The EP Carrillo TAA 2023 toro is a 6x52 box pressed cigar made in the Tabacalera La Alianza in a free trade zone in Santiago, Dominican Republic, now known as Casa Carrillo. The cigar has an Ecuadorian Colorado wrapper with Nicaraguan and Dominican filler and USA binder. This limited release cigar was made for the TAA, which is the Tobacconists’ Association of America. The TAA is a group of 80 retailers, and 40 manufacturers, that are the top tobacconists in America.
First impressions: The (likely) Connecticut region binder is apparent pretty early on as this cigar is creamy but is not strong in flavor. There are subtle hints of nuttiness, creaminess, and a bit of underlying coffee flavor.
Halfway through: This cigar packs no punch, which is a big miss for me. The cigar still has some sweetness, and nuttiness, but not much more. This is a very average smoke, and I wouldn’t hesitate to call it a "yard-gar". There’s not much to have to pay attention to in terms of flavor profile, and it is an unremarkable smoke.
The final third: The cigar has stayed consistent and has a very good burn line and stayed lit, That’s definitely a big plus for the construction of the cigar. However, the muted flavors and lack of strength left me wishing I picked a different cigar.
Overall: This cigar was a major disappointment for me coming from EP Carrillo. It is not a terrible smoke, but seems undeserving of a limited-edition TAA release. Muted flavors, and very low strength, are the best ways to describe the EP Carrillo TAA 2023 cigar.
Pass or Smoke? Pass.
