AshMap
Overview
The Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale occupies a rarefied position in the premium everyday cigar segment: it is uncommonly well-executed, refreshingly unpretentious, and priced in a way that invites discovery rather than deliberation. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's Inch line has earned a quiet reputation among those who understand that excellence need not demand a premium price tag, and the Natural No. 64 exemplifies this philosophy with remarkable consistency. The vitola itself—a 64-ring gauge Lonsdale—is unconventional enough to warrant attention from the curious, yet approachable enough that its technical merits never overshadow its primary purpose: delivering straightforward, unapologetic pleasure.
From light to finish, this cigar reads as a master class in restraint and balance. The opening reveals creamy cashew and toasted almonds anchored by fresh cedar, with the wide ring gauge ensuring an airy, voluminous draw that keeps the medium strength perfectly calibrated. As it develops, the smoke transitions into dry hay, mild leather, and baking spice—cinnamon and white pepper—while a honeyed sweetness threads through the mid-palate, never allowing the cigar to drift toward austerity. The construction, machine-bunched and hand-finished, proves remarkably consistent for a format that often challenges even premium manufacturers; the burn line remains even, the ash holds firm, and tunneling—the bugbear of large-gauge cigars—is entirely absent.
What sets the Inch Natural No. 64 apart is its refusal to apologize for accessibility. This is not a cigar engineered to impress through complexity or power; rather, it succeeds through honest craftsmanship and a wrapper of genuine quality. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade provides a silky, minimal-vein aesthetic with natural golden-hay hues, and that wrapper's sweetness persists from the first third through the clean, coffee-tinged finish. At sixty to seventy-five minutes, it commands neither excessive time nor impatience—the temporal sweet spot for a smoke that fits seamlessly into a morning ritual or early-afternoon interlude. In a segment crowded with marketing-driven offerings, the Inch Natural No. 64 stands as a quiet reminder that premium cigars need not be complicated to be worthy of a place in your humidor.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, aged |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic — EP Carrillo factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.0 x 64 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; specific duration not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with creamy cashew and toasted almonds atop a foundation of fresh cedar. Light white pepper registers on the retrohale, balanced by a subtle sweetness of cream and mild vanilla bean. The wide ring gauge delivers an airy, voluminous draw that keeps strength in check.
Second Third
Transitions into notes of dry hay, mild leather, and a touch of baking spice — cinnamon and white pepper. A honeyed sweetness threads through the mid-section, giving the cigar a pleasant roundness. Creaminess never fully departs, acting as a binding element across the palate.
Final Third
Finishes with deepening cedar, light roasted coffee, and a hint of toasted bread. The pepper becomes marginally more assertive, but never crosses into aggression. A clean, satisfying finish without harshness — the wrapper's natural sweetness holds to the final inch.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is commendably consistent for its ring gauge — the draw is open and effortless, producing dense, voluminous smoke. Burn line is even with a firm, light grey ash that holds well; no tunneling issues typical of large-gauge cigars.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Light to medium-bodied spirits shine here — a 12-year Scotch like Glenfiddich, a quality agricole rhum, or a craft wheat bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46
Wine
Viognier or a light Chardonnay with minimal oak; alternatively a Pinot Gris from Alsace to complement the natural sweetness
Non-Alcoholic
Medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee with natural sweetness, or a lightly steeped oolong tea
Who Should Smoke This?
The Inch Natural No. 64 is ideal for newer aficionados seeking a flavorful entry point without intimidating strength, as well as experienced smokers who value restraint and consistency over complexity. This is the cigar you reach for on a weekday morning or during a leisurely early afternoon—the 60–75 minute smoke time fits neatly between rushed schedules and extended contemplation. It appeals to those who appreciate Ecuadorian wrapper character without wanting a full-bodied commitment, and to anyone tired of overhyped boutique releases at inflated prices. Its generous ring gauge and cool burn make it equally suitable for leisurely porch sessions or as an introduction to premium tobacco for the curious newcomer.
Bottom Line
The Inch Natural No. 64 Lonsdale is among the most undervalued everyday premiums available—a masterfully balanced, flawlessly constructed cigar that delivers genuine satisfaction at a price point that feels like discovery rather than compromise. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has created something rare: an approachable cigar with nothing apologetic about its quality.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Inch by EP Carrillo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale a strong cigar?
No. The cigar registers as Medium (3/5) in strength, making it moderate and approachable. The exceptionally large 64-ring gauge contributes to an airy draw that keeps intensity in check, making this an excellent choice for those who prefer balanced, non-aggressive smokes.
What does the Inch Natural No. 64 taste like?
The cigar opens with creamy cashew and toasted almonds over fresh cedar, transitions into dry hay, mild leather, and baking spice with honeyed sweetness in the mid-section, and finishes with deepening cedar, roasted coffee, and toasted bread. White pepper and subtle vanilla bean appear throughout, while the natural sweetness of the Ecuadorian wrapper threads from start to finish.
How long does the Inch Natural No. 64 take to smoke?
Expect approximately 60–75 minutes, making it well-suited for morning or early afternoon enjoyment without demanding an extended time commitment.
What is the best pairing for the Inch Natural No. 64?
Light to medium-bodied spirits pair beautifully—try a 12-year Scotch like Glenfiddich, quality agricole rhum, or craft wheat bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46. Viognier, light Chardonnay, or Alsatian Pinot Gris complement the wrapper's natural sweetness. For non-alcoholic options, medium-roast Colombian coffee or lightly steeped oolong tea work exceptionally well.
Is the Inch Natural No. 64 good for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. The medium strength, balanced flavor profile, and approachable construction make this an excellent introduction to premium cigars. Experienced smokers will also find genuine pleasure in its consistent quality and refined restraint.
Where can I buy the Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64?
As part of the core Inch Natural lineup, this cigar should be available through authorized premium cigar retailers and online merchants specializing in EP Carrillo products. Availability may vary by region.
What is the price of the Inch Natural No. 64?
The retail price ranges from $12–$16 per cigar, positioning it as an exceptional value in the premium everyday category.
Is the Inch Natural No. 64 worth aging?
While specific aging duration prior to release is not publicly disclosed, the tobaccos are aged before rolling. The cigar is crafted to deliver satisfaction immediately upon purchase, though proper humidor storage will maintain its quality over time. It is not marketed as a candidate for extended cellaring.
What wrapper does the Inch Natural No. 64 use?
The cigar uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper in Natural color, displaying golden-hay to light caramel hues with silky texture and minimal veining. This wrapper contributes creamy sweetness that persists throughout the smoke.
Where is the Inch Natural No. 64 made?
The cigar is manufactured at the EP Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. Construction is machine-bunched and hand-finished, utilizing a Nicaraguan binder and aged Nicaraguan and Dominican long-filler tobaccos.