E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Nicaragua

If you’re wondering whether E.P. Carrillo Allegiance cigars deliver on taste and quality, this guide is for you. We’ll take an honest look at what makes the Sidekick a budget-friendly choice and the Confidant a connoisseur’s selection, cutting through the haze to reveal if these cigars merit their reputation.

Snapshot of E.P. Carrillo's Finest

• Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Sidekick Robusto (5 x 50)

• Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Confidant Toro (6 x 52)

• Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Chaperone Toro Gordo (6 1/4 x 58)

• Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Wingman Double Corona (6 7/8 x 54)

Unfolding the treasures of E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Cigars collection, we first discover the artistry of award-winning cigar maker Ernesto Perez Carrillo Jr. His new blend, the Allegiance series, is a testament to a notable collaboration with Oliva Cigars, integrating their renowned tobaccos celebrated for high-quality blends and exemplary performance.

• Best for budget-friendly indulgence: Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Sidekick

• Best for cigar connoisseurs: Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Confidant

The Allegiance cigars are a unique production, made outside their main factory at Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A. and crafted by the skilled artisans of Tabacalera La Alianza. They feature a Nicaraguan tobacco base for the binder and Nicaragua filler, finished with an Ecuadorian Sumatran-seed wrapper. This oliva cigar results in a distinctly flavored cigar that’s a delight for both beginners and seasoned smokers alike.

The Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Sidekick

• Medium-bodied cigar

• Flavors include nuts, spices, earth, and coffee

• Floral aroma Pros:

• Affordable

• Rich flavor profile

• Positive user feedback Cons:

• Occasional burn issues

The Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Sidekick Robusto offers a budget-friendly choice in the premium cigar market, similar to the experience of a double corona. It commands attention with its blend of flavors, including:

• Nutty

• Spicy

• Earthy

• Coffee

The floral aroma further enriches the smoking experience, making it an excellent pick for those seeking quality at an affordable price.

Despite occasional burn issues reported, many consumers acknowledge good construction, draw, and burn in the Sidekick, underlining its consistent quality. The Sidekick’s mild yet flavorful profile, free from bitterness, has become its significant allure, proving that a satisfying smoking experience doesn’t always have to break the bank.

The Connoisseur's Choice: Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Confidant

Price: $13.10 per cigar, $262 for a box of 20 Specifications:

• Full-bodied cigar

• Flavors include gingerbread, nutmeg, and cinnamon

• Peppery finish Pros:

• Prestigious standing in the Perez-Carrillo series

• Acclaimed by seasoned smokers

• High accolades Cons:

• Slightly higher price point

The Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Confidant is the fourth line in the Perez-Carrillo series, embraced by seasoned smokers and has received high accolades, including previous lines being recognized as Cigar of the Year and making it to Top 25 lists. Each cigar in the Allegiance series, including the Confidant, maintains a consistent band design, differentiating each line with a distinctive color, with the Confidant’s green band representing nature and tobacco heritage.

The Confidant features deep flavor notes including:

• gingerbread

• nutmeg

• cinnamon with a peppery finish, thanks to its Ecuador Sumatra wrapper and all-Nicaraguan tobacco, including the Nicaraguan binder. While the price is slightly higher, it is a worthy investment for the discerning smoker who appreciates the nuances and complexities of a full-bodied cigar, as well as the unique Nicaragua strength that comes from its tobacco blend.

Selecting Your Perfect E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Cigar

Choosing the perfect cigar from the E.P. Carrillo Allegiance line requires:

• Understanding the intricacies of flavor profiles

• Appreciating the craft behind the construction and quality

• Knowing how to match your cigar with the occasion

It is as much an art as it is a science.

Let’s delve deeper into these aspects.

Flavor Profiles Decoded

The E.P. Carrillo Allegiance cigars are celebrated for their medium-bodied profile and silky smooth taste, integrating flavors of:

• sweet cedar

• nuts

• earth

• leather

• straw

• spices

These flavors are influenced by the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper.

Take the Allegiance Sidekick, for example. It starts with flavors such as creaminess, baking spices, and espresso, evolving into a richer taste with spiced rum, almond marzipan, and dark chocolate, ending with a medium/full strength experience.

On the other hand, the Allegiance Confidant features deep flavor notes including gingerbread, nutmeg, and cinnamon with a peppery finish, thanks to its Ecuador Sumatra wrapper and all-Nicaraguan tobacco. Understanding these flavor profiles helps you select a cigar that matches your preference, enhancing your smoking experience.

Assessing Cigar Construction and Quality

The construction quality of a cigar significantly impacts the overall smoking experience, influencing aspects like draw, smoke production, and even the flavor profile. A well-made cigar, such as the Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Wingman, maintains its construction without significant issues in draw or smoke production throughout the smoking experience. This consistency in quality ensures a satisfying smoke, enhancing the overall experience.

Even with occasional uneven burns, a cigar with a smooth draw and ample smoke production, like the E.P. Carrillo Allegiance cigars, can be considered well-constructed. This consistency and attention to detail underline the craftsmanship that goes into each cigar, providing a satisfying smoke.

Matching Cigars with Occasions

Matching cigars with occasions is all about setting the right mood and creating memorable experiences. A full-bodied cigar like the Perez-Carrillo Allegiance Confidant with its deep flavor notes is perfect for an after-dinner smoke, serving as the ideal companion to a glass of fine whisky. For a cigar aficionado, this pairing is a must-try.

On the other hand, a medium-bodied cigar like the Allegiance Sidekick, with its floral aroma and blend of nutty and coffee flavors, could be an excellent choice for a leisurely afternoon smoke on the patio. Remember, the best cigar for the occasion is one that complements the moment and enhances your enjoyment.

Summary

In this exploration of E.P. Carrillo Allegiance Cigars, we’ve traversed the unique offerings of the collection, delved into the flavor profiles, assessed the construction and quality, and learned how to match these exquisite cigars with occasions. Whether you’re a budget-smoker drawn to the Allegiance Sidekick or a discerning connoisseur attracted to the Allegiance Confidant, there’s a cigar in this collection to match your palate and occasion.

From the award-winning craftsmanship of Ernesto Perez Carrillo to the rich heritage of tobacco, every cigar in the Allegiance collection is a testament to quality and sophistication. So light up an Allegiance cigar, savor the flavors, and lose yourself in the rhythm of the smoke.