Pre-light Experience

The wrapper on the E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena is a mix of medium and dark browns as there’s a decent amount of color variation. There are a couple of well pressed veins and the seams are very smooth, but easily detectable due to the color variation. The head is finished off with a well applied triple cap. There are three bands, with the primary carrying some nice detailed artwork and the line name. The secondary strip band is red and gold and designates the last name of the blender. The foot band is a ribbon that is electric blue. The aroma from the wrapper is a mix of damp wood and cocoa while the foot brings a full stone fruit sweetness and wood. The pre-light draw brings a mix of wood and baking spice.

First Third

The cigar begins with a mix of wood, baking spice and light cocoa. At a half inch in, the baking spice has a slight lead over the wood and cocoa. The retrohale is a very full with nostril tingling baking spice. At an inch and a quarter, a light mustiness joins the profile. As the third comes to a close, the baking spice is up front with the wood slightly behind and the cocoa and mustiness are light in the background. The strength in this third was slightly above medium.

Second Third

As the second third begins, the baking spice has transitioned to black pepper and has a slightly larger lead over the wood while the mustiness is still light in the background and the cocoa has departed. At an inch in, the black pepper, wood and mustiness are all even. The retrohale has the black pepper slightly ahead of the wood and mustiness. As the third comes to a close, the black pepper has a slight lead over the wood and mustiness. The strength in this third remained at slightly above medium.

Final Third

As the final third begins, the wood gains some char and takes the lead in the profile over the black pepper and mustiness. The retrohale is now slightly charred and musty wood. The cigar wraps up with the slightly charred wood remaining ahead of the black pepper and mustiness. The strength in this third remained at slightly above medium.

Burn

The burn was perfect throughout. The ash held on in inch and a quarter increments.

Draw

The draw was perfect, with just the right amount of resistance that I prefer.

Overall

The E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena started nicely with a good combination of flavors and transitioned nicely going into the second third. The enjoyment level dropped a bit in the final third as some char joined in. This is a cigar I would easily come back to and is a bright spot in the brands portfolio. I also think the price point fits the enjoyment level nicely.

Aaron Loomis

SCORE

6.82

Cost/Point

$1.58

Scoring System

Personal Cigar Review: E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena