Stogie Reviews: E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Divinos
7 Apr 2011
When the man who made La Gloria Cubana a household name started his new family-run company in 2009, few “cigar people” I spoke with at the time doubted that he would be successful in his new venture. That Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, the passionate tobacco man and “mad genius” (as one industry insider described him to me), has another hit cigar is no surprise to anyone.
But few would have predicted Carrillo would produce not one or even two, but a handful of well-regarded cigars., in just two short years. Yet when you look at his many cigars (Edición Inaugural 2009, 2010 Short Run, Core Line, Edición Inaugural 2010, and Elencos) the Carrillos seem to have had the magic touch since day one.
With such an impressive line of hits, the occasional miss is to be expected. And so I tried a few samples of the new E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut, which is hitting shelves this month. E.P. Carrillo’s first Connecticut cigar features an Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The pale wrapper is veiny but the cigar is firm in the hand.
I sampled the Divinos size (6 x 52), which sells for $6.25. New Wave Connecticut also comes in a Robusto (5 x 50, $5.25), Corona (5.1 x 42, $4.50), and a Double Corona (7 x 49, $7.00).
The Divinos starts off with with a delicious velvety richness. It’s a creamy smoke with lots of roasted cashew and buttery flavors. Quickly dispensing the “Connecticut wrapper equals mild” myth, the medium-bodied smoke has a lot going on with cedar, earth, and graham cracker notes underlying the dominant nut and cream flavors. It has a density of flavor not often found in Connecticut-wrapped cigars.
The cigar is well-constructed with an even burn, easy draw, and a sturdy salt and pepper ash. The Divinos doesn’t change much from start to finish, but there’s enough depth and complexity in the blend to keep you more than interested.
And that’s what will make the New Wave Connecticut yet another hit for the Carrillos, instead of the dud that they seem to be due for. It’s a Connecticut-wrapped cigar that even those who don’t usually enjoy Connecticut-wrapped cigars will enjoy. That’s why the E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Divinos earns a rating of four and a half stogies out of five.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys
Another cigar I'm very much looking forward to trying. Seems like everyone has reviewed (and enjoyed) this already. Here I am waiting for my shop to get them in stock.
I am really hyped about this cigar! The EP Carillo 2009 was amazing. I am always looking for new Connecticuts and I have heard nothing but great things about this stick! I love the new twist on the band with the white color too. Thanks Pat.
Great cigar, tried it yesterday and enjoyed it. I mostly stick with Graycliff, Padron, etc. I really enjoyed the Carrillo short run so my local cigar shop gave me this and well I thought it best to share my appreciation for a good cigar at such a great price point.
Like the reg line and short run, so I am looking forward to seeing this in a store.