E.P. Carrillo introduces the Endure cigar, utilizing a rare Cameroon wrapper from the Meerapfel family, marking the first use of this wrapper since the 1970s. Composed entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco, the Endure pays tribute to Rick Meerapfel’s efforts in preserving Cameroon tobacco. Initial sizes include Robusto and Toro, to be sold at $18 and $20, with a future Corona Gordo release planned.
E.P. Carrillo has unveiled his latest creation, the E.P. Carrillo Endure, which features a rare Cameroon wrapper sourced from the Meerapfel family. This marks the first use of Cameroon in Carrillo’s cigars since the 1970s, a period when the leaf was a popular choice among cigar makers due to its availability in Miami. The Endure cigar consists entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco, utilizing filler leaves from Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa, complemented by two binders, Habano and Criollo ’98.
The Cameroon wrapper, cultivated in Africa’s challenging climate by the Meerapfel family since 1610, is recognized for its premium quality. This family played a crucial role in preserving the Cameroon tobacco industry in the ’90s after the French government withdrew its support. Jeremiah Meerapfel highlighted the complexities involved in farming tobacco in such a dense rainforest, where environmental challenges are abundant and overcoming them demands resilience and patience.
The launch of Endure is not only a business endeavor but also a tribute to Rick Meerapfel, who passed away in 2003 and significantly contributed to reviving the Cameroon tobacco industry. The Endure will be available in two initial sizes, Robusto and Toro, priced at $18 and $20, respectively, with plans for a Corona Gordo size in the future.
Cameroon tobacco, once widely utilized in the cigar industry, has become increasingly scarce in recent years. The exceptional characteristics of this wrapper leaf, cultivated in Cameroon’s ecologically diverse regions, make it a coveted material. The Meerapfel family has a long-standing legacy in tobacco cultivation and has been pivotal in maintaining the quality and availability of Cameroon tobacco. The challenges of farming in Africa, particularly in region riddled with wildlife and lack of infrastructure, highlight the significance of Rick Meerapfel’s efforts in preserving this valuable leaf for future generations.
In conclusion, the release of E.P. Carrillo Endure not only signifies a return to the once-popular Cameroon wrapper but also serves as an homage to the legacy of Rick Meerapfel in the tobacco industry. With this new offering, Carrillo aims to blend traditional methods with high-quality Nicaraguan tobacco, reviving an appreciation for the rarely used Cameroon wrapper while paying tribute to its storied past. The Endure is poised to be a remarkable addition to the cigar market, with its unique blend and rich heritage.
Original Source: www.cigaraficionado.com
