E P Carrillo Medalla D Oro

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican
Lonsdale: 6 1/2 x 44
Price: $87.50 (Box of 10)

The Medalla D’Oro is based on the E.P. Carrillo NWC Short Run 2012 blend, but contains extra ligero. It was made available in one size – a lonsdale. It contains the banding of the Short Run 2012 as well. However, the most striking feature is the gold foil on the upper part of the cigar. This pays homage to the iconic packaging of the famed Cuban Bolivar Gold Medal. The packaging looks striking with the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and the EPC banding.

As striking as the packaging is, the E.P. Carrillo Medalla D’Oro smokes even better. I detected notes of pepper, berry sweetness, wood, cinnamon, and cream. There is great synergy with these flavors – and there is an outstanding finish on this cigar. The flavors start out medium-bodied. They increase to medium to full in the second half and even become full-bodied at the very end. The strength starts out medium and increases to medium to full in the second half. Perhaps the most interesting quality was the lonsdale. This is what I term a “perfect storm” scenario with a cigar blend – namely the right blend for the right size.