EP Carrillo TAA Exclusive Toro 9/29/18

 Appearance
The dark brown colored wrapper with a red hue has a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. It is an oily wrapper and there is a bit of tooth. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. The band is attractive.

Aroma
Barnyard, cedar, earth and spice on the wrapper. Coffee bean, fruit, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Licorice, cedar, coffee and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and coffee with spice in the background. The earthy notes are present as well. The smoke production is high from the first draw. The draw is effortless. The burn has a slight wave. The spice reminds of paprika. The profile has a nice boldness to it. The ash is medium gray and stacked but fairly tight. The ash held firm till removal.

2nd
The flavor profile remains consistent and well balanced into the 2nd/3rd. By the midway point of the cigar the burn line is razor sharp. Strength is medium+.

Final/3rd
The spice becomes more like crushed red pepper. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, coffee, fruit and crushed red pepper spice. Strength moves to med/full.

Overall
The EP Carrillo TAA Exclusive Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very well balanced and flavorful profile with an effortless draw and mildly erratic burn for the first half and perfect burn in the second half of the cigar.
Well done Ernesto & Co.