Details on the Carnavale are a bit scarce, but the cigar itself is a bit scarce: released in 2014, production was initially limited to 500 boxes per year, but then it was increased to 1000. The cigar is made in Honduras for Epicurean Cigars and distributed by the House of Emilio.
The blend is complex: the wrapper is an habano oscuro grown in Jalapa, Nicaragua; two binders are utilized, a Pennsylvania broadleaf (yes!) doubled up with a leaf from Honduras, and the filler is a Nicaraguan blend (Jalapa and Esteli.) Five sizes are in very limited production:
- Lancero – 6 1/2 x 38
- Petite Corona – 5 1/2 x 48
- Toro – 6 x 52
- Tabajador – 5 x 52
- Double Robusto – 5 x 56
Construction Notes
The Double Robusto is a smooth maduro-colored cigar with a somewhat garish band. This is obviously the cigar to be seen with on Bourbon Street. The cigar is square pressed with a double wound cap on a nearly flat head. The cigar is very firm and the draw offers light resistance. The burn is slightly uneven, but not problematic.
Overall construction: Very good.
Tasting Notes
The wrapper on the Carnavale is an habano oscuro, but you could have fooled me. This cigar tastes like a maduro through and through. It opens with bittersweet chocolate and cedar on the nose, while grassy flavors entertain the palate. The smoke is very smooth, but also fairly dry.
The flavors maintain their balance and complexity without too much transition in the second half, though the chocolate takes on more coffee-like characteristics and the light peppery spice evident in the first half builds and peaks in the latter half. Both the body and the strength of the cigar land in the mild to medium range.
Conclusion
When is a maduro not a maduro? When it’s an Epicurean Carnavale. The Carnavale is a high quality maduro-style cigar that isn’t a maduro, but it sure smokes like one. It reminded me of a lighter version of the Draig Cayuquero, an Emilio blend even scarcer than the Carnavale, but both cigars are worth seeking out.
The Carnavale wasn’t quite the revelation that the Draig was, but it’s a fine smoke in its own right. If only the price were just as right — $10 USD. That’s a bit of a stretch for me. As it is, I’d still be happy to have a few on hand. Complex yet mild maduro (style) cigars aren’t all that easy to find.
Final Score: 89
Cigarfan.net 
I’ve been impressed with the two Epicurean sticks that I have smoked so far, but i have to say that I preferred the Gonzo petit lancero over the Carnavale. The Carnavale is a very nice smoke, however.
As an aside, I would like to wish Gary Griffith much enjoyment in his retirement from the House of Emilio. He has had such a big influence in bringing boutique cigars to the forefront of the industry. The cigar world will certainly miss him.
I’ve only smoked a couple of different Epicurean cigars, but they’ve all been very good. I enjoyed the Carnavale, obviously, but I have to agree with you on the Gonzo. The Gonzo Santeria was one of the best cigars I smoked all last year.
I’m in denial about Gary’s retirement. I’m fully expect him to unretire… like Jose Blanco… but if it is to be, dammit, then I wish him well. Cigar bloggers especially owe him a debt of gratitude.
This cigar is made in Honduras and the Jalapa Oscuro gives it a Maduro Taste! http://www.epicureancigars.net thanks for the great review! try the Lancero it will blow you away.
Cheers
Thanks for the info Steven. The post has been corrected, and I will be on the lookout for the lancero!
Sounds like a great cigar! I do really like the way it looks – hope it tastes just as good. Would love to give it a try.