E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 Robusto – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

E.P. Carrillo's Short Run Series used to be a yearly highlight from 2010 to 2016, then between 2017 and 2020, the series took a hiatus. However, in 2021, the series made a comeback, though it did so with less of the typical fanfare that usually accompanies new E.P. Carrillo releases. Last year, E.P. Carrillo wanted to evolve the narrative of their Short Run series with the launch of the E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023. Notably, this annual limited edition departs from its Dominican roots, being produced for the first time in another factory, specifically the Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co factory in Honduras.

The blend features a Habano seed Ecuadorian wrapper, with a Nicaraguan binder and a mix of Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers. This combination promises a compelling flavor profile. The 2023 edition upholds the series' reputation for unique, one-of-a-kind blends that leverage rare tobaccos to tell distinct stories. Available in three sizes – Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 52), and Gordo (6 x 60), priced at $10.75, $11.75, and $12.75 respectively – the Short Run 2023 is offered in boxes of 24. The production is limited to 1,250 boxes each for the Robusto and Toro, and 625 boxes for the Gordo.

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, the force behind this blend, shared his excitement over using Copan tobacco from Honduras, a first in over two decades. This collaboration with Oscar Valladares and his team represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Oscar Valladares himself, honored to work with Don Ernesto, emphasizes the importance of the Copan tobacco, a key part of their history and one of his personal favorites.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua
Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co.
Blender: E.P. Carrillo
Number of reviewers: 4 – Jessica (Stogie Sister) Sean F. (fullermaine) Chris M. (Chris) Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Price: $10.75
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: August 2023
Contributed by: E.P. Carrillo

Initial Impressions – E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 Robusto

Appearance: 95

“This robusto sports a slightly mottled, oily, medium brown wrapper. Pretty obvious tan veins stretch down the length of the cigar, though they are all fairly small. No lumps or bumps, with a consistent feeling pack. The end cap is an easy-to-read double.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Aroma: 96

“There is a light fruity scent off of the cigar's foot, along with a nice cedar note on the wrapper.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

First Third

Flavor: 94
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“This cigar starts off with a mix of cedar and molasses cookie up top. There is also a light orange peel and mixed pepper spice adding some complexity. Creeping up on an inch, I start to get a bit of leather as well.” –Chris M. (Chris)

“Notes of sweet cinnamon coming through this portion of the cigar.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Second Third

Flavor: 95
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Second third brought about more flavors to the profile. I now get bread, cedar, hay with a light creamy coffee toward the middle of the cigar. Retrohale adds complexity with citrus and more cedar.” –Jessica (Stogie Sister)

“The second third retains its solid woody flavor, with a hint of baking spices, mainly nutmeg.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Final Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“In the last third, the cigar is really starting to find a fuller body profile with coffee, pepper, cream, cedar, hay, and a hint of bread. At the very end of the cigar the pepper leaves and is replaced by leather.” –Jessica (Stogie Sister)

“The cedar and leather are back up, and matching the molasses cookie. The orange peel is back, but the sweet floral notes didn't disappear. Coffee is on the draw and finish now. The pepper mix and cinnamon gain some oomph, though they still sit at the back. Spice does pick up a bit creeping up on the nub, but never hits harder than a mild tingle.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Overall Impressions – E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 Robusto

Draw: 98

“Perfect draw, a hint of resistance.” –Jessica (Stogie Sister)

Burn: 99

“Aside from a very occasional bit of wave, this had a razor-sharp burn line to the nub.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Construction: 99

“This was a great-looking cigar that needed no attention all the way to the nub. Excellent smoke output from start to finish.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Overall Strength: Mild-Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 95

“The cigar was smooth and light, but not at all bitter. Picking up in complexity as I progressed through the thirds was a nice surprise. Finally, plentiful smoke and a perfect burn created an enjoyable experience.” –Jessica (Stogie Sister)

“Another cigar I didn't want to end. A very simple and pleasurable cigar. Notes of cedar, peanut, toast, cinnamon, and earth. Perfection from start to finish. Great draw and burn. This cigar is a must-have for your humidor.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“I was intrigued before I even lit this one up. It's a beautiful-looking cigar with a very strong and appealing aroma. I'm quite happy to report that the smoking experience lived up to my initial impression. I'd label this as a well-balanced dessert stick, sweet, but not heavy. I would be delighted to smoke this blend again. I'm looking forward to finding out what this was.” –Chris M. (Chris)

“In general, this cigar was consistently enjoyable and a quick smoke. It took me under an hour to finish, and I didn't tire of the lack of transition. The flavor was solid with a pleasant oak wood taste, with occasional hints of fruit and nutmeg for a slight variation. Although there were minor burn issues, and the draw was too open for my liking, this wasn't a bad cigar overall. At the right price point, I would smoke it again.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 70

To view the complete scores and notes, click here

E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 Robusto – Blind Cigar Review