E.P. Carrillo Announces 2024 TAA Exclusive

E.P. Carrillo will be joining the list of cigar makers producing an exclusive cigar for the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA) this year.

Named the E.P. Carrillo 2024 TAA Exclusive, the cigar is a 6 x 54 toro gordo that uses an Ecuadorian habano wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and fillers from the USA and Nicaragua. The company says that the result is “a medium-plus-bodied cigar, rich in complexity, with flavors of pepper, spices, earthiness, and cocoa.”

“I am truly looking forward to seeing how retailers and consumers respond to this special TAA exclusive,” said Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr., founder and master blender of E.P. Carrillo, via a press release. “The well-fermented Ecuadorian habano wrapper, combined with the Nicaraguan binder, makes for a unique and harmonious blend.”

The cigar is made at the Casa Carrillo factory in the Dominican Republic and comes with an MSRP of $13. Production is limited to 750 boxes of 10 cigars, which are scheduled to begin shipping in November.

“This year, we wanted to elevate the design for the TAA Exclusive,” said Lissette Perez-Carrillo in a press release. “While we’ve always integrated the TAA logo into our limited-edition releases, the focus on the vibrant red box design this time makes it truly eye-catching. We believe this bold approach reflects the quality of the cigar inside and will draw the attention it rightfully deserves.”

The TAA is a membership group, around 80 retailers and approximately 40 manufacturers, that gathers annually to discuss issues facing the industry and retailers, as well as to have its annual trade show, a unique event that works on a group buying format in order to secure exclusive deals for these generally high-volume merchants.

During the event—which takes place Oct. 20-24 in Aruba—the organization holds two selling events, one known as the Dream Machine, where the retailers collectively order to secure larger discounts, while the other is a more traditional trade show. Typically, around a dozen manufacturers release new exclusive cigars for the retail members of the organization under the TAA Exclusive Series Program (ESP) banner. Those manufacturers agree to give a portion of the proceeds to the organization, a minimum of $1 per cigar, previously 50 cents.

Historically, the TAA Meeting & Convention has taken place in the spring, usually in late March or April. However, due to a change in dates for the 2024 PCA Convention & Trade Show—which took place in March instead of its normal summertime spot on the calendar—the TAA changed its date for 2024.

So far, CLE, Crowned Heads, Ferio Tego, Joya de Nicaragua, Miami Cigar & Co. and Villiger Cigars North America have announced new TAA ESP releases for 2024.

Images courtesy of E.P. Carrillo.