Earlier on in the year, Casa Carrillo announced a new cigar that would represent progression in the company’s future. This is a regular production core line blend that is said to take the smoker to new heights and experiment flavors in a new way. The names of the vitolas represent different forms of hills and mountains. This was one of several new releases from Casa Carrillo the year.
Under the Lid
- Origin: Dominican Republic
- Factory: Casa Carrillo
- Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Size: Box-Pressed Toro (6 x 52)
- MSRP:$13.75
- Production: Regular Production
The Perez-Carrillo Ascend is available two other sizes:
- Saddle (5 x 50) — $12.75
- Peak (6 1/4 x 58) — $14.95
Pre-Light
Looking at the packaging, like the maroon and gold foil bands. There is a primary band and a secondary band with the word “Ascend” and a third foot band that says “Casa Carrillo”. The Ascend’s primary color accents give it a very classic timeless design. The wrapper leaf has a dry texture to it, somewhat smooth and very silky to the touch. The cold draw is sweet and a moderate five out of ten on the draw scale. But let’s see how it goes down the line. This cigar does feature a nice rounded soft box press that fits comfortably in the hand. Cold draw notes are mostly sweet corn, fresh hay with some mushroom.
Find Third
The first few puffs are interesting, but they don’t wow me. What I get on my palette is some white pepper at the back of the tongue and throat, a little bit of black pepper upfront with some spice notes, but mostly a sour/bitterness that I dislike. The draw isn’t very tight, but it’s not as loose as I would like personally but it will do. The cigar does have some firmness to it when I squeeze it so I know that this is a somewhat tighter roll on the filler and binder.
As I continue to smoke the first third, I feel the cigar overwhelmingly continues to be bitter, dry and sour. There’s a flavor component to it that reminds me of the classic wet, stale coffee ground from a bad cheap coffee. Once that flavor is in my mouth when I smoke a cigar, it usually doesn’t go away. While I have had cigars turn around, I would say seven out of ten don’t.
In terms of its burn performance, the Perez-Carrillo Ascend is burning well with a decent amount of smoke production, but I wouldn’t call it an abundance of smoke. The ash is tight and compact and after a few minor taps it still hold strong with an inch or so on the end. So far the only thing about the cigar I’m disappointed with is the flavor. in regards to everything else, it is pretty much what I would expect from Casa Carrillo who let’s face it, is known for very good quality. I really hope that the flavor turns around on the cigar, but if it doesn’t, that’s disappointing.
Second Third
Getting into the second third, the bitterness has calmed down a little bit, but the soreness still remains. Overall, the cigar still has a very dry texture and mouth feel to it with some nuttiness that reminds me of fresh shelled peanuts with no salt. There’s a little bit of red pepper and turmeric. The cigar has some changes to it, but they are mostly minimal and nothing really exciting. It just seems to be a little all over the place or mismatched if you will. It’s not the worst cigar I’ve ever smoked, but it’s definitely not one of the better ones. Again, the construction is pretty good so the cigar will score points there, unfortunately the flavor and complexity are just having an off night and I am not sure the construction is enough to carry this cigar across the finish line.
Final Third
So far the experience with the Perez-Carrillo Ascend Ridge has been like trying a new restaurant. The appetizers were alright, the entrée was ok and I know entering the final third is like waiting for the dessert. Just hoping that it brings a nice finish to the meal so I can leave the restaurant with some excitement. Yet, as it arrives and I eagerly take a dive I am sorry to say that so far the cake is dry. I get the same general flavor notes, texture and complexity. I am at the point where the cigar is one dimensional. There was not many major changes in it for me. Nothing really exciting and the bitterness from earlier re-emerges and it’s uncomfortable followed right behind it with the same soreness and I find myself sipping more often trying to continuously cleanse my pallet.
This one was tough all around. The construction was good, it burned well, but flavor wise this was not my cup of tea. Unfortunately, this cigar will be remembered by wishing it was over since the first few puffs. I didn’t even smoke it down as far as I could have because I simply couldn’t take the taste anymore.
Smokin Wrap
Casa Carrillo has had a pretty good track record, but even the greats sometimes have a bad game. I think they missed the mark with the Ascend. But you know what, that’s ok. They’ve made enough cigars that are absolute bangers. Sometimes you just don’t have a good one. If you like cigars with a darker, bitter sour flavor component this cigar might be the one for you. You might love it, but for me, I wouldn’t smoke it again.
Smokin Facts
- Cigars were purchased by Smokin Tabacco
- Casa Carrillo does not advertise with Smokin Tabacco
- Average Smoking Time: 1 hour and 32 minutes
