Pledge — Heritage & History

Pledge is a brand launched by E.P. Carrillo, one of the most decorated families in the premium cigar industry. Released in 2019 at the IPCPR trade show, Pledge quickly earned critical acclaim, including being named Cigar of the Year by multiple publications. The brand is produced at Tabacalera Córdoba y Morales in Danlí, Honduras, alongside other E.P. Carrillo lines. Its name—Pledge—reflects a commitment to consistency, quality, and the family’s legacy. The blend was developed by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr., who drew on decades of experience to create a cigar that honors tradition while pushing boundaries. Pledge uses a distinctive Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that underwent a unique fermentation process, a detail the Carrillo family has shared publicly. While the exact timeline of the blend’s development remains proprietary, the brand’s rapid rise in prestige is well-documented. It represents a bold statement from a family that has shaped modern cigar culture, and it has become a benchmark for medium-to-full-bodied smoking experiences.

Blending Philosophy

Pledge embodies E.P. Carrillo’s blending philosophy of balance, complexity, and the pursuit of a singular, memorable smoking experience. The brand is built around a carefully selected Ecuadorian Habano wrapper—fermented with an extended, proprietary technique—over Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. This approach prioritizes depth over brute strength, aiming for a layered profile that evolves across each third. Distinctively, Pledge does not rely on multiple wrappers or gimmicks; instead, it focuses on a single, refined blend that speaks for itself. The Carrillo family’s insistence on using a single factory and meticulous fermentation protocols sets Pledge apart in a market often crowded with variations. The result is a cigar that is consistent, sophisticated, and unmistakably Honduran-Nicaraguan in character—a pledge of quality in every stick.

Flavor Profile

Across its range, Pledge is defined by a core of rich, earthy notes layered with cocoa, black pepper, and a subtle sweetness often described as molasses or dried fruit. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper imparts a distinct cedar and leather backbone, while the Nicaraguan fillers contribute a zesty, mineral-driven finish. Medium to medium-full in body, the profile is never harsh—even at its strongest—thanks to the extended fermentation of the wrapper. Darker wrappers like the Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro offer deeper notes of espresso and dark chocolate, while the Connecticut Shade and Natural Toro provide a softer, creamier expression with hints of nuts and toast. Common to all vitolas is a lingering, peppery finale and a smooth, balanced draw that rewards slow, deliberate smoking.

Best for Beginners

For newcomers, the Natural Toro (Mild-Medium, $10–$15) is an ideal introduction. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper delivers a creamy, mild-to-medium body with notes of toast, cedar, and a gentle sweetness. The Toro format offers a generous 45–60 minute smoke that showcases Pledge’s signature balance without overwhelming the palate. It’s approachable, forgiving, and a perfect gateway to the brand’s fuller-bodied offerings.

Pledge Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Pledge cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Belicoso — Belicoso, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Churchill — Churchill, Medium-Full · $12–$18 per cigar
  • Corona — Corona, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Gran Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Lancero — Lancero, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Natural Toro — Toro, Mild-Medium · $10–$15 per cigar
  • Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Pledge cigars made?

Pledge cigars are primarily produced at the Tabacalera Córdoba y Morales factory in Danlí, Honduras. Some sources also indicate production at the El Buen Sabor factory (HATSA) in the same region.

What is Pledge known for?

Pledge is known for its award-winning blend and its distinctive Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, which undergoes an extended, proprietary fermentation process. It has been named Cigar of the Year by several major publications shortly after its launch.

Are Pledge cigars strong?

Not excessively. Most vitolas are medium to medium-full in strength. The brand emphasizes balance and complexity rather than raw power. The Natural Toro is a Mild-Medium option, while others like the Belicoso or Robusto offer fuller body without being harsh.

What is the best Pledge cigar for beginners?

The Natural Toro, with its Connecticut Shade wrapper and mild-to-medium profile, is the most beginner-friendly. It offers creamy, approachable flavors and a smooth draw.

How much do Pledge cigars cost?

Pledge cigars range from approximately $8 to $18 per cigar, depending on the vitola. Petit Corona is the most affordable ($8–$12), while Belicoso, Lancero, and Lonsdale sit at the higher end ($14–$18).

What wrapper does Pledge use?

Pledge primarily uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that undergoes a unique, extended fermentation process. The brand also offers variants with Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade and Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrappers, and some releases use Nicaraguan Habano.

Are Pledge cigars Cuban?

No. Pledge is a non-Cuban brand produced in Honduras. It is made by E.P. Carrillo, a family-owned company founded by Cuban-American cigar maker Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. The tobacco is sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic.

Where can I buy Pledge cigars?

Pledge cigars are available at authorized premium cigar retailers across the United States and internationally. Online vendors such as Famous Smoke Shop, Cigars International, and Small Batch Cigar also stock them. Check the E.P. Carrillo website for a store locator.