Let's talk about the fat boy of the lineup - the EP Carrillo INCH Natural No 64. This Dominican-made torpedo comes in a hefty 6 1/8" x 64 format, making it ideal for those extended smoke sessions. Priced at about $11 per stick in boxes of 24, it's positioned as a premium daily smoke rather than special occasion material. The real story here? Master blender Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's multi-country tobacco blend wrapped in Ecuadorian Sumatra leaf creates that signature creamy-dirty profile regulars chase.
The initial puffs hit with dry cedar shavings and black pepper spice. About half-inch in, the Nicaraguan binder starts pushing through - think roasted coffee grounds meets earthy compost. Smoke production's decent though not billowy. Watch that burn line; the thick ring gauge sometimes causes canoeing if you rush.
Here's where the Dominican Piloto Cubano filler shines. The spice mellows into caramelized nuts with an undercurrent of mineral salinity. Retrohale reveals white chocolate sweetness that lingers. Construction-wise, the ash holds solid for 2" before dropping. Keep your cutter ready - the closed foot needs precise lighting.
At the $10 price point, the last act impresses. Leather and baking spices emerge without turning harsh. The wrapper's natural sweetness balances the Nicaraguan Viso's dark cocoa bitterness. Pro tip: purge every 15 minutes to prevent tar buildup in the wide chamber. You'll get a solid 90-minute smoke if paced properly.
