The Bold Experience of E.P. Carrillo Inch Gordo Cigar Reviewed

The E.P. Carrillo Inch Gordo stands out as a bold and full-bodied cigar crafted for enthusiasts who appreciate large, thick cigars. Part of the brand’s “INCH” series, this cigar boasts a ring gauge between 64 and 70, offering a smoking experience that is both intense and complex. Handmade at Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic, the Inch Gordo combines a rich Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos. This review explores its aroma, flavor profile, construction, and overall smoking experience to help you decide if it fits your collection.

Aroma and Cold Draw

The first impression of the Inch Gordo comes from its aroma and cold draw. The Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper offers a distinctive scent of leather, black pepper, and a raisin-like sweetness that hints at the cigar’s complexity. When you take a cold draw, the flavors are more muted but reveal subtle notes of bran cereal and salt.

For editions with the natural wrapper, the aroma shifts slightly, adding a toothy, sweet tobacco base. This version introduces barnyard aromas, fresh cut grass, baking spices, cinnamon, and medium roast coffee notes. These layers create an inviting prelude to the smoking experience, setting the stage for the bold flavors to come.

First Third: A Complex Opening

Lighting the Inch Gordo reveals a foot filled with burnt toast, leather, and soy sauce, accented by a peppery edge that immediately grabs attention. As the cigar heats up, some smokers may notice a chalky, dry, and musty quality in the flavor profile. This is accompanied by a doughy mouthfeel and bitter, citrus-like espresso notes that add depth.

The natural wrapper version stands out here, building floral and bubble gum sweetness alongside a strong pepper presence. This contrast between the Sumatra and natural wrappers offers smokers a choice depending on their preference for spice or sweetness in the opening moments.

Second Third: Smoother and Earthier

As the cigar progresses into the second third, the initial bitterness fades, giving way to earth and leather notes. The espresso flavors become smoother, complemented by a vanilla-like sweetness that balances the profile.

The draw remains perfect, producing large clouds of smoke with minimal resistance, which is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy puff. The retrohale delivers a smooth to strong pepper sensation, and the finish lingers with black pepper and cedar, leaving a satisfying aftertaste that invites another puff.

Thick smoke rising from E.P. Carrillo Inch Gordo cigar, highlighting its rich smoke production

Construction and Smoke Production

The construction of the Inch Gordo is generally very good, with only minor touch-ups needed occasionally. Its thick size contributes to a slow burn, allowing smokers to enjoy the cigar over an extended period without rushing.

Smoke production is excellent, producing dense clouds that satisfy those who prefer a heavy smoke. The cigar’s thickness and build make it a great choice for relaxed smoking sessions where flavor and smoke volume matter equally.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

The Inch Gordo offers two distinct flavor profiles depending on the wrapper:

• Natural Wrapper

Sweet tobacco

Barnyard

Fresh cut grass

Baking spices

Cinnamon

Medium roast coffee

Floral notes

Bubble gum

Rainbow pepper

• Sumatra Wrapper

Leather

Black pepper

Raisin sweetness

Burnt toast

Soy sauce

Espresso

Earthy undertones

This range of flavors makes the Inch Gordo a complex and satisfying cigar for those who enjoy bold, large ring gauge smokes. The combination of spicy, sweet, and earthy notes creates a layered experience that evolves throughout the smoking session.

Who Should Try the E.P. Carrillo Inch Gordo?

This cigar is designed for smokers who appreciate:

• Large ring gauge cigars with a slow, steady burn

• Bold and full-bodied flavor profiles

• Complex blends that evolve from start to finish

• A balance of spice, sweetness, and earthiness

• High smoke production for a rich sensory experience

  
  

If you enjoy cigars that demand attention and reward patience, the Inch Gordo is a worthy addition to your humidor.

Final Thoughts on the Inch Gordo

The E.P. Carrillo Inch Gordo delivers a bold and complex smoking experience that stands out in the large ring gauge category. Its combination of Ecuadorian Sumatra or natural wrappers with Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers creates a rich flavor profile that evolves beautifully from the first to the last third. The cigar’s excellent construction and smoke production make it a pleasure to enjoy slowly, savoring each puff.

For those who seek a cigar that offers both power and nuance, the Inch Gordo is a strong contender. Consider trying both wrapper versions to explore the full range of flavors this cigar offers. Whether you prefer the spicy, leathery notes of the Sumatra or the sweet, floral qualities of the natural wrapper, the Inch Gordo promises a rewarding experience for bold cigar lovers.

Cigars International | Cigars International

CIGAR.com | CIGAR.com