A mighty inch

Many years ago another tobacco company ran an entire campaign about a silly millimeter longer.  Now, it’s an inch.  But the inch here does not refer to length, but rather to width.  E.P. Carrillo, godfather of the wide cigar is at it again.  And these cigars are called inch, named after their size.  Over the past few years there has been a trend towards larger ring gauge cigars, mostly as a result of consumer demand.  And that trend continues as is evidenced by this line extension and others of similar size.

When you first look at this stick, you notice its heft.  It is an awesome, in the classical sense, cigar.  The band is beautiful as well.  It is intended to replicate an old time carpenters ruler.  And it does so perfectly.  My cigar was with the natural wrapper, supple and veiny.  When I approach a cigar of this size I always think about how to clip the end.  I used a wide punch and then dry drwe the cigar to insure that it was going to light easily.  It was easy to light and presented no problems at all.

There is a lot of tobacco rolled in an inch and I was concerned that the draw would be difficult.  I had no problems during the entire 2+ hour smoke.  It burned evenly, holding a nice crisp edge.  The ash, grey and white speckled, stayed long and even.  When you get a well made cigar from Ernie Carrillo you are not surprised, because he is always making great sticks.  But at this size there are challenges.  Carrillo is true to form an overcomes whatever obstacle this size monster has given him.

I found the flavor profile to be complex.  It started off with hints of pepper and spice, but as I got to the second third, it seemed to ease into a more earthy and woodsy cigar.  I would rate the cigar as a heavier medium bodied or ‘lunch’ cigar.  The final 40 minutes were again a bit spicier.  I enjoyed the taste and felt it was a nice offering.

At $10, it’s not inexpensive.  But then again, you’re getting two and a half hours of smoking pleasure.  That makes for a nice value.  I am a fan of large ring cigars and I enjoyed this stick.  I’m sure it will find a place in every nice humidor.