AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet rebellion in smoking a 64-ring-gauge Lonsdale. It defies the slender canon of the format, yet Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's Inch Natural No. 64 is not a stunt; it is a thesis on how to make a fat cigar taste delicate. From the first cold draw, the sheer volume of air moving through the massive bore pulls in a scent of sweet hay and almond paste, promising a session that is less about nicotine heft and more about aromatic density. This is a cigar that understands its own physics—the wide ring cools the smoke, slows the combustion, and turns what could be a clumsy monolith into a vessel for the wrapper's gentle, golden character.
The opening third unfolds like a morning in a woodshop where someone is baking. The primary note is a creamy cashew butter that coats the tongue, immediately followed by a dry, toasted almond skin sensation. Fresh cedar, not the aggressive, spicy kind but the clean shaving of a new pencil, forms the structural spine. Retrohales introduce a fine white pepper that tingles rather than bites, while a whisper of vanilla bean sweetness—reminiscent of the scraped pod, not the extract—keeps the profile from veering into savory territory. The draw is astonishingly airy for a 64-ring; it feels like sipping warm milk through a straw, producing clouds of soft, voluminous smoke that obscure the palate with flavor rather than heat.
As the ash holds its firm, light-grey column past the first inch, the narrative shifts into a pastoral middle movement. The cashew cream recedes, replaced by the dry, sun-baked character of hay and a supple, worn leather note that is more about texture than taste. A gentle baking spice emerges—cinnamon with a faint dusting of white pepper—that interplays with a honeyed sweetness, which now threads through every puff like a golden filament. This is where the blend's Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers reveal their maturity; there is no raw earth or harsh bite, only a round, integrated toastiness. The creaminess never vanishes; it acts as the bass note, holding the cedar, spice, and honey in a cohesive, almost buttery suspension.
The final third tightens the focus without losing composure. The cedar deepens into a richer, more resinous oak, while a light roasted coffee note—think the clean finish of a pour-over, not a dark espresso—joins the fray. A toasted brioche character emerges, adding a comforting, yeasty weight. The white pepper becomes marginally more assertive on the retrohale, a final reminder of the blend's backbone, but it never crosses into aggression. The wrapper's inherent natural sweetness persists to the very last inch, leaving a clean, satisfying conclusion with no harshness or ammonia. It is a masterclass in restraint, proving that a cigar can be substantial in format yet elegant in execution, a reliable companion that asks for nothing more than a leisurely hour and a half of your attention.
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?
You are a seasoned smoker who has spent the last decade chasing limited-edition monsters, but this Tuesday morning, you have a stack of paperwork, a fresh pot of Colombian coffee, and no desire for a nicotine ambush. You want a cigar that will sit with you, not fight you—something with enough structure to hold your interest but a temperament that won't punish you for answering emails. You already appreciate the subtlety of an Ashton VSG or the creaminess of a Sobremesa Brulee, but you are tired of paying $20+ for the privilege. This Inch Natural is for the moment you want to feel the craftsmanship of a master blender without the ceremony of a special occasion. It will give you a cool, slow-burning hour and a half of cashew cream and honeyed cedar, a reliable, flavorful backdrop that makes the mundane feel deliberate.
Bottom Line
The Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale is a triumph of engineering and blend philosophy, delivering a cool, sweet, and remarkably nuanced smoke that defies its bulky format. It is the everyday cigar that purists should forgive and newcomers should seek out—a benchmark for approachable quality at a fair price.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Inch by EP Carrillo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means you will feel a pleasant, mild warmth and a slight cerebral buzz, but no nicotine-induced queasiness or palate fatigue. The large ring gauge actually cools the smoke and dilutes the nicotine delivery, making it feel even milder than the blend's potential suggests.
What does Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale taste like?
The flavor arc moves from a creamy cashew and toasted almond opening with fresh cedar and vanilla bean, into a second third of dry hay, mild leather, cinnamon, and a honeyed sweetness. The finale deepens into roasted coffee, toasted bread, and a more assertive cedar, all while maintaining a clean, sweet finish.
How long does Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale take to smoke?
Given its 6.0 x 64 Lonsdale vitola, you should budget for a leisurely 60 to 75 minutes. The wide ring gauge promotes a slow, cool burn, so do not expect a quick smoke; this is a session cigar for a relaxed morning or early afternoon.
What is the best pairing for Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale?
A 12-year-old Speyside Scotch like Glenfiddich is ideal, as its light, apple and pear notes will echo the cigar's honeyed sweetness without overwhelming the delicate Connecticut Shade wrapper. Alternatively, a medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee with natural sweetness will complement the toasted nut and cedar profile perfectly.
Is Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale good for beginners?
Yes, with a caveat. Its Medium strength and creamy, non-aggressive flavor profile make it highly accessible, but the $12–$16 price point and 60+ minute smoking time are a commitment. It is an excellent choice for a newer smoker ready to move past budget sticks and experience a masterful, smooth blend, provided they have the time to enjoy it.
Where can I buy Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale?
This is a core line cigar, so it is widely available at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists and major online cigar retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, or Atlantic Cigar. Check your local shop's humidor first, as this is a staple that most reputable dealers will stock.
What is the price of Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale?
The Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale typically retails for between $12 and $16 per cigar. This places it in the 'Everyday' premium tier, offering a high-quality smoking experience without the ultra-premium price tag of limited releases.
Is Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale worth aging?
While the tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, this cigar is blended for immediate enjoyment. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is delicate and will lose some of its vibrant sweetness with extended humidor time. We recommend smoking it within the first year or two of purchase to capture its intended creamy, honeyed profile; it will not improve significantly with long-term aging.
What wrapper does Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which is a golden-hued leaf known for its silky texture and minimal veining. This wrapper is the primary source of the cigar's signature creaminess, subtle vanilla sweetness, and mild white pepper, providing a delicate counterpoint to the stronger Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers.
Where is Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Lonsdale made?
It is crafted at the EP Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. The production is machine-bunched and hand-finished, a method that ensures a consistent, open draw—a critical factor for a cigar with a massive 64-ring gauge—while still benefiting from the hand-finishing that guarantees a flawless burn and construction.