AshMap
Overview
In the mid-2010s, the premium cigar world was divided over the exploding popularity of large-ring-gauge vitolas. Many purists dismissed anything over a 54 ring gauge as a gimmick—a one-dimensional smoke that sacrificed nuance for sheer volume. Ernesto Carrillo, a figure whose family name is etched into the history of modern cigar making, saw an opportunity to challenge that assumption. With the EP Carrillo Short Run 2013 Sixty, he set out to prove that a 6 x 60 cigar could deliver the same complexity, balance, and intellectual honesty as any classic corona or robusto. The result remains a benchmark for skeptics and a quiet triumph for the large-ring format. This cigar is not a permanent addition to the Carrillo portfolio—it was a limited Short Run release introduced in 2013, produced in modest quantities and packaged in boxes of 20. It was never intended to be an everyday staple, but rather a deliberate statement of craft and intent. The Sixty is hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic at the La Romana Cigars S.A. factory, a facility known for meticulous construction and consistency. The blend draws on Nicaraguan long-fillers sourced from the Jalapa and Estelí valleys, aged a minimum of three years before rolling, and bound with a Nicaraguan Habano leaf. The wrapper varies: some lots feature an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade natural, while others wear a Nicaraguan Habano in a Colorado shade—medium brown with a subtle sheen and light tooth. The vitola itself is a Giant or Gordito, measuring 6.0 inches with a 60-ring gauge, and it is presented as a round, unbox-pressed cigar. From the first draw, the Sixty signals its intentions with a creamy cedar note underpinned by roasted almond and white pepper on the retrohale. The wide ring gauge produces a cool, voluminous draw that allows the aged Nicaraguan filler to express a gentle earthiness and mild baking spice. The second third deepens into dark caramel, leather, and a refined cocoa, with pepper softening and a note of dark raisin emerging to add complexity. The final third tightens into espresso, charred oak, and a lingering black pepper finish—dense but still smooth, with a satisfying sweetness at the nub. Construction is exemplary: an effortless draw, an even burn line, and a firm ash that holds well past an inch. The Sixty demands time—90 to 110 minutes—and rewards those who give it. It remains a cigar worth seeking out for its role in proving that a 60-ring-gauge vitola can be refined, balanced, and thoroughly engaging.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade (Natural) — some releases feature Nicaraguan Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Habano |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-fillers from Jalapa and Estelí valleys, aged a minimum of three years |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic — La Romana Cigars S.A. factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Giant / Gordito |
| Size | 6.0 x 60 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling; Short Run releases are not intended for long cellaring but bene |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The first third opens with a pronounced creamy cedar note underscored by roasted almond and white pepper on the retrohale. The wide ring gauge delivers a cool, voluminous draw that allows the Nicaraguan filler to express a gentle earthiness alongside mild baking spice.
Second Third
The midpoint transitions into a richer medium-full profile with dark caramel, leather, and a refined cocoa note emerging on the palate. The pepper softens but remains present in the background, and a secondary note of dried fruit — specifically dark raisin — adds complexity.
Final Third
The final third tightens the flavor considerably, with espresso, charred oak, and a lingering black pepper finish dominating. The smoke becomes denser but stays relatively smooth given the strength, with a satisfying sweetness on the tongue at the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is excellent — EP Carrillo's La Romana factory is renowned for consistency, and the Sixty delivers an effortless draw with just the right resistance. The burn line is even with a firm, tight ash that holds well past an inch; the large ring gauge keeps the smoke temperature cooler than smaller vitolas of equivalent length.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12 Year or a mid-shelf Kentucky bourbon like Four Roses Single Barrel — the caramel and vanilla oak notes complement the cigar's cocoa and leather midpalate beautifully.
Wine
A fruit-forward Malbec from Mendoza (Zuccardi Valle de Uco or Catena Zapata) mirrors the dark fruit notes in the second third without overwhelming the tobacco.
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a dark roast Colombian single-origin pour-over — the coffee's bitterness harmonizes with the cocoa and charred oak notes in the final third.
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is for the experienced aficionado who never bought into the idea that a big ring gauge must deliver a blunt, one-dimensional smoke. It rewards a deliberate, contemplative pace and suits a relaxed weekend afternoon or evening session when you can commit 90 to 110 minutes without interruption. The medium-full strength and layered complexity make it less appropriate for a novice, though a confident intermediate smoker with some palate development will find much to appreciate. This is not an everyday workhorse; it is a cigar for a special occasion or a quiet moment of reflection—a benchmark vitola that belongs in the humidor of anyone who values nuance over novelty.
Bottom Line
The EP Carrillo Short Run 2013 Sixty is a masterclass in large-ring-gauge composition—proof that a 60-ring cigar can be nuanced, elegant, and intellectually satisfying. It is a limited-release benchmark that belongs in the collection of any discerning aficionado who appreciates when a master blender challenges the status quo.
Similar Cigars
Explore all EP Carrillo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EP Carrillo Short Run Sixty a strong cigar?
It is classified as medium-full, with a strength rating of 4 out of 5. The nicotine presence is noticeable but balanced, and the wide ring gauge keeps the smoke cool, which tempers any harshness. It is not overwhelming, but it is firm enough to command respect from experienced smokers.
What does EP Carrillo Short Run Sixty taste like?
The flavor profile evolves across three distinct thirds. It opens with creamy cedar, roasted almond, and white pepper. The middle third introduces dark caramel, leather, cocoa, and a hint of dark raisin. The final third tightens into espresso, charred oak, and a lingering black pepper finish, with a pleasant sweetness at the nub.
How long does EP Carrillo Short Run Sixty take to smoke?
Given its 6 x 60 format, expect a smoking time of 90 to 110 minutes. The wide ring gauge delivers a cool, voluminous draw, but the cigar requires a relaxed pace to fully appreciate its nuanced development.
What is the best pairing for EP Carrillo Short Run Sixty?
An aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12 Year or a mid-shelf Kentucky bourbon like Four Roses Single Barrel complements the caramel, cocoa, and leather notes. A fruit-forward Malbec from Mendoza mirrors the dark fruit in the second third. For a non-alcoholic option, a double espresso or dark roast Colombian pour-over harmonizes with the cocoa and charred oak in the final third.
Is EP Carrillo Short Run Sixty good for beginners?
Not ideally. This is a medium-full, complex cigar that demands a developed palate and a significant time commitment of 90 to 110 minutes. A beginner may find the strength and layered profile challenging. It is better suited to experienced or intermediate smokers looking for a nuanced large-ring experience.
Where can I buy EP Carrillo Short Run Sixty?
As a limited Short Run release from 2013, it is no longer in regular production. Remaining stock may be found at premium brick-and-mortar cigar retailers, online auction houses, or through private collectors. Availability is scarce, so diligent searching is required.
What is the price of EP Carrillo Short Run Sixty?
The retail price when available ranges from $12 to $18 per cigar. Due to its limited production and collector interest, secondary market prices may vary and could exceed this range.
Is EP Carrillo Short Run Sixty worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, and the Short Run series is not intended for long-term cellaring. While well-constructed cigars can improve with some additional rest, the manufacturer does not recommend extended aging, as the blend is already at its intended peak. Short-term storage in a stable environment is fine, but do not expect it to transform over many years.
What wrapper does EP Carrillo Short Run Sixty use?
Two wrapper variants exist for this release. Some batches use an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade natural wrapper, while others use a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade—medium brown with a subtle natural sheen and a lightly toothy texture.
Where is EP Carrillo Short Run Sixty made?
It is hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic at the La Romana Cigars S.A. factory in Villa González. This facility is known for its rigorous quality control and consistency, and it is where EP Carrillo produces many of its premium lines.