E.P. Carrillo · La Historia
New WorldExperiencedE.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena
The classic 6 1/8 x 50 toro of E.P. Carrillo's La Historia, a San Andres maduro named for Perez-Carrillo's wife, rich with cocoa, coffee, and pepper.
The short answer
The E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena is a richer, medium-to-full smoke — a Dominican Republic toro with a Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper. Expect cocoa, coffee, and black pepper. Critics rate it 93/100.
Flavor profile
Sweet · Roast · Spice · Earthy
Critic ratings
Cigar Aficionado
2023
93/100
Scores as published by each reviewer. Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings; we don't score cigars ourselves.
The verdict
The E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena is a richer, medium-to-full smoke from E.P. Carrillo's La Historia line. It's a Dominican Republic (New World) toro wrapped in Mexican San Andres Maduro at 6.125 in × 50.
On the palate, expect cocoa, coffee, and black pepper, leaning sweet. Plan on roughly 70 minutes from light to nub.
It's well regarded: Cigar Aficionado rated it 93/100 in 2023. It pairs naturally with coffee, aged rum, and bourbon. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
The Doña Elena is the everyday-toro size in E.P. Carrillo's La Historia line, named for Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's wife. At 6 1/8 x 50 it is the most approachable format in the range, putting the line's San Andres maduro blend into a balanced, classic shape.
What it tastes like
Like the rest of La Historia, the Doña Elena wears a dark Mexican San Andres maduro wrapper over an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, with Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers underneath. It delivers the maduro signature of cocoa, dark chocolate, and coffee, with cedar and a clean black-pepper spice keeping it lively. The 50 ring gauge burns cooler and more evenly than the line's thicker vitolas, and the medium-full body stays smooth and refined throughout.
Who it's for
A versatile pick for experienced smokers who want a maduro that is rich but not overwhelming, in a size that suits an hour-long sit. If you are still learning the difference between a dark maduro and a pale Connecticut, our maduro vs Connecticut guide is a good start.
For the line's flagship, step up to the E-III toro, or try the fatter Regalias d'Celia belicoso. Track it in the Casa DNC app.
Curious how it stacks up? See Maduro vs Connecticut wrappers.
E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena — frequently asked
- Is the E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena a good cigar for beginners?
- Ease into it. The fuller body can be a lot for a first-timer, so it's better once you've built up a little tolerance.
- How strong is the E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena?
- The E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena is Medium-Full-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena taste like?
- Expect cocoa, coffee, and black pepper, leaning sweet. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What is the E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena's rating?
- Published critic scores: Cigar Aficionado 93/100 (2023). Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings and doesn't score cigars itself.
- What pairs well with the E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena?
- It pairs well with coffee, aged rum, and bourbon. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium-full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena?
- Plan on about 70 minutes for the toro — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
More cigars like this
E.P. Carrillo
Medium-FullE.P. Carrillo Encore Celestial
The toro of E.P. Carrillo's award-winning all-Nicaraguan Encore line — a 6 1/8 x 50 with leather, coffee, and brown-sugar sweetness over a longer smoke.
E.P. Carrillo
Medium-FullE.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic
Cigar Aficionado's #1 Cigar of 2018 — an all-Nicaraguan Encore in a 5 3/8 x 52 format, balancing leather, red pepper, and brown-sugar sweetness.
E.P. Carrillo
Medium-FullE.P. Carrillo Encore Valientes
A thick 6 1/8 x 52 toro in E.P. Carrillo's award-winning all-Nicaraguan Encore line, with leather, coffee, and brown sugar in a slower, fuller smoke.
E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena head-to-head
See how E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.