E.P. Carrillo Introduces Endure, Featuring Rare Cameroon Wrapper
E.P. Carrillo has launched Endure, its first cigar featuring a Cameroon wrapper since the 1970s. This new product, crafted from Nicaraguan tobacco and wrapped in Cameroon leaf from the Meerapfel family, marks a significant revival in cigar selections. The initial offerings include Robusto and Toro sizes with plans for future releases, while honoring the legacy of Rick Meerapfel, a key figure in maintaining the Cameroon tobacco industry.
E.P. Carrillo has announced the launch of its latest cigar, Endure, which features a rare Cameroon wrapper sourced from the Meerapfel family, renowned for their tobacco cultivation expertise. This marks the first use of the Cameroon leaf for E.P. Carrillo since the 1970s, during which Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s father utilized the tobacco. The cigar boasts a Nicaraguan composition with fillers sourced from Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa.
The Meerapfel family has a long-standing relationship with the cultivation of premium tobacco, having engaged in trading since 1610. Their dedication was pivotal in preserving the Cameroon tobacco industry, especially as they faced formidable challenges such as wildlife threats and lack of agricultural infrastructure. Jeremiah Meerapfel remarked on the unique complexities involved in cultivating tobacco in Cameroon’s rainforests.
To commemorate Rick Meerapfel, who played a crucial role in sustaining Cameroon tobacco after the exit of French subsidies, the release of Endure is particularly significant. The cigar will initially be offered in two sizes, Robusto and Toro, priced at $18 and $20, respectively, with plans for a Corona Gordo size in the future. Shipment of these sizes is expected in late January, marking a noteworthy addition to the Perez-Carrillo Premier Collection.
The Cameroon wrapper leaf is highly regarded in the cigar industry, yet its usage has diminished over recent years. E.P. Carrillo, under the guidance of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, has revived this classic wrapper in the production of Endure. Historically, the Meerapfel family has been instrumental in the growth and preservation of Cameroon tobacco, saving it from near extinction in the 1990s. This article sheds light on the intricate cooperation between growers and producers in facing environmental and logistical challenges in Cameroon, thereby ensuring the ongoing legacy of this unique cigar. The significance of honoring Rick Meerapfel, a figure who dedicated his expertise to revitalizing the tobacco industry in Cameroon, correlates with the launch of this new cigar, making it a tribute as well as an innovative product.
The introduction of E.P. Carrillo’s Endure, featuring a Cameroon wrapper, signifies a strategic revival of a once-popular tobacco, expertly cultivated by the Meerapfel family. This venture not only hails a return to a classic but also pays homage to Rick Meerapfel’s monumental contributions to preserving the Cameroon tobacco heritage. With two initial sizes available and a commitment to excellence, Endure is anticipated to enhance the cigar market within the Perez-Carrillo Premier Collection.
Original Source: www.cigaraficionado.com
