A Tale of Two Cigars

Gilbert de Montsalvat 15 Years vs. E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic

No two cigars are the same. Yes, of course – different blends, different cigars. But what if they have the same blend? In the past, a few experiments have been carried out regarding the differences within a blend in various formats. One of the most successful of these was the Asylum 13 Medulla/Oblongata. One blend, two cigars. One box-pressed, one round. Now the new Gilbert de Montsalvat 15 Years gives us another opportunity to discover the diversity of the art of cigars. Why?

The long-standing friendship that exists between Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo and Raymondo Bernasconi ensured that the Gilbert de Montsalvat 15 Years has the same blend as the E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic – a cigar that has won every award a cigar can win. The only difference is the format. One is a Robusto Grande in a box-pressed format, the other a Gran Toro and classically round. Interestingly – and this much can be revealed – they are two diametrically different cigars. The E.P. Carrillo is dominated by its spiciness, with barely a hint of sweetness; the Gilbert de Montsalvat – well, that’s another story.

In today’s tasting, we want to pay attention to both cigars and make a direct comparison. Not when it comes to quality and workmanship – both are excellent. No, this time we’re only going to focus on the differences in taste, and this will be a journey into the very heart of the variety of aromas and the fine art of cigar blending. We’ll find out why Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo rightly enjoys the status that inspires so many passionadas and passionados around the world.

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