EP Carrillo is a name we all know and love. Even before entwining myself in the cigar world, Casa Carrillo rang a bell. I’ve heard of Dark Rituals in the past but was intrigued by the new iteration. I love comeback stories and Dark Rituals emerged like a Phoenix from the ashes.

The first thing I noticed was the sleek band sitting atop the dark Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. It instantly grabbed my attention and was just the beginning of what would be a wonderful journey. After a quick cut I was excited to experience what was to come.

The cold draw left a little taste of dark chocolate on my lips. I’ll admit, I’m not always the best with a lighter, but to my pleasant surprise Dark Rituals lit up nice and evenly for me. The first third was filled with nuances of dark chocolate and even a little taste of black licorice. A salt and pepper ash started to build with each smooth draw.

It’s a common misconception to think that a Maduro wrapper equates to a full-bodied profile. As I got to the second third, Dark Rituals was proof that Maduros can be quite smooth. The dark chocolate made way to a more earthy and charred oak vibe. As I puffed away, I realized that even light was a precursor to the even burn that I am enjoying.

The final third gets a little spicy, bringing out notes of black pepper. It was like a subtle nudge to make sure I was still paying attention. Dark Rituals provided a well balanced and layered journey that allowed me to appreciate the aged tobaccos and expert craftmanship that went into blending this bad boy.

After a little more than an hour of taking this medium-bodied journey, it was time for the final ash. From the initial toasting down to the final nub, Dark Rituals did not disappoint. A return from a hiatus can lead to a bit of let down, but EP Carrillo Dark Rituals nailed this return!