E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel

The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel is a box-pressed Robusto measuring 5" × 50, hand-crafted at Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic. It features a dark, oily US-grown Connecticut Habano wrapper over an Ecuadorian binder and aged Nicaraguan fillers — a combination that delivers a rich, bold and remarkably complex smoke with exceptional construction, a smooth draw and an even burn. Crowned Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year in 2020 with a 98-point rating — one of the highest scores the magazine has ever awarded — the Pledge stands as a testament to Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s masterful blending and uncompromising dedication to quality.

Related reading: how a premium cigar is rolled, aged and boxed

About E.P. Carrillo

E.P. Carrillo is the signature brand of legendary master blender Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, one of the pivotal figures in modern cigar history. With roots in pre-revolution Cuba and decades of expertise honed in Miami and the Dominican Republic, the Carrillo family has built a reputation for innovation, quality and artistry. Since launching E.P. Carrillo in 2009, the brand has earned a remarkable run of accolades — multiple “Cigar of the Year” titles and a consistent stream of 90+ ratings. Every cigar reflects Ernesto’s commitment to tradition, meticulous blending and a passion for nuanced, memorable smoking experiences.

Tasting Notes of the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel

A bold, dense, medium-to-full box-press of real complexity.

- Initial Third: Bold spicy oak, liquorice, black cherry and black pepper, over baking spices, dark chocolate and a touch of espresso; a subtle baked-apple-and-molasses sweetness emerges, balanced by earth and leather.

- Middle Third: Pepper and spice mellow to let coffee, cocoa and creamy cedar come forward, with hickory, nougat and ripe stone fruit; aromatic botanicals and a touch of caramel sweetness linger.

- Final Third: Intensifies with charred wood, leather and a resurgence of black pepper; lingering sweetness, earth and a hint of burnt wood round out a robust, satisfying finish.

- Aroma: A bouquet of cocoa, cedar, earth and dark fruit, with a creamy, slightly spicy character and a touch of nuttiness.

- Mouthfeel: Dense and creamy with a velvet-like texture and a smooth draw; the box press enhances the burn and flavour delivery.

Sourced through TOR Imports, the UK distributor of E.P. Carrillo cigars — your assurance that these cigars reached the UK through the authorised channel and arrived in optimum condition.

Free UK delivery for purchases over £50.

Discover more award-winning E.P. Carrillo cigars: Allegiance Confidant | Encore Majestic

Fun Facts About the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel

The Pledge earned a 98-point rating on its way to Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year in 2020 — one of the highest scores the magazine has ever awarded, and a rare feat that cements its place among the modern greats.

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo is one of very few blenders to have won Cigar Aficionado’s #1 spot more than once — the Pledge in 2020 followed the Encore in 2018, an extraordinary back-catalogue of top honours.

The wrapper is a US-grown Connecticut Habano — Connecticut is more famous for pale, mild shade wrappers, so using a dark, oily Habano-seed leaf grown there is a distinctive, bolder choice that helps define the Pledge’s rich character.

FAQ About the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel

Why is the Pledge so highly rated?
It scored 98 points and was named Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year in 2020 — among the highest scores the magazine has given — praised for its bold complexity and flawless construction.

Is it a strong cigar?
It is medium-to-full-bodied and bold — rich, spicy and complex — while remaining smooth and beautifully balanced thanks to Carrillo’s blending.

How does it differ from the Encore?
Both are Carrillo #1 Cigar of the Year winners. The Pledge (2020) is the bolder, darker cigar with a US Connecticut Habano wrapper; the Encore (2018) is a lighter-wrapped Nicaraguan puro. The Pledge is the more powerful of the two.

Where are your E.P. Carrillo cigars sourced from?
Through TOR Imports, the UK distributor.