Cigar Review: EP Carrillo Elencos Series "Don Rubino"

Monday, May 09 2011

E.P. Carrillo Elencos Don Rubino
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Size: 5 1/4" x 50
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Dark Brazilian Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan
Binder: Dominican
Presentation: Box of 20 cigars

Recently, I was sent a couple of new release samples from EPC cigars (a.k.a. E.P. Carrillo Cigars). One of them was the E.P. Carrillo Elencos series "Don Rubino," a 5¼ x 50 Robusto. My notes follow, with a tip of the hat to Señor Carrillo. He's still got it.

Appearance & Feel: The wrapper was a bit rustic, somewhat veiny and a little bumpy. The cigar was also a bit over-humidified, so I was nervous that it might not smoke well. However, it was well packed all around. No noticeable soft spots.

Paired with: Spring water.

Draw: Just the right amount of pull.

Pre-light: Flavors of grass with a note of anise.

Toasting & Light: The cigar toasted and lit evenly across the foot. Never required a relight.

First puff: Woody and sweet on the palate. Lots of thick, smooth, creamy smoke.

Retrohale: Smooth, spicy, not too peppery.

Base flavors: Dark, woody, and earthy with a note of sweet caramel.

Aroma: Very appealing; earthy and somewhat sweet.

Ash: Marbled and somewhat flaky with excellent staying power.

General observations: As the cigar worked its way toward the middle it intensified in strength and flavor, while maintaining is woody base, laced with a hint of sweetness. As the cigar continued into the final act, flavors of dark bitter-chocolate and espresso notes began to emerge. Some sweetness remained, but was obscured by the dark chocolate and espresso flavors. This cigar also showed excellent balance and remained smooth sailing all the way to last inch, when I was forced to let it go. A real full-flavored "finger burner." Though some bitterness did creep into those last couple of puffs, the cigar never became too harsh nor lost its core flavors.

Suffice it to say: Very enjoyable. A great after-dinner smoke that I'd like to try next time with a good Port.

Final Rating: ♦♦♦

See all E.P. Carrillo Elencos cigars.

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Rating scale
♦ = Fair to Midland
♦♦ = Good
♦♦♦ = Excellent
♦♦♦♦ = Outstanding

Related info: Read my interview with Ernest Perez-Carrillo.