Inch by EP Carrillo Natural No. 64 Toro Review

Overview

There is a moment, about twenty minutes into the Inch No. 64, when the sheer physicality of the cigar—its improbable, almost comical girth—ceases to be a novelty and becomes a philosophy. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo isn't just making a big ring gauge here; he's making a case for why a 64-ring cigar can be an instrument of subtlety, not a battering ram. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, the color of pale honey and warm sand, is the first act of this argument. It feels like polished leather under the fingers, and the pre-light draw offers a whisper of sweet hay and almonds, a promise of restraint that the opening puffs immediately honor. The first third is a study in cream and light—toasted almonds, fresh cream so thick it feels like a texture, and a grassy sweetness that dances with a mild white pepper on the retrohale. The cedar is there, but it's the clean, aromatic heartwood of a pencil, not a lumberyard. The smoke is voluminous, a direct consequence of that 64-ring bore, but it's cool and composed, never hot or acrid. This is not a cigar that announces itself; it insinuates, drawing you into its rhythm with a gentle, unhurried cadence that feels like a deep breath after a long day.

As the ash column—a firm, flaky grey pillar that holds for over an inch—begins to grow, the narrative shifts. The second third is where the blend's architecture becomes apparent. The initial creaminess recedes slightly, making room for a more defined baking spice profile. The cashew note deepens, becoming richer and more savory, while a subtle honey sweetness emerges, not as a sugary glaze but as a floral undertone that lingers on the finish. The wide ring gauge is doing its most important work here, tempering the combustion heat and allowing the Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers to meld into a single, harmonious voice. There's no single dominant note; instead, there's a seamless, creamy texture that carries the spice and sweetness in perfect balance. It's a masterclass in blending for a large format, proving that the size can be used to create a slow, steady, and remarkably nuanced evolution rather than a muddled rush of flavors.

The final third is a quiet, confident resolution. The gentle leather and dry oak that emerge are not harsh or drying, but rather a natural maturation of the cedar and spice that came before. The sweetness persists, now a memory of honey and toasted nuts, while the white pepper on the retrohale picks up a bit of warmth, a final, polite reminder of the cigar's presence. The finish is remarkably clean, leaving behind a lingering creaminess and a soft, nutty residue that invites another draw. The burn line has been even throughout, a testament to the impeccable construction, and the cigar has run cool to the very nub, never once threatening to turn bitter or harsh. This is a cigar that respects your time, rewarding a 90-minute session with a consistent, engaging, and ultimately satisfying arc. It is not a firework; it is a well-tended hearth—warm, steady, and deeply comforting.

In the context of the Inch line, the No. 64 Natural is the definitive statement. It's the blend that proves Perez-Carrillo's thesis: that a large ring gauge, when engineered with precision, can deliver a profile of greater finesse and balance than a thinner vitola. It's an everyday cigar with a collector's soul, a dependable companion that offers a nuanced journey without demanding your full, undivided attention. It is the kind of cigar that makes you pause, look at the ash, and appreciate the quiet craft in your hand. For the smoker who has dismissed fat cigars as one-dimensional, this is the rebuttal. For the seasoned aficionado, it's a reminder that complexity doesn't always have to shout; sometimes, it can simply whisper in a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying voice.