Cigar Review: E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel

E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel - Rated 2020 #1 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado

by Jamie Stevens

• Strength: Medium-Full
• Size: 5 x 50
• Wrapper: Connecticut Habano
• Binder: Ecuadoran
• Filler: Nicaraguan
• Origin: Dominican Republic
• Shape: Robusto
• Rating: 94

Introduction

Being the third installment in the E.P. Perez Carrillo Family Series, this stunner of a cigar has a unique blend of three different tobaccos all from different countries. The wrapper is a USA Connecticut, the binder is Ecuadorian, and the filler is Nicaraguan! The dark, oily appearance and bright blue and gold wrapper make this cigar stand out.

If only today were as sunny as the rest of the week has been. I would say it is the typical "gray" Pennsylvania morning. It almost reminds me of the Winter weather, besides the frigid temperatures, of course. It looks like it will rain at any moment, making me retreat to smoking from outside to into the garage. I am currently drinking a medium roast coffee (chocolate raspberry flavored). I am feeling a bit bold this morning, it seems.

First Half

The first half of my smoke brings forth pepper and earth notes with a hint of coffee. It surprisingly blends well with the coffee I am currently drinking. It is a bit bolder than I anticipated, but I don't mind it. Towards the end of the first half, the Earth tones fade out, and I get more of a chocolate nuttiness (some of my favorite flavors)!

Second Half

I see now outside the wind has picked up, and I am glad that I am in the garage. I've always wanted to create a "smoke room" in my house, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. The flavors stay consistent throughout the second half, with the pepper taking a back seat and some leather notes coming through. This half feels very rich to me. The flavors are bolder and blend well despite there being so many of them. It is honestly difficult to keep track of at times.

Burn/Draw

I had to touch up a few times, with the burn sometimes being uneven. The draw was tight, but nothing that was a major issue.

Final

After about an hour of smoking, the medium-bodied Pledge Prequel finishes out with Earth tones mixed with a bit of fruitiness and what tastes like "burnt wood." I honestly prefer the first halfway more than the second half of my smoke. Overall, I really do enjoy the numerous different flavors within the cigar, which transitioned well. I would definitely love to smoke this again to see the difference the second time around.

About the writer Jamie Stevens

Jamie Stevens is a cigar enthusiast who has contributed both as an influencer and reviewer for close to ten years. She lives in historic York, Pennsylvania, where she works for her local government as a leader involved with the coalition on homelessness. When not working, she enjoys outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, etc.) and spending time with her family. She appreciates all kinds of cigars, from mild-bodied all the way to the stronger full-bodied cigars. She enjoys both the higher-end sticks and the ones on the more affordable side. You can find her on Instagram as Cigareyes717, where she has over 16.5 followers!

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