The EP Carrillo Sumatra Toro brings serious heat to the mid-priced cigar game. This 6x52 parejo from the new Essence line features a gorgeous Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper hugging Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. At $216 for a 24-count box, it's positioned as an "everyday premium" stick with construction that punches above its weight class. Perfect for backyard hangs or golf course sessions where you want complexity without babysitting the burn.
Cold draw hits with damp earth and raisin sweetness. The initial smoke bursts with black pepper spice that tingles the nostrils - classic Nicaraguan upfront aggression. Burn line stays razor-sharp as espresso and cashew flavors emerge. Retrohale brings white pepper and cedar tang that clings to the palate.
Spice mellows into a caramelized core. We get alternating waves of dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans, underscored by that signature Sumatra funk - imagine musty library books meets damp forest floor. Smoke output stays moderate but creamy. Watch for slight canoeing if rushed.
Leather and cured meat notes dominate as nicotine builds. Sweetness transitions to hickory-smoked molasses. The last inch turns slightly ashy with baking spices (clove/nutmeg) but avoids bitterness. Cut it at 45-50 minutes unless you're chasing the buzz.
