Following right on the heels of my first impressions video for the EP Carrillo Short Run 2012, this week I’m reviewing the EP Carrillo Edición Limitada 2011, also know as the “Dark Rituals.” Having not yet tried them myself, but based on very strong recommendations from everyone I spoke with, I picked up a full box of the Dark Rituals at the recent EP Carrillo event hosted by W. Curtis Draper in Bethesda. I had the pleasure of meeting Ernesto Carrillo himself, along with his son, Ernie, in person and was honored to have both of them autograph my box. Ernesto’s daughter, Lissette, was also involved in the development of the Dark Rituals, as she devised the name (presumably in reference to the dark wrapper & complex flavors) and is the one who actually owns the trademark.
EP Carrillo Edición Limitada 2011 “Dark Rituals” by the numbers:
Size: 6.5×56
Wrapper: Oscuro Maduro
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza in Santiago, DR
No. smoked for review: 4
Duration: 90 minutes
Source: purchased by the reviewer from W. Curtis Draper in Bethesda, MD
MSRP: $15.00
Website: www.epcarrillo.com
Twitter: @EPCarrillo
Last year’s EPC Edición Limitada was such a hit that the exact same blend was used for the new Elencos line. How will the 2011 limited edition stack up? Let’s go to the video to find out:
(Video length: 11:37)
Soundtrack: “Dollheads” by Ivan Chew (courtesy of ccMixter.org)
The first few Dark Rituals that I smoked really didn’t wow me. I could tell that they were objectively good cigars, but I think there was just something in the flavor profile that didn’t do it for me. This was one of the reasons why it took me so long to get this video review filmed — I had a feeling I was missing something and didn’t want to short change a great cigar. The last few sticks that I pulled out of the box were truly fantastic, and I’m glad I took my time with this assessment. The flavors are deep, rich, complex and satisfying, while the terrific construction and burn are exactly what you’d expect from EP Carrillo. It’s a good thing I listened to the folks at Draper’s who encouraged me to pick up a full box without even trying one, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the remaining cigars develop with a little age.
About Charlie:
Charlie has been enjoying cigars since 2000 and generally prefers a medium-bodied, full-flavored smoke. A USAF vet, he is currently pursuing a PhD in computer science, focusing on artificial intelligence and computational linguistics. Originally from Connecticut and now residing in Delaware, Charlie is also a fan of football, science fiction, political philosophy, and single malt scotch. You can contact Charlie on Twitter @greenbacker
Nice review, Charlie. Sounds like a great smoke.
I’m wondering if you’re planning to review those Maldonado Dynasty’s you won from Daniel?
Yes, the Maldonados are definitely in the review queue.
Hey Charlie, really enjoying your reviews and consistency. No problems for us with the background noise. Barley noticeable.
regards
Great Reivew Charlie. I’m a big EP fan I haven’t gotten a chance to Try the Dark Ritual it looks like a great stick. That box looks awesome as well pretty great Pkg. Hope you had a great Christmas. Look forward to your top 10
Thank you for the review and your honesty on the initial cigars smoked. I have to admitt I am not a huge EPC fan. The cigars have been a little bland for me. Maybe this one will change my opinion. Thanx to your review I will give this stick a try.
Hmmm.. I’m a diehard EPC fan. The 2009 Inaugural as well as the 2010 (and Elencos reboot) are 2 of my favorite cigars ever. But I’m worried here.. maduro sticks aren’t my favorite wrapper and while I can enjoy them, I’m hesitant to think I’ll love it. Couple that with the comments about a few sticks of your box not wowing you. Makes me nervous to plunk down the $15.00 EACH in fear that I may get a stinker. Guess there’s only one way to find out! 🙂
Nice review Charlie. I purchased a box after trying 2 of these cigars. I think these might be my favorite of the Limited Edition series so far.
Yea I sprung the 15$ for one on the grounds that it’s exclusive and limited. As far as EPc goes, this one is bottom of the list for me. I hate to say it but I am also not a big maduro guy so I wasn’t surprised when I didn’t enjoy it. The EPc core maduro was another dud for me too- but I can’t deny his good cigars are great! Just wasn’t impressed by this one- but I only had one – if I had more to compare who knows- but at 15$ I couldn’t justify it with holidays and gifts being bought and all. Still, nice review, and stoked for your box being signed that’s really cool
I’m afraid I’ll feel the same way. I think I want the box more than he cigar!
Hot Damn! Dropping a box worth of dough on a cigar that you never smoked – and $15 a piece to boot… You are one lucky man Charlie. I am jealous. This sounds like an awesome cigar to squirel away for a little while and let those flavors get to know each other.
Thanks for the review!
I was surprised to see these boxes being made at General’s box factory in October before any information about the release was available. I enjoyed your review but at $15 a piece I don’t see myself grabbing one to try anytime soon. Happy New Year and best of luck with you future endeavors!
Good sound and visual. At my B&M they are $18. This is a cigar for a special occasion, like for my birthday. thanks for the review.
Another great review Charlier, i have one question for you. I just ordered a box because of this review you have me pumped to try this stick. The question at hand, what would you pair this smoke spirit wise with??? Keep up the great work love this site.
I’d probably pair it with something on the lighter side. The flavor are delicate & subtle, and might get overwhelmed by a powerful scotch, etc.
So here is another question for you then, what would you pair with a nice glass of johnny walker blue?
Hope I can butt in…in my experience with JWB, the few times I’ve had it, I’ve paired it with a Ashton Heritage. The pairing really compliments each other instead of competing. Just my 2 cents…
Lol come on you are “The Great Torpedo” your 2 cents is always welcome my friend. I thank you for adding your 2 cents. I shall try this pairing out asap ;), thanks jerry and you can see how fast charlie got back to me lol j/k. Keep up the great work guys.