The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel is a special offering from E.P. Carrillo that falls within the Pledge line, which is one of the brand's most acclaimed and sought-after series. The Pledge line was developed by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo and is recognized for its rich flavor profile and exceptional construction. The Prequel is a smaller, yet highly refined version of the cigars in the Pledge family, offering a shorter smoking experience while maintaining the same level of quality and complexity.

The E.P. Carrillo Pledge series has gained a great deal of attention, especially after being named the #1 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado in 2020. With the Prequel vitola, the cigar is designed to deliver a full experience in a smaller package, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy rich flavors but have less time to smoke.

Flavor Profile:

The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel offers a dynamic and engaging flavor profile, with a focus on delivering a rich, complex experience in a smaller format. Here’s a breakdown of the flavor journey:

• Spicy and Peppery Opening:
  The cigar opens with a bold burst of black pepper and a touch of spice, which is characteristic of the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The initial puffs are vibrant, with a sharpness that cuts through, making for a satisfying and flavorful start.

• Earthy and Woody Core:
  As the cigar progresses, the spice begins to mellow out, and the focus shifts toward more earthy and woody flavors. Expect a combination of cedar, oak, and earth, which forms the backbone of the cigar's flavor profile. These deeper, richer notes add balance to the bold opening flavors and give the cigar a smoothness as you continue to smoke.

• Cremy and Nutty Undertones:
  As the cigar develops, you'll notice creamy nutty notes of almond and hazelnut, providing a comforting, smoother texture to the smoke. These softer flavors combine with the earlier earthy notes, enhancing the cigar’s complexity and adding a touch of sweetness to the profile.

• Rich Cocoa and Coffee Finish:
  The Pledge Prequel finishes with a satisfying mix of dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint of vanilla sweetness. These flavors provide a long, rich finish that lingers on the palate. The cocoa and coffee notes are especially pronounced in the final third, giving the cigar a delicious, smooth, and satisfying conclusion.

Why Choose the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel?

1. Rich and Complex Flavor Profile:
   Despite its smaller size, the Pledge Prequel delivers a full-flavored experience. The cigar evolves from bold and spicy to earthy, creamy, and sweet, with the cocoa and coffee finish providing a rich conclusion. The complexity in such a compact cigar is impressive and makes for a dynamic smoke.

2. Perfect for Shorter Smoking Sessions:
   The Prequel is the ideal choice for cigar enthusiasts who are pressed for time but still want to enjoy a high-quality, complex cigar. It offers a full experience in a shorter format, allowing you to enjoy the signature E.P. Carrillo Pledge flavors without committing to a longer smoke.

3. Award-Winning Blend:
   The Pledge series is highly regarded in the cigar world, having been named Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year in 2020. By choosing the Prequel, you're getting a taste of the same award-winning blend, but in a smaller, more convenient size.

4. Excellent Craftsmanship:
   Like all E.P. Carrillo cigars, the Pledge Prequel is made with impeccable craftsmanship. The draw is smooth, the burn is even, and the construction is flawless. Every E.P. Carrillo cigar is known for its attention to detail, and the Prequel is no exception.

5. Versatile Pairing Options:
   The cigar pairs beautifully with a range of beverages. It complements bourbon, dark rum, and coffee particularly well. The rich cocoa, coffee, and nutty flavors make it a versatile choice for pairing with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Construction and Draw:

The Pledge Prequel has the signature construction that E.P. Carrillo is known for: a smooth, easy draw, an even burn, and solid ash. The cigar provides a satisfying smoking experience with no construction issues. The smaller size doesn’t sacrifice any of the richness or performance you’d expect from a full-size cigar in the Pledge line.

Conclusion:

The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel is a medium to full-bodied cigar that delivers a complex, rich, and rewarding experience in a shorter format. From its spicy and peppery start to the creamy and nutty mid-section and the chocolate and coffee finish, the Prequel provides a balanced, dynamic smoke that will appeal to both novice and experienced smokers.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, complex cigar that you can enjoy in a shorter period of time, the Pledge Prequel is an excellent choice. Its rich flavor profile, combined with its impeccable construction, makes it one of the best compact cigars in the E.P. Carrillo lineup.

Have you had the chance to try the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel? It’s definitely a standout in the world of premium cigars.