AshMap
Overview
The EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo is a study in controlled darkness—a cigar that wears its San Andrés wrapper like a tailored overcoat, promising storm but delivering a measured, elegant tempest. From the first cold draw, there's a quiet confidence: the dark cocoa and dried fig are not shouted but whispered, with a barnyard funk that grounds the sweetness in something real, something terrestrial. This is not a cigar that needs to announce itself; it knows what it is, and it knows you'll come back for the second act.
Lighting the foot is like turning a key in a well-oiled lock. The first third unfolds with a pronounced espresso shot and dark chocolate that coats the palate in a rich, almost viscous layer. A subtle cedar plank runs beneath, while sweet cream lifts the profile just enough to keep it from sinking into heaviness. The pepper is there—present, measured—but it's a grounding wire, not a fireworks display. This is a cigar that respects its own pacing, and the smoker who rushes it will miss the quiet shifts happening beneath the surface.
By the second third, the narrative deepens. Leather emerges like a well-worn chair, and dark cherry adds a fruit-forward counterpoint to the cocoa backbone. A roasted almond or hazelnut quality weaves through the draw, lending a savory nuttiness that keeps the sweetness honest. The retrohale is where the cigar reveals its elegance: white pepper dances with a faint floral note, a surprising delicacy that lifts the smoke from brutish to refined. This is the moment the New Wave Maduro separates itself from the pack—it's not just dark; it's nuanced, layered, and quietly complex.
The final third is a crescendo of molasses and charred oak, with espresso grounds grounding the sweetness in a bitter-sweet harmony. The strength builds to a confident medium-full, but the finish remains remarkably clean, a welcome persistence of sweetness that never tips into harshness. The San Andrés wrapper's signature earthiness and chocolate fully express themselves through the nub, leaving a lasting impression of a cigar that has told its story without a single wasted word. This is Ernesto Carrillo's mastery of the leaf—a blend that punches far above its price point, offering genuine depth without the prestige tax. It's a cigar for the aficionado who knows that true value isn't about the label; it's about the smoke.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Mexican San Andrés Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-filler tobaccos, aged minimum two years |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling; additional box rest recommended post-purchase |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dark cocoa, dried fig, and a whisper of barnyard earthiness that signals the San Andrés wrapper immediately. Light-off delivers a pronounced espresso and dark chocolate base with a subtle undercurrent of cedar and sweet cream. Pepper is present but measured, grounding the sweetness without dominating.
Second Third
The profile deepens considerably as leather and dark cherry emerge alongside the cocoa backbone. A pleasant nuttiness — roasted almond or hazelnut — weaves through the draw, adding complexity. The retrohale opens up white pepper and a faint floral note that keeps the smoke elegant rather than brutish.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with rich dark molasses, charred oak, and espresso grounds. A welcome sweetness persists on the finish, preventing the smoke from turning harsh. Strength builds to a confident medium-full, with the San Andrés wrapper's signature earthiness and chocolate fully expressing themselves through the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is excellent by EP Carrillo factory standards — the draw is open yet with appropriate resistance, producing thick, creamy smoke. The burn line holds true across the length with a firm, salt-and-pepper ash that holds one to one-and-a-half inches before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum with natural sweetness — Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva — mirrors the molasses and dark fruit notes beautifully; alternatively a wheated bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46 complements the chocolate and vanilla tones
Wine
A full-bodied Malbec from Mendoza (Catena Zapata or Achaval Ferrer) or a Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley — the dark fruit, chocolate, and leather in the cigar echo through these wines naturally
Non-Alcoholic
Cold brew concentrate or a single-origin Ethiopian pour-over with natural blueberry and cocoa tasting notes; alternatively a strong Assam black tea with a touch of honey
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel—a seasoned enthusiast who's been smoking for a decade, has a humidor full of Padróns and Fuentes, but lately feels a creeping fatigue with the same old names. It's a Thursday evening, and he's just wrapped a long week of client calls. He wants something that will hold his attention without demanding a ritual. He pours a glass of Ron Zacapa 23, settles into his leather chair, and reaches for the New Wave Maduro Torpedo. He's heard the whispers about this blend—how it's the sleeper in Carrillo's lineup—and he's ready to see if the hype holds. What he gets is a 90-minute conversation with a cigar that rewards his patience, offering layers of dark fruit, leather, and espresso that shift with each third. It's not a showstopper; it's a quiet companion that reminds him why he fell in love with the leaf in the first place. By the nub, he's already planning to buy a box—not for the collection, but for the nights when he needs a smoke that feels like a handshake from an old friend.
Bottom Line
The EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo is a masterclass in balance—dark, rich, and complex without ever veering into heaviness. It delivers a premium experience at a price that feels almost unfair to the competition. If you've overlooked this line, you're not just missing a good cigar; you're missing one of the best values in the maduro category.
Similar Cigars
Explore all EP Carrillo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo a strong cigar?
It's rated Medium-Full (4/5), meaning it has a noticeable nicotine kick that builds through the final third, but it never overwhelms. You'll feel a warm, satisfying buzz by the nub, but it's not a nicotine bomb—more of a steady, confident presence that suits an evening smoke.
What does EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo taste like?
The profile opens with espresso, dark chocolate, cedar, and sweet cream, then deepens into leather, dark cherry, roasted almond, and a hint of white pepper on the retrohale. The final third brings molasses, charred oak, and espresso grounds, with a persistent sweetness on the finish.
How long does EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo take to smoke?
As a Torpedo measuring 6.0 x 52, expect a 90-minute smoke if you pace yourself at a moderate draw. The tapered head concentrates the flavors, so it's worth taking your time to enjoy the evolution.
What is the best pairing for EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo?
Aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is ideal—the natural sweetness of the rum mirrors the molasses and dark fruit notes, while the oak and vanilla in the spirit complement the cigar's chocolate and leather. If you prefer bourbon, a wheated option like Maker's Mark 46 works beautifully.
Is EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo good for beginners?
Not really—it's Medium-Full in strength and priced at $12–$16 per cigar, which is a significant investment for someone still exploring. Beginners might find the nicotine buildup and the intensity of the San Andrés wrapper challenging. Better to start with milder, more affordable options before stepping up to this one.
Where can I buy EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo?
You can find it at well-stocked brick-and-mortar cigar shops, especially those with a good premium selection, or online from reputable retailers like Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, or Atlantic Cigar. It's also worth checking EP Carrillo's official website for a list of authorized dealers.
What is the price of EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo?
It typically retails between $12 and $16 per cigar, depending on your location and the retailer. That puts it in the premium tier, but it offers value that rivals many cigars costing twice as much.
Is EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo worth aging?
Yes—the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years before rolling, but additional box rest will soften the pepper and allow the San Andrés wrapper's earthiness to integrate more deeply with the Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. Six months to a year of humidor time will round out the edges and enhance the sweetness.
What wrapper does EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo use?
It uses a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper—a deep espresso-brown leaf with an oily sheen. This wrapper is known for its earthy, chocolatey character and a natural sweetness that provides the cigar's dark, rich foundation.
Where is EP Carrillo New Wave Maduro Torpedo made?
It's hand-rolled at EP Carrillo's La Alianza factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. The factory is known for its meticulous construction standards, which is why the draw and burn are consistently excellent.