AshMap
Overview
The EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime represents a deliberate and masterful departure from Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's celebrated Nicaraguan-forward portfolio. Launched in 2014 as the New Wave series, this Connecticut Shade expression proves that craft and nuance need not depend on power or intensity. Hand-rolled at the prestigious La Zona factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic, the Sublime combines a silky Connecticut River Valley wrapper in natural claro with aged Nicaraguan and Dominican long-leaf fillers, creating a cigar that rewards contemplation without demanding it.
From the cold draw through the final third, the Sublime maintains a masterclass in restraint and balance. The opening delivers cream, toasted almonds, and white pepper—a gentle introduction that neither whispers nor announces, but rather invites. The middle chapters deepen modestly, introducing roasted cashew and mild leather while the Connecticut wrapper's signature creaminess anchors every transition. By the final third, a delicate spice emerges from the filler tobaccos, balanced against toasted oak and dry cedar, finishing clean and medium-dry without ever veering toward harshness.
Construction is exemplary. The burn line cuts sharp and self-corrects; the draw offers ideal resistance; the ash holds firm in pale grey columns. At ninety minutes, the Sublime is neither a quick interlude nor a protracted commitment—it is precisely calibrated for a late morning, a Sunday paper, or the opening act of a contemplative afternoon. This is Perez-Carrillo's statement that Connecticut Shade, in the right hands, is not a stepping stone to "real" cigars, but a destination unto itself.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Shade — USA, Connecticut River Valley — Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-leaf tobaccos, aged |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic — EP Carrillo factory (La Zona) |
| Vitola / Shape | Sublime |
| Size | 6.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged prior to rolling; no extended post-rolling aging beyond standard rest |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with cream, toasted almonds, and light hay. Upon lighting, the first third delivers a smooth creaminess anchored by white pepper on the retrohale, with notes of sweet cedar and a gentle graham cracker sweetness that coats the palate without any harshness.
Second Third
Complexity builds modestly as the smoke transitions into notes of roasted cashew, mild leather, and a whisper of floral honey. The Connecticut wrapper's hallmark creaminess remains the dominant thread, with subtle earth tones emerging from the Nicaraguan binder.
Final Third
The final third introduces a slight uptick in body — gentle spice from the Nicaraguan filler becomes more apparent alongside toasted oak and dry cedar. Sweetness recedes gracefully, finishing clean and medium-dry with lingering cream and light wood on the palate. Never harsh, never hot.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is characteristic of EP Carrillo's La Zona factory — excellent. The draw is effortless with ideal resistance, the burn line is razor-sharp and self-correcting, and the ash holds firm in dense, pale grey columns through at least the first inch and a half.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Light-bodied Scotch such as Glenkinchie 12 or an aged rhum agricole like Clément VSOP; avoid heavily peated or full-bodied spirits that will overwhelm the blend
Wine
White Burgundy (Puligny-Montrachet) or a lightly oaked Viognier; alternatively a Blanc de Blancs Champagne to echo the cigar's creamy, toasty register
Non-Alcoholic
Medium-roast single-origin Ethiopian pour-over or a lightly sweetened cold brew with oat milk — complement the cream and nut notes without contrast aggression
Who Should Smoke This?
The EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime is for the experienced palate seeking refinement without aggression. This is not a beginner's introduction to cigars, but rather a cigar for the intermediate to advanced smoker who values nuance, complexity, and balance over sheer intensity. It suits the morning or early-afternoon smoker with ninety minutes to spare—ideal before brunch, with the Sunday papers, or as a contemplative solo smoke. Those who appreciate Connecticut Shade's natural elegance and cream-forward profile, or who seek a departure from heavier blends without sacrificing craft, will find this Sublime exceptionally rewarding.
Bottom Line
The EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime is a refined, expertly balanced expression that elevates Connecticut Shade to its highest register. This is not restraint for restraint's sake—it is the work of a master blender proving that elegance and craft are inseparable.
Similar Cigars
Explore all EP Carrillo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime a strong cigar?
No. The Sublime is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) in strength, making it a gentle and approachable smoke that prioritizes flavor nuance and balance over intensity. The construction and aged tobaccos ensure smoothness throughout.
What does the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime taste like?
The first third opens with cream, toasted almonds, and light hay with white pepper on the retrohale. The second third introduces roasted cashew, mild leather, and floral honey while the Connecticut wrapper's creaminess dominates. The final third adds gentle spice, toasted oak, and dry cedar, finishing clean and medium-dry with lingering cream and light wood.
How long does the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime take to smoke?
Approximately ninety minutes, making it ideal for a late-morning or early-afternoon smoke without requiring a major time commitment.
What is the best pairing for the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime?
Light-bodied Scotch such as Glenkinchie 12, aged rhum agricole like Clément VSOP, White Burgundy, or Blanc de Blancs Champagne complement the cigar's creamy and toasty character. Medium-roast pour-over coffee or cold brew with oat milk work beautifully for non-alcoholic pairings.
Is the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime good for beginners?
While mild in strength, this is not marketed as a beginner cigar. It is a refined, nuanced smoke best appreciated by intermediate to advanced palates who value complexity and balance over straightforward flavor profiles.
Where can I buy the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime?
The EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime is available through authorized premium cigar retailers. Consult AshMap's retailer directory or contact local tobacconists who specialize in hand-rolled Dominican cigars.
What is the price of the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime?
The Sublime retails between $12 and $16 per cigar, positioning it in the accessible premium segment. Cigars are sold in boxes of 20.
Is the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, and the cigar receives standard rest before distribution. Extended post-rolling aging is not necessary to enjoy the blend, though cellaring in proper conditions will not harm it.
What wrapper does the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime use?
The Sublime features a Connecticut Shade wrapper sourced from the Connecticut River Valley, USA. The wrapper is claro in shade with a natural claro color—a pale golden straw with a silky smooth texture and subtle satin sheen.
Where is the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Sublime made?
The cigar is hand-rolled at the EP Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic, specifically at La Zona—the brand's premier production facility known for exemplary construction and quality control.