Cigar Geeks - E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 Toro

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 Toro
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: ninfiction

92
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member appollo (Stephen). This was done as a blind review so there were no pre-concieved notions about what anyone was smoking. The cigar provided for this round is the E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 Toro.

Two renowned masters of the cigar industry, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo and Oscar Valladares, have united their expertise and passion to create an exceptional cigar that embodies the perfect harmony of craftsmanship and innovation. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the world of premium cigars, bringing together the artistry and distinctive styles of two celebrated visionaries. Both are enthusiastic about working with Copan tobaccos from Honduras.

E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 Toro

Brand:: E.P. Carrillo
Name:: Short Run 2023 Toro
Length:: 6
Ring Gauge:: 52
Country of Origin:: Honduras
Filler:: Honduras
Nicaragua
Binder:: Nicaragua
Wrapper:: Ecuador
Habano
Color:: Colorado
Strength:: Medium
Shape:: Toro
Notes:: https://epcarrillo.com/product-page-short-run-2023/ https://halfwheel.com/e-p-carrillo-short-run-2023-toro/431105/

This cigar was enjoyed with Water

Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible

Very nice looking cigar. Deep chocolate brown, minimal veins in the wrapper. Nice oily wrapper. The cigar is just a touch soft at the foot but the majority of it is firm and I'm guessing the foot won't cause issues.

I'm having difficulty placing the aroma, it's a hint of Nesquick chocolate powder, vanilla and a touch of wood.

The appearance, cap and wrapper are very nicely done. Great looking cigar.

Lighting and Burn: 14 Points of 15 Possible

Took a couple minutes to get going but that could have been my weather, very humid. Once it got going the burn was perfect. No wavering what so ever. Ash held on for inch long sections.

Burn was razor sharp the entire length, no relights, no fixing. Copious amounts of smoke.

Construction: 29 Points of 30 Possible

I used a punch and the draw is near perfect. Honestly, the construction overall was perfect. No burn issues, great smoke volume. No issues with the wrapper.

I was right that the softness on the foot didn't affect the cigar at all other than it took a bit longer to really get lit and smoking.

Flavor and Aroma: 40 Points of 45 Possible

The first few puffs taste very much like the aroma, little chocolate, little wood, maybe a little vanilla. The first 1/3 to 1/2 was pretty light and actually pretty enjoyable even though it was so light. About the halfway point the spice kicked in. Spice on my tongue and my lips. It was like someone put peppercorns in the middle.

In the second half the spice mellowed a tad, still present for sure but a better mix of spice, earth notes, wood and yeah, now that I'm concentrating, spicy pepper.

Summary

This critique was done blind and I had no idea what it was until the reviews were posted. I have no idea what the cigar is. It looked very Nicaraguan but until the second half it was actually pretty light. Got a little spicy about half way through so I'm back to Nicaragua.

I was feeling Black Label Trading but I don't think I've had one this spicy, my other thought was Viaje or LFD. I went with Viaje Leaded.

Thanks to Stephen for including me! Very much enjoyed smoking this and I'm sure I'm way off on my guess because I always am.