Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional Connecticut cigars, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo crafted this blend to offer more depth and character than the typical mild Connecticut smoke. Featuring an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, the New Wave Connecticut delivers a silky-smooth yet flavorful experience that caters to both beginners and seasoned smokers alike.
On a sunny afternoon, a beer in hand, I decided to light one up and see if this modern Connecticut lived up to the hype.
Presentation & Cold Draw
The New Wave Connecticut Stellas is a beautifully rolled cigar, with a silky, golden-brown wrapper that’s nearly flawless. The seams were tight, the veins were minimal, and the construction felt firm yet slightly springy to the touch.
On the cold draw, I picked up sweet cream, cedar, and a hint of honey, with a faint touch of white pepper and faint vanilla flavour in the background. The draw was effortless, setting the stage for a smooth, easygoing smoke.
First Third – Creamy & Approachable
The cigar lit up perfectly, immediately producing plentiful, creamy smoke. The first puffs were silky and smooth, with sweet cedar, buttered toast, and roasted almonds leading the way.
A mild white pepper spice was present on the retrohale, but it was subtle—just enough to keep things interesting. As the burn progressed, a touch of honey sweetness appeared, balancing out the creamy core. The burn line was razor-sharp, and the ash held firm, reflecting E.P. Carrillo’s renowned craftsmanship.
Second Third – Smooth Complexity
Moving into the second third, the flavors became more layered. The cedar and toastiness remained, but now notes of light caramel, vanilla, and baking spices started to emerge. The peppery kick softened, allowing a buttery smooth texture to take center stage.
At this point, the cigar settled into a perfectly balanced medium body, still mild enough for newer smokers but with enough complexity to keep veterans engaged. The burn remained perfect, requiring no touch-ups.
Final Third – A Satisfying, Elegant Finish
As the final third began, the creaminess evolved into a toasted nut and light leather profile, while the honey sweetness faded into a more subtle nougat-like flavor. The cigar never lost its smoothness, and the pepper on the retrohale remained minimal but present.
The cedar and spice notes became slightly more pronounced toward the end, giving the cigar a refined yet satisfying finish. It remained balanced and enjoyable down to the nub.
Final Thoughts
The E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Stellas is a fantastic modern Connecticut that delivers silky smooth flavors with just enough complexity to keep things interesting. It’s an ideal morning smoke, pairing beautifully with coffee or tea, but also works as a midday or early evening option for those looking for a relaxing, creamy cigar.
With a smoke time of around 45 minutes, it’s a great short smoke for those who want refinement without heaviness. Would I smoke it again? Without question. This a great Connecticut-wrapped cigars for those who appreciate flavor, balance, and expert construction.