E.P. Carrillo Pledge Lonsdale Limitada – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

In 2022, E.P. Carrillo introduced the Pledge Lonsdale Limitada, a fresh addition to the acclaimed Pledge series, for PCA attendees. Sized at 6 1/2 x 43, this limited edition is presented in 20-count boxes, priced at $12.00 per cigar. The original Pledge earned a 91 rating from us, securing the #21 spot on our annual Top 25 list.

The Lonsdale Limitada features a new blend comprising a USA Broadleaf wrapper, Ecuadorian binder, and Nicaraguan filler. The creation of this blend was inspired by consumer feedback, highlighting a demand for a stronger, narrower cigar. With only 1,500 boxes produced, this potent offering was available for orders at the PCA tradeshow, and started shipping that September.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Lonsdale
Length: 6 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 43
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Habano
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza S.A.
Blender: E.P. Carrillo
Number of reviewers: 5 – John A. (Bostoneo) Randy B. (randobush) Quinn (quinnpins269) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Alan (Eulogy)
Price: $12.00
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: October 2022
Contributed by: Blind Man's Puff

Initial Impressions – E.P. Carrillo Pledge Lonsdale Limitada

Appearance: 92

“This cigar is presented in a sharply box pressed lonsdale format. The wrapper is dark chocolatey brown, and has lots of mottling, reminiscent of an old leather jacket. There are some prominent veins throughout the entire wrapper and the area near the cap has a pretty significant wrinkle.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Aroma: 92

“Aroma down the barrel reminds me of a slightly soiled pasture, that blossoms into a full on “a cow done def shit somewhere in this pasture, don't step in it!” aroma. Don't get me wrong here, to the tobacco enthusiast, this smells like heaven.” –Randy B. (randobush)”

First Third

Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“At first light, I discover a very satisfying draw that fills the mouth up with delicious smoke. The retro is just right, with a spicy cayenne sweetness zing, and baking spices, but smooth. The finish is long, lasting until the next draw, with notes of black coffee, charred oak, paprika, sweet cayenne (that rests on the tongue) black pepper, and baking spices. I detect some strength creeping in, and all indications so far, seems like this cigar is going to be a good ride!” –Randy B. (randobush)

“The first third of this cigar starts off with a sharp blast of black pepper and strong coffee or espresso flavors. As the cigar cooled the pepper remained, however the espresso transitioned into more of a leathery and earthy note. Through the nose, the smoke is sharp yet still enjoyable.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Second Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Coming into the second third, bitter charred wood notes stick around with a tad of cream and big black pepper notes for the finish. Unfortunately, the cigar went out at during the halfway point requiring a relight. The rough flavor profile continues to plague my mouth as it coats it with a sticky tar like flavor.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“The profile continued to be a very solid medium as I smoked through the second third. The strong black pepper has stayed at the front of the profile for this third. The smoke has started to have a nice creaminess to it with notes of gram cracker.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“By the final third, the retrohale has now become baking spices with a charred oak pepper zing dominant. It's really quite gritty and pleasing. In fact, if I were to name the cigar, I would call it “True Grit”. Hearty flavor all the way through. Charred oak and a white pepper and slight cayenne, rest on the young for a meduim-long finish.” –Randy B. (randobush)

“The final portion of this cigar has remained much the same as the middle portion with heavy oak and heavy earth flavors, and a predominant black pepper on the front end of the finish. One issue I've been having this last third is having to relight the cigar quite often. Not sure why but it goes out unexpectedly and often which is frustrating.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Impressions – E.P. Carrillo Pledge Lonsdale Limitada

Draw: 94

“Fantastic draw from start to finish. Never encountered any issues.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Burn: 85

“The burn was fantastic throughout, having only gone wonky slightly going into the second third, which quickly work itself out.” –Randy B. (randobush)

Construction: 93

“The wrapper was a little rough looking in a few spots. I feel that it was more due to the thicker wrapper coupled with being a box-press more than anything else. But it smoked great and held its form the whole review.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 91

“Well, this is definitely not a cigar I would smoke again… The cigar went out a few times on me during the session, a lack of complex flavors and a plethora of medium to full bodied charred wood, black pepper, and salted cream notes stuck around and this cigar never did tame down into something nice to smoke. Don't get me wrong, if you like this sort of profile, go for it, however I personally prefer something more elegant, which is easily obtainable at an inexpensive price point. The appearance of the cigar's box press seemed hastily or poorly done as well since the wrapper was bunched up in multiple corners and on some of the faces of near the foot of the cigar, where it was sometimes uneven. Based on this single sample, it is a pass for me in the future if these are the consistent attributes.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“This cigar was right in my wheelhouse for when I am in the mood for a flavor packed, hearty smoke. The draw, burn, construction, flavors, all top notch. I'd smoke again!!! Very satisfying!” –Randy B. (randobush)

“This cigar had a solid start but really fell off at the end. I'm hoping my sample was an anomaly as this size is one of my favorites, and I'm a sucker for fuller bodied sticks. I'm interested in seeing the reveal so I can track down another one to try. The initial flavors grabbed my attention and had me getting excited… then things just went downhill and I almost couldn't wait for it to end. I'll hold off on making a recommendation until I try another.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Medium to medium-plus at times. I felt it was a very well balanced cigar, that offered a very nice smoking experience. I always look forward to smoking a lonsdale and this was no exception. The profile of pepper, baking spice and woody notes are what I would consider my wheelhouse. I would not hesitate to reach for this cigar again.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 74

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E.P. Carrillo Pledge Lonsdale Limitada – Blind Cigar Review