E.P. Carrillo Ascend Saddle

The E.P. Carrillo Ascend Saddle is the compact Robusto expression of Casa Carrillo Ascend, a new regular-production collection introduced in 2026 as part of the prestigious Perez-Carrillo Series. Created under the direction of legendary master blender Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, Ascend joins celebrated collections including Pledge, Encore, Allegiance, and La Historia.

Handcrafted at the Casa Carrillo Cigar Factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, the Saddle measures 5 x 50 and features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over an Estelí Nicaraguan binder and a selection of Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos. The blend was designed to evolve throughout the smoking experience, gradually revealing greater richness and complexity.

Cigar Information

• Brand: Casa Carrillo / E.P. Carrillo
• Series: Perez-Carrillo Series
• Size: 5 x 50
• Shape: Robusto
• Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
• Factory: Casa Carrillo Cigar Factory, Santiago
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
• Binder: Nicaraguan – Estelí
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium to Medium-Full
• Construction: Handmade / Long Filler
• Production: Regular Production
• Packaging: Box of 20 Cigars

Flavor Profile

The Ascend Saddle delivers a balanced yet richly structured Nicaraguan-forward smoking experience. Its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper brings aromatic richness and spice, while the Nicaraguan binder and fillers establish a deeper foundation of wood, earth, roasted nuts, coffee, leather, and pepper.

A subtle underlying sweetness and creamy texture help balance the darker characteristics of the blend. As the cigar progresses, pepper and spice become more noticeable while the core profile remains refined and controlled.

Rather than remaining static, Ascend was intentionally blended to develop progressively throughout the smoke, allowing different dimensions of its tobacco to emerge as the cigar burns. Casa Carrillo describes this evolution as a central element of the Ascend concept. 

Regular Production 2026 Release

Casa Carrillo officially introduced Ascend at the 2026 PCA Trade Show. Unlike many special releases from the company, Ascend was developed as a regular-production collection rather than a limited edition. 

The Saddle is presented in boxes of 20 cigars, providing retailers and enthusiasts with the smallest and most approachable format in the three-vitola Ascend portfolio.

Highlights

• New Casa Carrillo release introduced in 2026.
• Part of the prestigious Perez-Carrillo Series.
• Created under the direction of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo.
• 5 x 50 Saddle / Robusto format.
• Ecuadorian Habano wrapper.
• Nicaraguan binder from Estelí.
• Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos.
• Handcrafted in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
• Produced at the Casa Carrillo Cigar Factory.
• Medium to medium-full profile.
• Rich, balanced, and progressively developing blend.
• Notes of wood, earth, roasted nuts, coffee, leather, pepper, and subtle sweetness.
• Saddle represents the beginning of the Ascend journey.
• Regular-production collection.
• 20 cigars per box.