E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel Review

Some cigars show up and immediately earn their place in the history books. The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel is one of those smokes.

It was crowned Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year 2020, which put Ernesto Perez-Carrillo back on top after already winning with La Historia and the Encore. That’s three number ones in less than a decade, not bad for a guy who’s spent his life chasing the best tobaccos in the world.

I lit up my Pledge Prequel on a Sunday evening after mowing the yard. The weather had finally cooled down, the kind of night where a cigar feels earned. Sitting back with this stick was a pleasant surprise, the great aroma, the firm box press, and a flavor profile that reminded me why Ernesto’s blends keep ending up in cigar lore.

Here’s how the Pledge Prequel cigar review played out.

The Breakdown

Profile: Medium-to-full-bodied cigar

Wrapper: Habano Connecticut wrapper

Binder: Ecuadorian binder

Filler: Nicaraguan filler

Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza, Dominican Republic

Sizes Available: Prequel (Robusto 5" × 50), Sojourn (Toro 6" × 52), Apogee (Gordo 6" × 58), Entente (Churchill 6 7/8" × 54), Intrépido (Toro Extra 6 1/2" × 54)

Notable Feature: Crowned Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year (2020)

Flavor Highlights: Cedar, espresso, dark chocolate, leather, baking spice, sweet spice, black coffee, subtle black cherry

Price Point: Around $12–14 per single; ~$200–250 per box

Heritage & Awards

The Pledge Prequel from EP Carrillo is part of a bigger story. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, the mind behind La Historia, Encore, and now Pledge, has carved a reputation for consistency. Three of his blends have been crowned Cigar Aficionado’s #1 in less than a decade, making the Pledge the celebrated third release in that streak.

That recognition comes from skill and a willingness to create innovative blends that respect tradition. Using the best tobaccos from Nicaragua and Ecuador, Ernesto built a cigar that smokers around the world still talk about. It’s no wonder the Prequel earned its spot in the history books.

Appearance & First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Pledge Prequel looks like a serious smoke. The Connecticut Habano wrapper is dark, slightly oily, and sharply pressed. Out of the cellophane, the aroma hit me with cedar, cocoa, and a bit of earth.

The cold draw was smooth and revealed raisin sweetness with a hint of spice. Already, it felt like a stick that had plenty of layers waiting to open up.

First Third – A Bold Opening

The first few puffs came alive with cedar, espresso, and pepper and earth notes. The retrohale delivered black pepper and a touch of sweet spice, adding warmth without overdoing it.

The smoke output was excellent, thick, chewy clouds that coated the palate and gave each draw some weight. Right away, it struck me as an interesting cigar with a little more depth than what I was expecting.

Second Third – Complexity in Motion

By the second third, the Prequel really hit its stride. Espresso leaned more toward black coffee, while cedar softened into the background. A smooth mix of leather and dark chocolate stepped forward, and a subtle black cherry sweetness added character.

This is where Ernesto’s reputation for new and innovative blends shows. The flavors didn’t just shift, they stacked. Each puff carried a mix of spice, sweetness, and richness that kept me locked in. The burn stayed sharp, the draw consistent, and the construction rock solid.

Final Third – A Powerful Finish

In the final third, the cigar showed its full character. Black pepper, cocoa, and earth notes took center stage, with oak and espresso rounding it out. Strength picked up into solid full body territory, but it never felt overwhelming, just richer and more developed.

This is the point where you really understand why the Prequel is more than a good cigar. It’s the kind of stick that keeps delivering until the very last draw.

Construction and Burn Performance

Performance matched the hype. The Prequel’s cigar construction was excellent, tight seams, even pack, and zero flaws. The burn line stayed steady, the ash stacked neatly, and the draw hit that perfect zone. Pair that with dense smoke output, and you’ve got a cigar that nails the things that matter most. 

Price & Value of The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel

At $12–14 a stick, this is a premium cigar. But compared to others in the same cigar price point, it’s hard to argue against. The Prequel is an award-winning blend that consistently scores around 90 points, right in line with Cigar Aficionado and other reviewers.

Boxes are usually sold around $225–250, which feels fair for what you’re getting. Call it a wonderful balance of quality and cost.

Final Thoughts: E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel

The Pledge Prequel gave me exactly what I was looking for on that Sunday evening, bold flavors, flawless performance, and time to slow down after the yard work. From cedar and espresso up front, to black coffee, cocoa, and leather in the middle, to a spicy, earthy final third, this stick never lost momentum.

For me, it’s more than a pleasant surprise, it’s a favorite cigar candidate. Complex, reliable, and still holding the crown as one of Ernesto’s best. If you’re looking for a cigar that delivers depth and character, the Pledge Prequel deserves a spot in your humidor.

Ratings Breakdown

(That puts it right around a 90 in cigar-nerd math, pretty much exactly where Cigar Aficionado and the other critics have it.)

A complex, bold, and consistent smoke, the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel deserves its spot among the best.

Buy E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel Cigars

If you want to try the cigar that topped Cigar Aficionado’s list in 2020, the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel box-pressed Robusto is ready for you. This award-winning blend delivers the depth, balance, and quality that make it one of the most talked-about cigars of the last decade.

Shop After Action Cigars for the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel today and see why this award-winning blend is more than hype, it’s one of the most interesting cigars you’ll smoke this year.