The E.P. Carrillo Endure Toro is the first in a new line called the Perez-Carrillo Premier Collection from EPC. This cigar is a tribute to the Meerapfel family and their work with Cameroon tobacco, which is known for being difficult to grow due to the many challenges of working in the remote areas of the country of Cameroon. The cigar is expected to be released in February.

• Wrapper: Meerapfel Cameroon
• Binder: Nicaraguan double binder (Habano and Corojo)
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Size: Toro 6 x 52 box pressed

The Endure Toro is smooth to the touch, and has a medium brown, slightly mottled wrapper. Off the foot, the pre-light aroma offers notes of leather, barnyard, and cedar spice. The cold draw reveals flavors of barnyard and sweet hay.

The initial flavors include leather, baking spice, and a soft citrus note. The ash is firm and gray-white, not flaky, with a thick burn line and a straight burn. The finish includes notes of sweet cedar with pepper in the retrohale and a hint of lemon and rye bread.

In the second third, the pepper in the retrohale continues, and is accompanied by flavors of bread, leather, lemon zest, and cedar. The finish has a sweet spice, and the aroma is a mix of leather and spice. The ash naturally falls off around an inch, revealing soft orange citrus and caramel notes.

The burn remains even with a thick burn line throughout the smoke. The flavors evolve in the back third to include sourdough bread, butter, leather, and a lot of smoke, creating a great room note. The profile deepens with spice, leather, earth, and darker cedar notes. The ash turns darker gray, and the retrohale features pepper, citrus (possibly orange), and cedar spice. The body is medium to medium-plus, and the strength is medium. The cigar becomes creamier towards the end.

This is not like any EPC cigar I have had before, and it is very good! It is complex, nuanced, and does what the blend intends: to make the Meerapfel Cameroon wrapper shine, justifying the endurance the Meerapfel family has shown in keeping this special tobacco alive and available. It is not just blowing smoke. In fact, I will be surprised if it does not end up being one of the best new releases of the year. Highly recommended.