The E.P. Carrillo Ascend takes its name from the idea of a gradual climb, and the three vitolas (Saddle at 5 x 50, Ridge at 6 x 52, and Peak at 6 1/4 x 58) follow that theme. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo built this line around an Ecuadorian habano wrapper with a reddish tone and a slight oil sheen, backed by an Estelí binder and Nicaraguan fillers. Everything rolls out of Casa Carrillo's facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where quality control stays tight.
Flavor: The first third leads with cedar and toasted almond, plus a touch of white pepper when you retrohale. The middle section brings out the habano wrapper's personality with dried fruit and a touch of sweetness that tempers the spice. The final third shifts to leather and earth, finishing clean with good definition. The burn stays even, and smoke production holds steady from start to finish.
Pairings: A cold pilsner cuts through the spice nicely, or reach for a sweeter bourbon like Maker's Mark to match the dried fruit and almond notes. On the food side, roasted pork or grilled vegetables play well with the cedar and earthier tones that show up in the last third.
The Ascend lands in the medium to medium-full range, so it works for a weekday smoke when you want something with depth but not overwhelming strength. It handles well whether you're working through the smaller Saddle or taking your time with the larger Peak.
- Strength:
- Medium-Full
- Wrapper:
- Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder:
- Nicaraguan Estelí
- Filler:
- Nicaraguan
