E.P. Carrillo Pledge Apogee Cigars | Selected by Cigar Aficionado as the 2022 #11 Cigar Of The Year – Rated 93
E.P. Carrillo Pledge Apogee is one of the most highly anticipated and sought-after cigars to ever bear the E.P. Carrillo name. The third installment in the celebrated and decorated Perez-Carrillo series following La Historia and Encore, Pledge is said to be the crowning achievement of the man deemed "The Godfather of Boutique Cigars," Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. Rolled only by the most seasoned torcedors at Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic, Pledge contains ultra-premium tobaccos from 3 different countries. The filler blend is Nicaraguan, the binder from Ecuador, and the dark, oily wrapper is a unique Connecticut Habano leaf grown right here in the U.S.A. Its predecessors were both impeccable specimens—La Historia earned a 95 rating and was named the No. 2 cigar of 2014. Encore got an even better 96, earning the No. 1 spot in 2018. That being said, Pledge had some big shoes to fill. In 2020, the year of its release, Pledge did just that, earning a historic 98 rating and easily strolling to the No. 1 spot in the year's top 25. It goes without saying that Pledge is without a doubt a stick that everybody wants to get their hands on.
The presentation is done in the classic Perez-Carrillo style, including lacquered cedar chests of 10 cigars, luxurious blue and gold artwork, and a golden ribbon around the foot of each and every stick. As should be expected, the construction leaves absolutely nothing to be desired. An easy draw leads to billowing clouds of thick smoke, a crisp burn, and dense, gray ash. A soft box press adds to both the luxurious feel of the cigar as well as a comfortable feel in the mouth. Starting off, Pledge greets the palate with black pepper and a hefty dose of Nicaraguan spice. This quickly subsides into a mellow medley of earthy tobacco, nuts, and espresso. Cinnamon and cocoa make appearances throughout the experience, as well as some bread notes on the finish. The retrohale is definitively sweet, tying the whole package together. Overall, Pledge maxes out at the medium-full-bodied mark yet remains beautifully balanced the whole time. The 6 1/4" x 58 Apogee offers a longer, more mellow smoking experience, allowing plenty of time to savor every subtle complexity.
Pledge, as with all cigars in the Perez-Carrillo series, is aimed strictly at experienced connoisseurs. Such a bold and complex flavor profile will only be truly appreciated by those with well-developed palates. That being said, this medium-full-bodied masterpiece pairs well with red wine, cognac, or even black coffee, and is a great way to celebrate life's special occasions. While it can be compared in stature to its Perez-Carrillo counterparts, Pledge is also comparable to such ultra-premium cigars as Padron 1964 and Diamond Crown Maximus. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has become one of the hottest names in the business, and achievements such as Pledge continue to demonstrate the incredible blending prowess and rich history behind the name. Pledge Apogee is one of the hardest-to-find sticks on the market, so don't hesitate to get them while you can and experience one of the finest cigars of our time.
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