Today we are photographing and reviewing a prerelease of the New Wave Connecticut Short Run 2012 (Exquisitos) – the latest short run project from the master blender Ernesto Perez Carrillo. Based on the success of the New Wave Connecticut and the Core Maduro lines, EPC Cigar Co decided to experiment with mixing the tobaccos from both of these lines. The outcome of that is today’s release which consists of the wrapper from New Wave Connecticut and binder / filler from Core Maduro.
Based on the huge success of the New Wave Connecticut and Core Maduro lines, we decided to experiment with mixing the tobaccos from both of these lines. The New Wave Connecticut Short Run 2012 captures the best of both lines – it is packed with flavors and strength, and is probably our best Short Run yet ! This Short Run will come in the typical 3 Short Run sizes, and we’ll be making 1,000 boxes per size. – Ernie
Vitola | Size | Packaging | Retail |
Exquisitos | 4 7/8 x 50 | Box of 24 | $152.40 / $6.35 |
Invictos | 5 7/8 x 52 | Box of 24 | $170.40 / $7.10 |
Reinados | 6 1/4 x 60 | Box of 24 | $206.40 / $8.60 |
Visually, New Wave Connecticut Short Run 2012 (Exquisitos) was near perfection. The cigar was sporting an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, well applied triple cap, invisible veins and extremely tight seams. The entire length of all three samples was relatively soft to the touch. After clipping the cap, perfect draw as one would expect from Ernesto’s previous releases. Great start, indeed ! In flavor department, New Wave Connecticut Short Run 2012 opened up with woodiness, earthiness, nuttiness and hints of dried fruit. There was an evident spiciness on the finish as well. Normally I don’t experience dry mouth during smoking but this cigar definitely gave that impression. Not a negative observation though. In the second half, present flavors as well spiciness increased it’s intensity. The burn was good, considering I have smoked my first sample the day after it arrived in the cold North Jersey. It went wavy couple times but corrected itself without manual intervention. The amount of smoke was photo-friendly and the ash … well, photographs below speak for themselves. An amazing construction execution resulted in +2″ of grayish ash.
Tabacalera La Alianza S.A. in the Dominican Republic has another winner, full stop. Ernesto Perez Carrillo continues to innovate and his projects are agreeing with my palate. Can’t beat that. I have smoked Exquisitos for The Review but also sampled Invictos in hopes that the latter will deliver that sweet spot. I can say that it did. Exquisitos was more aggressively spicy, almost too spicy for my taste. Invictos, delivering just as great flavors, was more balanced and refined. As for as constructive feedback, I would appreciate a smaller ring gauge version of the New Wave Connecticut Short Run 2012, ala Regalias Real. I have smoked through my share of New Wave Connecticut Stellas (5 1/8 x 42) and Core Maduro Club 52s (5 7/8 x 52) / Core Maduro Regalias Real (5 5/8 x 46) and I believe one can place New Wave Connecticut Short Run 2012 somewhere in the middle. NWC in the morning, NWC SR’12 in the afternoon, Core Maduro in the evening = magic !
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
Length: 4 7/8 ”
Ring: 50
Construction > Great
Burn > Good
Enjoy > Yes
Recommend > Yes
Buy > Yes
Please consider the following posts:
* EP Carrillo Short Run 2010 No.4
* EP Carrillo Core Maduro
* DISCLAIMER: New Wave Connecticut Short Run 2012 samples were gifted by EPC Cigar Co. Ernesto’s generosity had no impact on the actual experience. The cigar spoke for itself.
- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-
#1 by Darryl on February 13, 2012 - 12:09 pm
I am itching to get my hands on that cigar, this cigar sounds really tasty! I ran out of the NWC and I loved smoking those in the morning with a cup of coffee, in fact your line up almost matches mine. I really enjoy Mr. Carrillo’s line of cigars, been a big fan since the LGC’s. Great review, thanks!
#2 by admin on February 13, 2012 - 3:19 pm
Thanks, Darryl !
Those should be available in the next few weeks. Invictos vitola was my preference ! Enjoy them.
#3 by czerbe on February 13, 2012 - 12:17 pm
Great shots as always Jay, I’m a big EPC fan, his stuff is the Tits in my opinion. I have been lucky enough to try nearly all of his new lines and I think he does it right and keeps the priceing inline. I will always try and keep his sticks in the Humi. Keep up the good work
#4 by admin on February 13, 2012 - 3:20 pm
Corey,
Thanks for feedback. Glad you are able to find Ernesto’s work locally. Not something you would want to miss out on. Keep enjoying it !
#5 by OchoZacho on February 17, 2012 - 9:37 am
I love the original New Wave with a cup of really good coffee in the morning. I can’t wait to get my hands on these. You’re photos, as always are top notch! Thanks for sharing with us.