E.P. Carrillo is expanding its Essence series with a new addition named E.P. Carrillo Maduro, a rich, dark smoke slated to hit shelves by the end of this month or early June.

Crafted by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo in the Dominican Republic at Casa Carrillo, this Maduro boasts a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, a Honduran binder, and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos, setting it apart from his previous maduro creations. Perez-Carrillo expresses his enthusiasm for this unique blend, promising aficionados an unparalleled experience.

Available in three sizes, the Robusto measures five inches by 50 ring gauge, priced at $9.25, the Toro at 6 by 52 for $10, and the Gordo, sized 6 by 60, comes with a price tag of $10.75.

Although technically part of the Essence line, the packaging of E.P. Carrillo Maduro eschews explicit branding, instead featuring striking red-and-black bands that accentuate the term “maduro” on each wooden box containing 24 cigars.
This launch marks the beginning of a broader expansion for the Essence line, with plans to introduce a six-blend series over the next three years, each distinguished by its wrapper. Following the debut of Sumatra at the PCA tradeshow, E.P. Carrillo will release the Honduras iteration concurrently with Maduro.

Both Sumatra and Maduro cigars share certain characteristics, including a round shape, a target medium body, and the inclusion of Honduran tobacco, a departure from E.P. Carrillo’s usual blends.

Looking ahead, enthusiasts can anticipate the release of the Honduras version of Essence later this year, followed by Connecticut, Nicaragua, and Cameroon blends in the coming years, further enriching the Essence series with diverse flavour profiles.