Country: Dominican Republic
Binder: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Length: 5 3/8 x 52
Body: Medium
Price: $13
Rating: A
Released in 2009 the EPC Edición Inaugural 2009 is just that, the first cigar released by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo under his new family-owned brand. Like many I was first attracted to Mr. Carrillo's blends created for General Cigars, especially the La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Miami released in 2008, and looked forward to sampling his new creation.
This is not only an inaugural edition cigar for the EPC family, but also a limited edition. I understand that the Ecuadorian wrapper for this cigar was limited in quantity, and perhaps not available again until 2012, and total production was limited to 150,000 cigars. I have smoked 14 EPC Edición Inaugural 2009's and found the overall quality consistently high from appearance to construction to flavor and aroma.
Presentation and Packaging
The presentation quality of the EPC Edición Inaugural 2009 is first-rate. There is a genuine wow factor when you open the box for the first time! It makes you wonder whether the cigars themselves will live up to the marketing package. The decision to limit the cigars to 10 per box makes a box purchase much more affordable for cigar smokers on a budget. The EPC Edición Inaugural 2009 is dressed in two attractive bands which are easily removed.
Prelight Observations
The EPC Edición Inaugural 2009 has an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper medium brown in color with a nice oily sheen and minimal veins. The feel of the cigar is solid, no soft spots, and appropriate weight. The cap is applied with precision and easily removed. The cold draw has the right amount of resistance and the foot smells of barnyard, not quite as strong as the organic fertilizer I use on the yard, but in that direction.
Smoking Characteristics
Using a soft flame lighter my experience with the Edición Inaugural 2009 is that it takes approximately 90 seconds to light. Lit properly this cigar will burn evenly to the nub. I also noticed on the first few samples that the wrapper leaf is slightly fragile and will develop cracks if you use a torch lighter. The cigar burns evenly with a burn line that is minimally jagged. The draw indeed has the right amount of resistance evidencing a well-packed filler resulting in a cool burn right down to the nub. The ash is light gray and solid holding up to an inch and a half.
In terms of flavor, the Edición Inaugural 2009 has some complexity though not as much as some other cigars in the price range. Upon lighting I noticed some spice and a flavor that reminded me of oats. It has a creamy texture on the tongue and throat. Just prior to the halfway point the one major shift in taste is the addition of citrus notes on the finish, which really seals the deal for me. It is the aroma, however, which really fulfills this cigar's promise of a super-premium smoking experience: it is toasty, nutty, and luxurious. This cigar needs to be experienced indoors to fully appreciate its character.
The Edición Inaugural 2009 is billed a medium body smoke. I would classify it as just to the left of medium. It is an excellent smoke for early in the day especially considering the fact that you typically sacrifice flavor and aroma when smoking medium to mild cigars. Definitely not in this case!
Smoking Hints
I did come across two minor issues which the smoker will want to keep in mind. First, although the label can be removed cleanly, be sure to remove it carefully. On the first two or three that I sampled removing the label included removing a small patch of the wrapper. This can be avoided though by removing the label with care. Second, smoking this cigar too quickly or lighting it with a torch lighter may make it burn too hot resulting in wrapper splitting. Again, use a soft flame lighter or matches and go at a slow, leisurely pace.
Overall Impression
The Edición Inaugural 2009 is a first-class, top shelf cigar. It is absolutely worthy of its beautiful packaging and its price. I have been smoking one of these a month for several months now and always look forward to spending an afternoon with it.
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