Initial Thoughts
The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel is a super-dark cigar that looks like it's been smushed, if not fully box-pressed. The first thing you'll likely notice when you pick up one of these cigars is its amazingly beautiful label. The white, gold, and two-tone blue colors are fantastic.
The EPC Pledge features a dark and marbled United States Connecticut Habano wrapper leaf. Once lit, the Pledge gifted me with tons of rich, billowy smoke, and the flavors had undertones of the EPC signature sauce.
On the palate, the flavors were a little spicy, but not overwhelming. I also got hints of leather.
CigarScore:
Brand: E.P. Carrillo
Line: Pledge
Size: 5 x 50
Cut: Guillotine
Light: Torch
Price: $13.75 – Adventure Club
Wrapper: United States Connecticut Habano
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua
Smoke Time: 64 minutes
Strength: •••••
Final Thoughts
The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel is a good cigar that's just not for me. After smoking both this Prequel Robusto and the Apogee gordo, I think the Apogee has better flavors.
That said, the draw was great, the burn was great, and the overall construction was fantastic. Objectively, everything about the EPC Pledge was great. Regarding the flavors, the Pledge is a rich, oily cigar with hints of sourness. The nicotine levels weren't terribly high.
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While I didn't love the flavors, this cigar was objectively perfect. Try one before you buy a whole box, or at least smoke through this EP Carrillo Trilogy sampler to see what the brand has to offer. The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel earns a CigarScore 5.
