AshMap
Overview
The EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III is a masterclass in balanced Maduro blending—a cigar that earns its place among the most sophisticated offerings in the premium category. Released in 2016 as part of the La Historia line, this Toro was conceived by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo as a tribute to his Cuban heritage and the legacy of his father, a pioneering figure in the cigar industry. While the original La Historia was wrapped in a classic Natural leaf, the Maduro expression emerged as a darker, richer companion, one that demonstrates Perez-Carrillo’s deep understanding of how to harness the complexity of an Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper without falling into the one-dimensional sweetness that plagues many Maduros. Instead, this cigar presents a layered, evolving bouquet that reveals itself methodically over the course of a deliberate, unhurried smoke. At 6.0 inches with a 52-ring gauge, the E-III vitola is a classic Toro—a format that provides ample surface area for the wrapper to shine while delivering a structured, balanced draw. The wrapper itself is a Colorado Maduro, deep dark brown with reddish undertones, with a lightly oily, silky texture that hints at the extended fermentation it has undergone. The binder is Nicaraguan from the Jalapa region, while the filler is a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-leaf tobaccos, each aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling. The construction is executed at EP Carrillo’s La Alianza factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic, and it is exemplary: the triple cap is precisely applied, the cold draw delivers notes of dark chocolate and dried fig, and the burn is almost ruler-straight, producing a firm, salt-and-pepper ash that holds one to two inches with ease. The first third opens with rich cocoa powder, espresso cream, and toasted cedar, underpinned by a subtle sweet earth, while the retrohale introduces white pepper and cinnamon. As the cigar transitions into the second third, the sweetness deepens into dark cherry compote and molasses, set against leather and roasted coffee bean, with a creamy texture that coats the palate. Black pepper builds on the retrohale but remains balanced, never aggressive. The final third intensifies with dark roast espresso, bittersweet dark chocolate, and a pleasing earthiness reminiscent of rich topsoil and dried tobacco leaf. A caramelized sweetness lingers through the finish, and the strength—rated at 4 out of 5, or medium-full—ticks upward but never crosses into harshness. The finish is long, complex, and deeply satisfying. La Historia Maduro is, simply put, Perez-Carrillo firing on all cylinders. It is a cigar that avoids the traps of its genre, offering sophistication and nuance rather than brute force or simple sweetness. It remains, in the eyes of many aficionados, frankly underrated and underpriced for the experience it delivers—a serious smoke for serious smokers who demand complexity, elegance, and a narrative in every puff.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-leaf tobaccos, aged minimum three years |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic — EP Carrillo's La Alianza factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling; the Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper undergoes extended ferment |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dark chocolate and dried fig — unmistakably sweet and inviting. Upon lighting, the first third delivers rich cocoa powder, espresso cream, and toasted cedar with a subtle underpinning of sweet earth. Retrohale reveals white pepper and light cinnamon spice.
Second Third
The sweetness from the Maduro wrapper deepens into dark cherry compote and molasses as the cigar transitions. Leather and roasted coffee bean emerge prominently, with a creamy texture developing on the palate. Black pepper builds on the retrohale without ever becoming aggressive, balancing beautifully against the sweetness.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with dark roast espresso, bittersweet dark chocolate, and a pleasing earthiness reminiscent of rich topsoil and dried tobacco leaf. A caramelized sweetness lingers through the finish, and the strength ticks upward but never crosses into harshness. The finish is long, complex, and satisfying.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — La Historia Maduro draws with minimal resistance, burns with a nearly ruler-straight line, and produces a firm, salt-and-pepper ash that holds one to two inches with ease. EP Carrillo's La Alianza factory consistently delivers flawless hand-rolling here.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically a Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Zacapa 23 — whose caramel and vanilla notes echo the Maduro sweetness; alternatively a single malt Scotch from Speyside (Glenfarclas 15) for its dried fruit and sherry character
Wine
A California Zinfandel or Amarone della Valpolicella — both bring the dark fruit, body, and richness to stand up to the full complexity of the blend without overpowering it
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or cold brew concentrate with a touch of dark chocolate — amplifies the cocoa and roasted coffee notes in the second third perfectly
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is designed for the experienced smoker who appreciates nuance, depth, and a deliberate pace. The EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III is not a casual, quick grab; it rewards those who can dedicate 90 minutes to a ritual of focused attention. It will appeal most to aficionados who have moved beyond entry-level Maduros and seek a blend that offers layered complexity—sweetness that evolves, spice that builds, and a finish that lingers without succumbing to one-dimensional richness. It is an ideal choice for an unhurried afternoon on the patio or an evening session with a fine spirit, and it pairs beautifully with aged rum or a sherried Speyside Scotch. Beginners may find the medium-full strength and 90-minute commitment challenging, but seasoned smokers will recognize this as a benchmark expression of the modern Maduro genre—one that honors tradition while pushing the blending craft forward.
Bottom Line
The EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III is a triumph of balanced Maduro blending—complex, refined, and deeply satisfying. It belongs in the rotation of any serious aficionado who values sophistication over sheer power. At its price point, it is an undeniable value in the premium tier.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III a strong cigar?
It is rated medium-full on our strength scale (4 out of 5), meaning it offers a noticeable nicotine presence without overwhelming the palate. The strength builds gradually through the final third but never becomes harsh or aggressive, making it accessible to experienced smokers and a good step-up for those moving beyond medium-bodied cigars.
What does EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III taste like?
The flavor profile is layered and evolving. The first third presents rich cocoa powder, espresso cream, and toasted cedar with a subtle sweet earth. The second third deepens with dark cherry compote, molasses, leather, and roasted coffee bean, with black pepper emerging on the retrohale. The final third intensifies with dark roast espresso, bittersweet dark chocolate, and earthy notes of rich topsoil and dried tobacco leaf, finishing with a lingering caramelized sweetness.
How long does EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III take to smoke?
This is a 90-minute smoke when enjoyed at a deliberate, unhurried pace. Its construction and burn are exemplary, so rushing it would diminish the experience. We recommend setting aside a full session without interruptions to fully appreciate its complexity.
What is the best pairing for EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III?
Aged rum is an exceptional choice—Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Zacapa 23, with their caramel and vanilla notes, echo the Maduro sweetness beautifully. For Scotch drinkers, a Speyside single malt such as Glenfarclas 15 with its dried fruit and sherry character is ideal. Wine enthusiasts should consider a California Zinfandel or Amarone della Valpolicella for their dark fruit and body. For a non-alcoholic option, a double espresso or cold brew concentrate with a touch of dark chocolate amplifies the cocoa and roasted coffee notes in the second third.
Is EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III good for beginners?
We would recommend this cigar primarily for experienced smokers. Its medium-full strength, layered complexity, and 90-minute smoking time may be challenging for those new to cigars. Beginners are better served starting with milder, shorter smokes before progressing to a cigar of this sophistication and commitment.
Where can I buy EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III?
The EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III is available at premium cigar retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. We recommend checking with authorized EP Carrillo dealers or trusted online platforms that specialize in high-end cigars. Availability may vary by market, so verify stock with your preferred retailer.
What is the price of EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III?
The price ranges from $18 to $24 per cigar, placing it in the premium tier. Given the quality of the tobaccos, the aging process, and the expert construction from La Alianza factory, many aficionados consider it an excellent value at this price point.
Is EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III worth aging?
The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, and the wrapper undergoes extended fermentation, so the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. That said, additional aging of 1–3 years in a stable, 65–70% humidity environment may further integrate the flavors and soften any remaining edges. It is not necessary but can be rewarding for those who enjoy cellaring.
What wrapper does EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper in a Colorado Maduro shade. The wrapper is deeply dark brown with reddish undertones, lightly oily, and silky to the touch—a result of extended fermentation that contributes to its complex sweetness and refined character.
Where is EP Carrillo La Historia Maduro E-III made?
It is hand-rolled at EP Carrillo's La Alianza factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. The factory is known for exceptional construction standards, and this cigar is a testament to their craftsmanship, with a flawless triple cap, straight burn, and firm ash.