David Spirit - The History Behind EPC Cigars

My Cigar Pack - David Spirit - The History Behind EPC Cigars

Highly acclaimed by Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Journal, and other esteemed international publications, the EPC cigar collection commands respect from smokers everywhere. Our one and only Anthony sits down with David Spirit at the EPC Miami headquarters to discuss the making of these lines and how these were made and adapt to different palates.

With over five decades in the cigar-making industry, Perez-Carrillo has honed his craft to perfection. His factory, nestled within a free trade zone in Santiago, Dominican Republic, has been the epicenter of his cigar production for nearly 15 years, ever since he leased the space in April 2009. Over the years, this factory has produced an impressive array of cigars, including the acclaimed E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic, which was honored as the 2018 Cigar of the Year, and the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel, which took the same title in 2020. Beyond creating his own celebrated lines, Perez-Carrillo also crafts cigars on contract for Crowned Heads, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the industry.

On this occasion, David tells us a little about different cigars that have marked the experience of EP Carrillo fans, among them we can mention La Historia, Encore, Pledge, Allegiance & New Wave Connecticut.

Each of these have been awarded the highest scores, proving that they are of incredible quality and that their construction receives a lot of attention from all smokers. David tells us that the goal of EPC is that no two cigars are the same or similar, but that, being totally different, they offer equally good experiences. This makes each cigar unique in its type and construction.

EPC Carrillo - La Historia

My Cigar Pack - EPC Carrillo - La Historia

La Historia by E.P. Carrillo, this cigar represents Ernesto's inspirations: his mother in the Cuban tobacco fields and his daughter in Miami, FL, capture the Perez-Carrillo family's journey from Cuba to the United States. They embody the family's resilience, deep-rooted traditions, and relentless pursuit of excellence, highlighting their enduring legacy in the world of cigars. This full-flavored cigar offers a rich and complex experience, with a harmonious blend of cocoa and coffee undertones.

Cigar Dimensions (inches) Origin Wrapper Binder Filler Strength
El Senador 5 3/8 x 52 Dominican Republic Mexico Ecuador Nicaragua Medium Full
Doña Elena 6 1/8 x 50 Dominican Republic Mexico Ecuador Nicaragua Medium Full
E-III 6 7/8 x 54 Dominican Republic Mexico Ecuador Nicaragua Medium Full
Regalias D’ Celia Piramides 5 7/8 x 58 Dominican Republic Mexico Ecuador Nicaragua Medium Full

The E-III was named the No. 2 Cigar of the Year in 2014 by Cigar Aficionado, earning an impressive rating of 95. El Senador also received high praise with a rating of 93 from Cigar Aficionado. The Parientes was celebrated as the #1 Dominican Cigar of 2021 by Cigars Lovers Magazine, and Dona Elena secured a notable rating of 93 from Cigar Aficionado. 


EPC Carrillo - Encore

My Cigar Pack - EPC Carrillo - Encore

E.P. Carrillo Encore, the second part of an extraordinary series. This cigar offers an invigorating blend of zesty and spicy flavors, starting with a bold peppery kick and a lively hint of citrus zest. As you smoke, the profile evolves to reveal rich, woody notes, laying down a deep, earthy base reminiscent of aged cedar and oak.

Cigar Dimensions (inches) Origin Wrapper Binder Filler Strength
El Futuro 5 x 50 Dominican Republic Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua Medium Full
Majestic 5 3/8 x 52 Dominican Republic Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua Medium Full
Celestial 6 1/8 x 50 Dominican Republic Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua Medium Full
El Primero 6 7/8 x 54 Dominican Republic Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua Medium Full
Valientes (Torp.) 6 1/8 x 52 Dominican Republic Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua Medium Full

The Majestic was named the No. 1 Cigar of 2018 by Cigar Aficionado, earning an impressive rating of 96.

EPC Carrillo - Pledge

My Cigar Pack - EPC Carrillo - Pledge

The E.P. Carrillo Pledge delivers a bold blend of spice and rich wood flavors, complemented by a touch of sweetness and a smooth coffee finish. Its intricate flavor profile is elevated by its aromatic depth. Honored as Cigar Aficionado's Cigar of the Year for 2020, the Pledge earned an outstanding rating of 98 points.

Cigar Dimensions (inches) Origin Wrapper Binder Filler Strength
Prequel 5 x 50 Dominican Republic USA Ecuador Nicaragua Full
Sojourn 6 x 52 Dominican Republic USA Ecuador Nicaragua Full
Apogee 6 1/4 x 58 Dominican Republic USA Ecuador Nicaragua Full

The Prequel has garnered remarkable acclaim in the cigar world, earning the prestigious title of No. 1 Cigar of the Year for 2020 from Cigar Aficionado with an exceptional rating of 98. It further solidified its reputation by being named the Best Dominican Cigar of 2021 by both Tobacco Business and Cigar Journal, as well as Cigar Dojo's Cigar of the Year for 2020. Additionally, the Sojourn received a notable rating of 91 from Cigar Aficionado Magazine, while the Apogee was praised with a rating of 93 by the same publication.

EPC Carrillo - Allegiance

My Cigar Pack - EPC Carrillo - Allegiance

In collaboration with Oliva Cigar Co., E.P. Carrillo has introduced its latest addition to the cigar lineup: Allegiance. This remarkable cigar embodies the synergy between two renowned names in the industry, blending their expertise and passion to deliver an unparalleled smoking experience.

Allegiance features a masterfully crafted 8th priming Sumatra wrapper from the esteemed Quevedo region in Ecuador. This high-quality wrapper is perfectly complemented by meticulously chosen Nicaraguan binders and fillers.

It has an incredible mix of flavors. The Sumatra wrapper offers a smooth, subtly sweet flavor, enhanced by the rich, earthy tones of the Nicaraguan tobaccos.

Cigar Dimensions (inches) Origin Wrapper Binder Filler Strength
Sidekick 5 x 50 Nicaragua Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua Medium Full
Confidant 6 x 52 Nicaragua Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua Medium Full
Wingman 6 7/8 x 54 Nicaragua Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua Medium Full
Chaperone 6 1/4 x 58 Nicaragua Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua Medium Full

The Confidant earned notable recognition as the No. 5 Cigar of the Year for 2023 by Cigar Aficionado, receiving a commendable rating of 95. Additionally, it was celebrated as the No. 1 Top New Cigar of the Year by Cigar Journal.

EPC Carrillo - New Wave Connecticut

My Cigar Pack - EPC Carrillo - New Wave Connecticut

New Wave Connecticut, Designed to be rich and flavorful with a surprising kick of spice, this cigar redefines what a Connecticut can be. Wrapped in a silky Connecticut leaf, this cigar features a carefully selected blend of premium tobaccos that deliver a robust experience.

Provides notes of earthiness, subtle sweetness, and a hint of peppery spice.

Cigar Dimensions (inches) Origin Wrapper Binder Filler Strength
Stellas 5 1/8 x 42 Dominican Republic Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua Mild Medium
Brillantes 5 x 50 Dominican Republic Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua Mild Medium
Divinos 6 x 52 Dominican Republic Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua Mild Medium
El Decano 6 x 60 Dominican Republic Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua Mild Medium

The Brillantes has been well-received, earning a solid rating of 92 from Cigar Aficionado. The Stellas also garnered acclaim with a rating of 91 and was recognized as one of the Best Bargain Cigars by the same publication. These ratings highlight the exceptional quality and value of these cigars in their respective categories.

My Cigar Pack is excited to create and bring this type of content to its users and to have the opportunity to collaborate with the biggest manufacturers in the market. If you enjoy a high-quality premium cigar and you're looking for a unique experience with a blend of flavors, you can't miss the chance to try the EPC Carrillo line. We guarantee you'll love them.

Interested in learning more about cigars? check out our blog!

Looking where to start the cigar lifestyle? start with us! You can see our collectionaccesories & you can also join the MCP Cigar Club! Explore our diverse membership plans designed for every type of smoker inside the cigar lifestyle. Carefully consider each option to determine which best suits your needs and preferences.

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