E.P. Carrillo came out with the New Wave Connecticut back in 2011. It was made with the goal of creating a milder cigar at a lower price point. The underwent a refresh back in 2016 along with many of the company’s other lines getting new packaging and bands.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
“This 6×52 beauty comes wrapped in a medium tan/milk chocolate-colored wrapper, topped off with a lovely triple cap. The foot is open at the bottom. Nice and firm roll, but not too packed. Nearly invisible seams, minimal veins, and slightly bumpy roll, but not too bad!” –Randy B. (randobush)
Aroma: 90
“A surprising milk chocolate scent off of the foot with a very musky wrapper smell.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Flavor: 91 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The cold draw is great with an oak/milk chocolate nougat taste. Fresh off the light is sweet cedar, caramel hardy candy (think Werther’s) cocoa powder, and creamy baking spice. Retro is very pleasing, with a caramel cream that leaves you with that joy of the smell of your first cup of hot morning coffee. Med-Long finish, there’s a little savory trinity coming in now as well.” –Randy B. (randobush)
“This cigar lit up with seemingly all of the flavors–lightly roasted coffee, leather, kitchen spices, and oak. It eventually settled in with a creamy leather flavor providing the main component. There were also some kitchen spices coming and going, smoked paprika and cumin were most noticeable.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Second Third
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“Following the bark notes the second third moved into a root flavor tea with a hint of pine.” –Jake P. (Jake P.)
“Silky, oily, salted butter feel on the lips and palate to begin the second third. Heavy creamy savory milk chocolate nougat, and a bit of sweet paprika. That savory note is like sucking on a piece of nice and charred pork chop fat! Strength is building. Incredibly chewy smoke output is delightful.” –Randy B. (randobush)
“The final third was a play of everything this cigar had brought along previously. Woods, leather, earthy spices, even an occasional taste of honey. It was a fun playtime for my palate.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“Pepper kicked it up more, a nice spicy lick to the face.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
“With a straight cut, the draw was a bit on the firm side, but it’s not bad.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Burn: 91
“Had to relight a few times and the ash was falling off fairly easy.” –Jake P. (Jake P.)
Construction: 91
“Other than a draw a bit on the firm side, I had no quarrels with the construction.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full Experience Overall: 88
“Loved the strength and spice, sometimes you just need a good peppery stick to get you motivated.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
“The few flavor notes I was able to get while fighting the construction issues were good. Cedar, caramel, and leather are all flavors I normally enjoy in a cigar and I plan on giving this one another shot once I see what it is. Handmade cigars are just that and sometimes you just get unlucky.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“I might say this cigar wasn’t exactly in my wheelhouse when it comes to the flavor profile, but I also found it enjoyable. This was a solid cigar and it put on a good performance for my tastebuds. I could easily enjoy this one again.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“I felt like this was pretty much one dimensional. Earth flavors across the board. If that is in your wheelhouse this would be for you. My experience was hindered a little with the relight and ash issues.” –Jake P. (Jake P.)
“I really enjoyed this cigar. Really good for either a morning first smoke, or an after-dinner smoke.” –Randy B. (randobush)
Blind Cigar Review: E.P. Carrillo | New Wave Connecticut Divinos
Summary
"I might say this cigar wasn't exactly in my wheelhouse when it comes to the flavor profile, but I also found it enjoyable. This was a solid cigar and it put on a good performance for my tastebuds. I could easily enjoy this one again." -Isaac M. (The Nothing)
