The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Apogee is part of the Pledge line from E.P. Carrillo, created by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. The Pledge line was first introduced in 2020. The blend is produced in the Dominican Republic and is composed of a Connecticut Havana-seed wrapper grown in the United States, over an Ecuadorian binder and Nicaraguan fillers.
At launch, the Pledge line was released in multiple vitolas, including the Prequel (5 x 50), Sojourn (6 x 52), and Endure (6 1/8 x 52). The Apogee (6 3/8 x 58) was later introduced as an additional format in the line, expanding the range of available sizes.
Aesthetically, the cigar is dressed in a Maduro wrapper, smooth and slightly oily to the touch. It is firmly box-pressed and, considering its size, the ring gauge feels smaller than usual for a 58.
- Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
- Size: 58 x 159 mm (6 ¼″)
- Wrapper: USA
- Binder: Ecuador
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $15 | €20
E.P. Carrillo Pledge Apogee: the cold draw reveals notes of cocoa and nuts, setting the stage for a nut-forward opening.
The first third delivers predominantly nutty notes, accompanied by hints of dry wood and a touch of nutmeg. The strength sits on the mild side (2/5), and the smoke leans slightly dry.
In the second third, the profile gets enriched with white pepper. The base becomes slightly sweet. The strength remains unchanged (2/5).
The final third continues along the same flavor profile, maintaining both the aromas and strength unchanged.
Overall, the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Apogee is a balanced cigar with an enjoyable and approachable flavor profile. There is a perceivable evolution from the first to the second third, after which the experience stabilizes and remains consistent through the finish.