Casa Carrillo Essence Connecticut

At the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Casa Carrillo launched the fourth installment of the E.P. Carrillo Essence Series, the Essence Connecticut.

The Essence Series is a regular production core line in the Casa Carrillo portfolio, described as mild-bodied. Each line focuses on a different wrapper. As the name suggests, the Essence Connecticut focuses on the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. The remainder of the blend consists of a Honduran Criollo ’98 binder and a combination of Honduran and Dominican fillers.

The blend is also the second in the Essence Series and the third overall to come out of Honduras, joining the Essence Honduras. In this case, the Essence Connecticut originates from Agroindustrias Diadema S.A. in Honduras. This is the first time E.P. Carrillo has released a cigar out of that factory. The other Essence Honduras comes out of Plasencia’s Honduran factory. Finally, the previously released limited edition E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 came out of Oscar Valladares’ factory.

Essence Connecticut is available in three sizes: Corona, Robusto, and Toro, each presented in 24-count boxes. Based on size, pricing ranges from $8.75 SRP per cigar to $10.00 SRP per cigar. Shipping for Essence Connecticut begins in May.

“The Essence Series Connecticut was born out of a desire to create a cigar that pairs creamy, mellow flavors with exceptional craftsmanship,” said Ernesto Perez-Carrillo in a press release prior to PCA 2025. “This blend is perfect for both seasoned smokers seeking a refined, nuanced experience and those new to the world of premium cigars.”

At a glance, here is a look at the Essence Connecticut:

Blend and Origin

  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
  • Binder: Honduran Criollo ’98
  • Filler: Honduran, Dominican
  • Country of Origin: Honduras
  • Factory: Agroindustrias Diadema S.A.

Vitolas Offered

  • Corona: 5 1/2 x 44 (SRP $8.75/cigar)
  • Robusto: 5 x 50 (SRP $9.25/cigar)
  • Toro: 6 x 52(SRP $10.00/cigar)

Essence Series

E.P. Carrillo showcased the Essence Series at PCA 2024, featuring six distinct blends. Four of the blends have been announced. We have been informed that one of the unreleased blends, Essence Cameroon, has been put on hiatus for the time being. The other Essence blend, the Essence Nicaragua, has not been released.

Photo Credit: Erron Nielsen for Cigar Coop