E.P. Carrillo Cardinal

Brand Overview

History of the Brand: E.P. Carrillo was founded by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, a Cuban-American cigar maker with a rich heritage in tobacco. After leaving El Credito, he started his own brand in 2009, which quickly gained acclaim for its quality and innovation. The Cardinal line was introduced to showcase his mastery in blending and aging tobacco.

Founding Year: 2009

Overall Reputation in the Cigar Industry: E.P. Carrillo has established itself as a premium Cigar Brand known for its consistent quality, complex flavors, and innovative blends. The brand has won numerous awards, including Cigar of the Year accolades. It’s respected for its traditional Cuban-style cigar making with a modern twist, appealing to both seasoned aficionados and newcomers looking for a high-quality smoke.

History

Release Date: Estimated 2014

The E.P. Carrillo Cardinal line was introduced as a tribute to Ernesto’s father, who was a priest, hence the name “Cardinal.” Ernesto aimed to create a cigar that would reflect the solemnity and depth of his father’s character. He has said, “The Cardinal is a cigar that embodies the spirit of my father, with its rich, complex flavors and a touch of elegance.”

E.P. Carrillo Cardinal Attributes

Concept & Inspiration: Inspired by the solemnity and depth of Ernesto’s father, the Cardinal line aims to deliver a rich, contemplative smoking experience. The blend was designed to offer a balance of strength and flavor, reflecting the complexity of life’s moments.

General Characteristics: Medium to full body, well-balanced, complex, smooth, rich

Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, espresso, leather, cedar, hints of spice

Notable E.P. Carrillo Cardinal Ratings

• Cardinal Maduro, 93, Cigar Aficionado
• Cardinal Natural, 92, Cigar Journal

Summary: The E.P. Carrillo Cardinal line has received high praise for its flavor profile and construction, with scores indicating it’s a top-tier cigar appreciated for its depth and complexity.

Tobacco Details

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Aging Process and Notes: The Tobacco is aged for a minimum of 3 years, with some leaves aged up to 5 years to develop the desired complexity and smoothness.

Strength Estimate: Medium to Full

Production and Quality

Manufacturing: Hand-rolled

Quality Checks: Each cigar undergoes a rigorous quality control process, including visual inspection, draw testing, and a final burn test to ensure consistency and quality.

Unique Packing

The Cardinal line comes in boxes with a distinctive red and gold design, symbolizing the ecclesiastical theme of the brand.

Who Will Appreciate E.P. Carrillo Cardinal?

Target Audience: Aficionados who appreciate a well-crafted, flavorful cigar with a story behind it.

Pricing Strategy: Positioned as a premium cigar, offering value through its quality and aging process.

Type of Smoker: Experienced and Expert smokers

Pairings

• Single malt Scotch
• Dark chocolate
• Espresso

Conclusion

E.P. Carrillo Cardinal stands out for its rich heritage, thoughtful blending, and the personal touch of its creator. It’s a cigar that not only delivers a complex and enjoyable smoking experience but also carries a narrative of family legacy and tradition. Its reputation for quality, combined with its unique flavor profile, makes it a must-try for any serious cigar enthusiast.

FAQ:

• Q: Where can I buy E.P. Carrillo Cardinal cigars?

  A: You can purchase E.P. Carrillo Cardinal Cigars at Hiland’s Cigars, known for their excellent customer service, fast shipping, and competitive prices.

• Q: How should I store my E.P. Carrillo Cardinal cigars?

  A: Store them in a humidor at 65-70% humidity and 68-70°F to maintain their quality and flavor.

• Q: What makes E.P. Carrillo Cardinal unique?

  A: Its unique blend, inspired by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s father, offers a rich, contemplative smoking experience with a balance of strength and flavor.

• Q: Are there different sizes available for the Cardinal line?

  A: Yes, the Cardinal line comes in various vitolas to cater to different smoking preferences.

• Q: Can beginners enjoy E.P. Carrillo Cardinal?

  A: While it’s more suited for experienced smokers, Beginners with an adventurous palate might appreciate its complexity.