2017 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #29: E.P. Carrillo Original Rebel Rebellious 54

“When it comes to Connecticut Broadleaf, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has been a master of working with that wrapper and with the Rebellious 54, it’s another great example of what he can do with it.”

Wrapper: Connecticut Habano
Binder: Ecuadorian
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Tabacalera La Alianza)
54: 6 1/2 x 54
Price: $11.50
Review: E.P. Carrillo Original Rebel Rebellious 54 (10/2/17)
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Brand): 6 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017)

Coming in at #29 is the E.P. Carrillo Original Rebel Rebellious 54. In 2016, E.P. Carrillo underwent a full overhaul of the products in the E.P. Carrillo portfolio. This consisted of a combination of re-blends, re-packaging, and new lines. One new line that was introduced was the Original Rebel. It was a name given to company founder Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. by Alan Rubin of Alec Bradley. The name stuck with Perez-Carrillo and it inspired him to introduce two new blends under Original Rebel – Maverick (a natural wrapper) and Rebellious (a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro). It is the Rebellious in the 54 (Robusto) size that returns E.P. Carrillo to the countdown.

While it’s been three years since E.P. Carrillo has been on the Countdown, the company has an impressive track record. The company made five consecutive appearances on the Countdown between 2010 and 2013. With the Original Rebel Rebellious, the company adds a sixth appearance.

The blend for the Original Rebel Rebellious consists of a Connecticut Habano wrapper, an Ecuadorian binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. The “54” size comes in Gran Toro territory – measuring 6 1/2 x 54. The cigar itself has a pig-tail cap and closed footer. Original Rebel is also a regular production offering.

The Original Rebel Rebellious 54 delivers notes of sweet coffee, classic wood, cedar, mixed pepper, and at times a slight citrus note. One reason why Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. can be called the “Original Rebel” is that he contributed to pushing the line to bolder smokes. The Original Rebel Rebellious was a bold smoke. It started out medium to full in strength and body and quickly moved to full for most of the cigar experience.

Ernesto Perez Carrillo is synonymous with Ecuadorian Sumatra and Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers. With Original Rebel Rebellious, he shows he is at the top of his game with Connecticut Broadleaf. It’s a little bit pricier of a cigar for E.P. Carrillo, but one that is very satisfying.