AshMap
Overview
The Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Robusto stands as a masterclass in value-driven craftsmanship—a cigar that proves premium doesn't require premium pricing. Conceived by master blender Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. around 2011–2012, the Inch line was built on a singular philosophy: deliver the construction rigor and flavor complexity of EPC's flagship expressions at a price point that invites daily rotation rather than special-occasion reverence. The Natural No. 64 exemplifies this vision. Hand-rolled and box-pressed at the Villa González factory in the Dominican Republic, this 4.5 x 64 robusto opens with a creamy, toasty profile anchored by roasted almonds and fresh-baked bread, with a whisper of floral elegance from its Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. The blend deepens through the second third into honeyed creaminess, layered with white pepper, toasted oak, and a mild grassy sweetness—complexity that unfolds without aggression, a testament to the precision of the box-press construction and the pre-aged filler and binder tobaccos.
What makes the Inch Natural remarkable isn't merely its flavor trajectory, but the absence of compromise at its price tier. The draw remains effortlessly smooth across the entire 45–55 minute experience, while the burn line holds with admirable consistency, laying down a firm, light-grey ash that demonstrates factory discipline. The 64-ring gauge on a robusto length yields a cooler, more refined smoke than larger-ring-gauge cigars typically deliver—a nuance that separates this from mainstream everyday offerings. The finish arrives with warm baking spice, vanilla bean, and lingering toasted nuts, never ticking into harshness despite a modest strength increase toward the final third. This is the cigar you reach for on a Tuesday afternoon, not because you're settling, but because you're being intelligent about pleasure.
In a market often confounded by the equation of price with quality, the Inch Natural No. 64 Robusto functions as a quiet corrective. Serious aficionados who dismiss it based on cost alone are making an error—one that reveals more about their assumptions than about the cigar itself. At $9–$13 per unit, this is the everyday smoke that delivers EPC-level construction and complexity while respecting your time and your wallet. It's a cigar that belongs in every humidor, from the neophyte building foundational palate experience to the connoisseur maintaining a rotation of reliable, unpretentious pleasures.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, proprietary blend |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic — EP Carrillo factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto |
| Size | 4.5 x 64 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $9–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos are pre-aged at the factory; no extended post-rolling rest publicly noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with a creamy, toasty nuttiness — roasted almonds and fresh-baked bread dominate early. A light floral note from the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper adds elegance, underscored by a gentle cedar backbone.
Second Third
The profile deepens into honeyed creaminess with subtle notes of white pepper, toasted oak, and a mild grassy sweetness. The box-press construction allows even combustion that keeps the draw consistent and flavors layered without aggression.
Final Third
Finishes with warm baking spice, a hint of vanilla bean, and lingering toasted nuts. The strength ticks up modestly toward medium, but never overwhelms — a clean, satisfying close with no harshness.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably tight from the EPC factory — the box-press yields an even, slow burn line with a firm white-to-light-grey ash that holds well past an inch. Draw is effortlessly smooth, slightly loose by preference but well within ideal airflow range.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Barbadian or Jamaican rum — Doorly's 12 Year or Appleton Estate 12 Year complement the creamy, nutty sweetness without overpowering the wrapper's delicacy
Wine
Lightly oaked Chardonnay or a dry Viognier — the wine's stone fruit and buttery texture mirror the Connecticut wrapper's creaminess
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over — its floral acidity and caramel finish echo the cigar's honey and nut notes beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
The Inch Natural No. 64 is ideal for intermediate to experienced smokers seeking a reliable, unpretentious daily smoke. If you've moved beyond entry-level cigars but want to avoid the time commitment of larger vitolas or the intimidation of high-strength blends, this robusto fits perfectly. It's the cigar for the weekday afternoon—a 50-minute interlude that doesn't demand a ritual but rewards careful attention. Beginners with some foundational experience will find the medium strength approachable, while seasoned smokers will appreciate the layered construction and value proposition. It's equally at home in a casual weekend setting or as a go-to recommendation when you want to introduce someone to quality without pretense.
Bottom Line
The Inch Natural No. 64 Robusto is one of the most underrated everyday cigars available—proof that Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr.'s mastery translates flawlessly at accessible prices. A must-own for anyone serious about cigar pleasure without the fuss.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Inch by EP Carrillo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Inch Natural No. 64 a strong cigar?
No. It's a medium-strength cigar (3/5) with a gentle, creamy profile that never overwhelms. Strength ticks up modestly toward the final third, but remains approachable throughout. It's ideal if you prefer refinement over power.
What does the Inch Natural No. 64 taste like?
The cigar opens with creamy toasted almonds and fresh-baked bread, transitions into honeyed creaminess with white pepper and toasted oak, and finishes with warm baking spice, vanilla bean, and lingering toasted nuts. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper adds a subtle floral elegance throughout.
How long does the Inch Natural No. 64 take to smoke?
Expect a 45–55 minute smoke. The box-pressed construction and 4.5 x 64 dimensions make it an ideal weekday afternoon or casual session cigar—long enough to savor, short enough to fit into a working day.
What is the best pairing for the Inch Natural No. 64?
Aged rum—particularly Doorly's 12 Year or Appleton Estate 12 Year—complements the creamy, nutty sweetness beautifully. A lightly oaked Chardonnay or dry Viognier mirrors the wrapper's creaminess. For non-alcoholic pairing, a medium-roast Ethiopian or Colombian pour-over echoes the cigar's honey and nut notes.
Is the Inch Natural No. 64 good for beginners?
Yes, but with some experience. Beginners who've smoked a few cigars will find the medium strength and creamy profile approachable and rewarding. The consistent burn and smooth draw make it forgiving. Those brand-new to cigars might benefit from starting with even milder profiles first.
Where is the Inch Natural No. 64 made?
The cigar is hand-rolled at the EP Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic—the same facility responsible for the brand's entire premium portfolio. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. oversees all production to ensure consistency and quality.
What is the price of the Inch Natural No. 64?
The Inch Natural No. 64 Robusto retails for $9–$13 per cigar, making it exceptional value for a hand-rolled, box-pressed offering from a master blender. This price point positions it firmly in the everyday tier without sacrificing construction or complexity.
Is the Inch Natural No. 64 worth aging?
The tobaccos are pre-aged at the factory, and there is no publicly noted extended post-rolling rest period. While the cigar smokes beautifully fresh, it will age gracefully if you choose to cellar it—though its accessible price encourages immediate enjoyment rather than speculation.
What wrapper does the Inch Natural No. 64 use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper in a natural golden honey-tan color, characterized by a silky texture with a subtle satin sheen. This wrapper contributes the cigar's creamy profile and delicate floral notes.
What is the ring gauge of the Inch Natural No. 64?
The ring gauge is 64, which appears in the cigar's designation. At 4.5 inches long with a 64 ring gauge, the robusto-length frame combined with the thicker ring produces a cooler, creamier smoke than many larger-gauge cigars deliver.