A little info……
E.P. Carillo’s release of the short run last year was very good and thus, the follow up for an exclusive release made only for Federal Cigar in New Hampshire and considering these have an extra year of aging since the production is from the 2010 Short Run, high expectations are set. Called the No. 4, the corona size Short Run has a production run of approximately 150 boxes of 20 cigars which at this point, only a few are left.
E.P. Carrillo Short Run No. 4 Corona
Size: 5 1/8 x 42
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
MSRP: $5.50
Drink: Water
Location: Federal Cigar
Construction:
The E.P. Carrillo Short Run No. 4 Corona has a solid feel to it and passing the squeeze test as a well packed cigar. While the weight of the cigar is light due to it’s size, it doesn’t feel fragile at all. The wrapper has a nice light color and is a little bit toothy and rugged but the shade of the wrapper compliments the colorful bands rather well. The cap felt seamless as well in the couple that I smoked for the review.
Burn/Draw:
The prelight draw feels just a tad tight but nothing else that sticks out as the cut was smooth and the cigar accepted the flame very easily. The initial puffs were very tight and while the cigar is burning well, it is taking a little bit of an effort to draw. However, this all changed after 5-10 minutes and the one thing that is very impressive is the razor sharp burn line. I did have some tar come through the head so I spaced out my puffs even longer than usual which easily remedied the problem. From the later half of the first third onwards, this cigar was a beauty to smoke with the ash holding well over an inch and the draws smooth .
Flavor/Aroma:
The prelight aroma of the E.P. Carrillo Short Run No. 4 Corona has a faint cedar note and the draw reminds me of applesauce with a bit of salt. Don’t know if the cigar caught me on a odd day but I certainly loved the prelight. The initial few puffs were of faint spice with leathery undertones mixed in with a pinch of salt. The first third continued but the overall flavor profile ramped up on the sweet spice and leather.
The second third is where I am truly beginning to enjoy this cigar. The E.P. Carrillo Short Run No. 4 Corona has a certain sweetness mixed in with the presence of salt. Combining this with the already existing flavor profile makes for a complex and delicious combo. As expected, I picked up medium amount of pepper through the retrohale. The final third continues in a perfect transition from the second part, displaying notes of leather and a subtle nutty flavor. Very nice.
Final Thoughts:
The E.P. Carrillo Short Run No. 4 is a unique cigar in it’s own rights. The flavor profile is enjoyable and something you’ll rarely find in other cigar brands. I am familiar enough with E.P. Carrillo to say that draw/tar issues are rare and if it weren’t for those small instances, this cigar can easily be a point or two higher. While the cigar didn’t truly come alive until the end of the first third, the blend was complex enough where I was focused on the Short Run. Considering the price point, I think this can certainly become fan favorite for those that enjoy E.P. Carillo cigars! Federal Cigar only has a few boxes left at the time this review was done, so let Rick know “Traveling Stogie” sent you!
Rating: 88
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