster. The Nicaraguan wrapper has a reddish-brown hue to it, with some tooth to it while the foot of the cigar is well packed with a nice grouping of darker tobacco.
The News: The cold draw of The Ringmaster serves up notes of rye, raisins and a touch of molasses while the aroma off the foot has an abundance of molasses on the foot with a touch of raisins. After toasting the foot of the cigar which takes a bit due to the massive size, the first notes are red pepper flakes with a touch of oak.
Moving into the first third the first thing that stands out is the wonderful aroma of the cigar, which is reminiscent of fig. The palate sees notes of earth, cedar and a subtle pecan note with spices and a touch of fig on the retrohale.
The second third continues to to show off notes of earth and nuts, with an abundance of cedar. The retrohale is loaded with pepper and a touch of sweetness with a long finish.
The final third continues down the path of the first two thirds. There is cedar, earth and nuts, with a lot of pepper on the retrohale and a long finish.
The Finish: It’s amazing how much difference there is from a 60 ring gauge to a 64 ring gauge. For me, it puts me past my comfort zone but I am sure that fans of INCH will really like The Ringmaster. It was difficult for me to get past the size, but there flavors were enjoyable. I hope that one day EP Carrillo decides to release a sub-brand called METRIC that is smaller. But something like that happening would depend on FDA.
Score: 89
Price: $12.69 / $269.99
EP Carrillo The Ringmaster
EP Carrillo The Ringmaster Foot
EP Carrillo The Ringmaster Burn
