This morning, my local cigar shop called, urging me to try the new E.P. Carrillo Essence Series Connecticut, a release generating buzz among enthusiasts. After a quick haircut, I visit the shop, chat with the owner about Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s amazing reputation, and grab a Toro, eager to explore this mild-to-medium gem. At home, settling into my lounge chair, I admire its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, rolled in Honduras for the first time, priced at $10 for everyday luxury. The shop’s enthusiasm, coupled with Ernesto’s legacy, promises something special, so let’s see if it delivers.
It’s time to light up and savor the experience.
The Roots
A Moment in Time: June 2025
June 2025 pulses with unrest and energy, as Los Angeles grapples with riots sparked by immigration raids that started June 6th, drawing thousands into tense clashes. President Trump’s deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines by June 10 intensifies the conflict, prompting sharp rebukes from Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, who call it authoritarian overreach. Burning cars and tear gas evoke 1992’s turmoil, while cigar lounges worldwide hum with debates over global trends. The UK’s NHS seeks 200,000 blood donors, Plug Power’s stock surges 30%, and Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally stirs tech excitement for Holiday 2025. Amid a 3.4-magnitude LA quake, this Connecticut offers a buttery pause, grounding a chaotic world.
What the Pros Say
Cigar Journal lauds the Connecticut as “velvety and mild-bodied, with subtle complexity that unfolds smoothly,” highlighting its refined balance. Halfwheel praises its “delicate notes of cream, hay, and light pepper,” endorsing the impeccable construction across vitolas. Cigar Aficionado, awaiting a full rating, calls it the mildest Essence entry, ideal for newcomers compared to the bolder Maduro. Reddit’s /r/cigars community scores it 8.5-9/10, with one user noting, “The Corona’s nutty, soft profile shines, perfect for mornings.”87
The Smoke Stats
- Name: E.P. Carrillo Essence Series Connecticut
- Length: 6 Inches (Toro)
- Ring Gauge: 52
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
- Binder: Honduran Criollo ’98
- Filler: Honduran, Dominican
- Origin: Honduras
The Experience: From Start to Finish
First Look: Pre-Light Impressions
The Toro feels perfectly balanced in hand, its Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper presenting a golden, smooth surface with fine veins. A polished triple cap, designed for clean cuts, gleams under tight, invisible seams, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. The cigar is firm yet yields slightly under pressure, promising a quality smoke.
Pre-light aromas of sweet cedar, buttery cream, roasted almonds, and a touch of hay waft upward, hinting at a mellow, inviting journey. The cold draw, smooth and effortless, delivers notes of creamy nuts, light pepper, and vanilla, setting the stage for the shop’s recommended smoke.
Foot to Cap: The Flavor Journey
The first third opens with buttery cream, reminiscent of warm spread on toast, complemented by sweet cedar and roasted almonds that linger on the palate. A delicate white pepper sparks the retrohale, joined by subtle hay undertones, while the soft smoke coats evenly, supported by a crisp burn and firm white ash.
In the middle third, caramel and vanilla weave through baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, maintaining a creamy, nutty depth under an evening breeze. A faint pepper persists, the draw remains effortless with cool smoke, and the razor-sharp burn holds a tight ash, delivering a smooth, quiet afternoon vibe.
The final third shifts to toasted nuts, light leather, and a honey-nougat sweetness that carries a faint, lingering charm. Cedar and subtle spice round out a clean finish, with flawless burn and draw through the 75-minute smoke, though the softened profile may lack the intensity some bold smokers crave.
Build & Burn: The Craftsmanship
Hand-rolled at Agroindustrias Diadema in Honduras, this Connecticut exemplifies E.P. Carrillo’s precision, with a golden, uniform wrapper that wraps tightly around a robust binder and filler. Invisible seams and a polished triple cap reflect careful artistry, while the cigar feels firm with a slight, reassuring give.
The burn is consistently even, producing a dense white ash that clings strongly, and the smooth draw delivers cool, soft smoke throughout the 75-minute experience. Combustion is impeccable, showcasing the factory’s skill, though the mild profile might not satisfy those who prefer bolder, heavier cigars.
Flavor Deep Dive: What’s Cooking
This Connecticut begins with buttery cream and sweet cedar, accented by roasted almonds, white pepper on the retrohale, and a hint of hay, creating a soft, inviting smoke. Mid-smoke, caramel, vanilla, and baking spices add warmth and depth, preserving the nutty, smooth character. The final third introduces toasted nuts, light leather, and honey-nougat, with cedar and faint spice ensuring a clean, elegant close suited for subtle palates.
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Strength & Body: The Power Within |
Mild to medium in strength, this cigar delivers a gentle buzz, ideal for morning sessions or those new to cigars, with early pepper and nuts providing a smooth, refined kick. The medium body carries soft, nutty smoke with elegant transitions, ensuring an approachable experience, though fans of full-bodied smokes may find it too restrained for their tastes.
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Perfect Pairings: Elevate the Experience |
A light-roast Ethiopian coffee enhances the cigar’s buttery creaminess, while an unoaked Chardonnay lifts its vanilla and nutty notes for a crisp pairing. Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon complements the caramel and cedar, and shortbread cookies or vanilla ice cream echo the nougat sweetness, perfect for a relaxed, contemplative smoke. For mornings, a Darjeeling tea adds a floral lift to the experience.
Value: Worth the Price?
Priced at $8.75-$10.50 per cigar, with the Toro at $10-$10.50, this smoke offers exceptional value, shipped in June 2025 in 24-count boxes, though stock may dwindle due to moderate production. Its smooth wrapper, impeccable construction, and layered flavors rival pricier cigars, making it a daily indulgence for refined palates, though bold smokers might opt for heavier blends like the Essence Maduro.
Our Rating:
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The E.P. Carrillo Essence Series Connecticut earns a Refined rating, its cedar, nuts, and caramel delivering a soft, refined smoke for $10. Ideal for morning lounges, it may feel too mild for those seeking bold intensity. |
Final Thoughts
As my lounge chair creaks and the final puff of the cigar fades, a warm satisfaction lingers, confirming the shop’s enthusiastic recommendation. This stick, with its buttery cream, sweet cedar, and nutty depth, crafts a refined, mild-to-medium smoke that suits both novices and seasoned smokers seeking elegance. The Ecuadorian wrapper and Ernesto’s blending prowess shine, though the softer finish might not captivate those who crave robust flavors.
Its clean burn and steady draw make it a staple for my collection, perfect for quiet moments or sharing with friends new to cigars. It embodies Casa Carrillo’s evolving legacy, a smooth, rewarding experience worth savoring time and again.
Own the Smoke: Make It Yours
This cigar is tailored for morning smokers or those who appreciate a refined, mild-to-medium cigar with a creamy, nutty profile. Its smooth construction and elegant flavors make it ideal for novices or veterans seeking a lighter, contemplative smoke. Light it during a calm session and let its subtle finesse unfold before you.
