When a cigar earns a 98 rating and takes the top spot as Cigar of the Year, most brands would be content to ride that success. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo took a different approach. Instead of repeating the formula, he revisited it—refining, aging, and reimagining what made the original Pledge Prequel so exceptional. The result is the EP Carrillo Pledge Purple Toro, a rare and deliberate evolution of a modern classic.

Crafted at Casa Carrillo in the Dominican Republic, the Pledge Purple Toro is produced in a single format: a 6.00 x 54 Toro that delivers a commanding presence in the hand and a slow, even burn. What sets this release apart immediately is its scarcity. Only 3,500 boxes of 10 cigars were produced, making this a true limited edition intended for collectors and enthusiasts who understand the value of time, patience, and precision in premium tobacco.

At the heart of this cigar is its defining feature—a Connecticut-grown wrapper that has been aged for nearly a decade. This is not simply a cosmetic upgrade; it is the backbone of the entire experience. Years of careful aging have transformed the leaf, softening its edges while intensifying its natural oils and complexity. The result is a wrapper that delivers depth, balance, and a refined sweetness that only time can create.

Beneath that wrapper lies a carefully constructed blend featuring a Mexican binder and a selection of Nicaraguan fillers sourced from Estelí, Condega, and Ometepe. This combination gives the Pledge Purple its structure and strength, building on the foundation of the original Pledge while taking the flavor profile in a more layered and evolved direction.

From the first draw, the cigar opens with rich notes of cocoa, espresso, and dark wood, quickly giving way to waves of spice and a subtle natural sweetness. As it develops, the profile deepens, revealing hints of leather, earth, and a lingering creaminess that ties everything together. The strength sits firmly in the full-bodied range, yet the balance keeps it smooth, composed, and never overwhelming.

What makes the Pledge Purple Toro so compelling is how it honors its predecessor without trying to replicate it. It carries the same sense of purpose and craftsmanship that defined the original Pledge, but with added maturity and refinement driven by aged tobaccos and a more intricate blend.

For those who experienced the original Pledge Prequel, this is the next chapter—more limited, more refined, and built for those who appreciate the details. For those discovering the line for the first time, it stands on its own as a premium, small-production cigar that delivers both pedigree and performance.

With only 3,500 boxes released, the EP Carrillo Pledge Purple Toro will not sit on shelves for long. It’s a cigar meant to be sought out, appreciated, and remembered—an expression of what happens when time, tradition, and intention come together at the highest level.

At CigarsDirect, every E.P. Carrillo cigar is sourced directly from authorized distributors, stored in precision-controlled humidors, and inspected by experienced tobacconists before shipping. We guarantee the authenticity and condition of every cigar with our 100% Money-Back Promise — and provide free shipping on orders over $99 — ensuring your experience matches the excellence E.P. Carrillo intended.