Encore — Heritage & History

Encore is a brand produced by E.P. Carrillo, a family-owned company with deep roots in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The brand was launched as a tribute to the Carrillo family’s return to cigar-making after a period away from the industry—a second act, or 'encore,' in their legacy. While the exact year of Encore’s introduction is not widely documented, it is understood to be a relatively modern offering from the E.P. Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. The brand draws on decades of expertise passed down from Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Sr., who originally blended iconic cigars in Miami’s Little Havana. Encore represents a blending of traditional Dominican craftsmanship with select Nicaraguan tobaccos, particularly in the filler, to create a balanced but accessible range. Its significance lies in demonstrating how a storied family can innovate within the premium cigar space while honoring their Cuban-inspired roots. Encore has earned a reputation among enthusiasts for consistency and value across multiple vitolas.

Blending Philosophy

Encore’s blending philosophy centers on balance and accessibility without sacrificing complexity. The brand uses a variety of wrappers—Ecuadorian Habano, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro, and Ecuadorian Connecticut—to create a range of flavor experiences from mild to medium-full. The fillers and binders are sourced primarily from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, allowing blenders to adjust body and spice. What makes Encore distinctive is its ability to offer nuanced profiles at approachable price points, often under $16 per cigar. The blends are designed to be enjoyed by both novice and experienced smokers, with a focus on smooth transitions between notes and a clean finish. There is no single 'house style' in terms of strength; instead, the brand emphasizes variety within a consistent framework of quality construction.

Flavor Profile

Across the Encore range, the signature flavor character is one of nuanced balance, often featuring a creamy or toasty base with subtle layers of spice and earth. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, used on several vitolas, lends notes of cedar, white pepper, and a mild sweetness. The Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper introduces richer, darker flavors of cocoa, espresso, and dried fruit with less harshness than some Maduros. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, found on the Lonsdale and Churchill, offers a smoother, creamier profile with hints of nuts, mild hay, and a touch of vanilla. In general, Encore cigars are not overly bold or peppery; instead, they emphasize composure, with spice often in the background rather than up front. The medium to medium-full strength options provide a gentle but present nicotine tingle.

Best for Beginners

For someone new to premium cigars, the Encore Lonsdale is an excellent starting point. At $8–$12 per cigar, it offers an approachable price and a milder profile thanks to the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. Its flavors of cream, nuts, and subtle sweetness are easy to appreciate without overwhelming the palate, and the slender ring gauge encourages a comfortable, slower smoke.

Encore Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Encore cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Belicoso — Belicoso, Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Churchill — Churchill, Mild-Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Corona — Corona, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Gran Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Lancero — Lancero, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Natural Toro — Toro, Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium · $8–$11 per cigar
  • Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Toro — Toro, Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Encore cigars made?

Encore cigars are made in the Dominican Republic, primarily at the E.P. Carrillo factory in Villa González. Some production may also occur at other E.P. Carrillo facilities in the region, but the brand’s origin is consistently Dominican.

What is Encore known for?

Encore is known for offering a range of well-constructed, balanced cigars at accessible price points. It is respected for its use of multiple wrapper varieties, consistent quality, and the pedigree of the E.P. Carrillo family, whose return to cigar-making gives the brand its name.

Are Encore cigars strong?

Encore cigars span mild-medium to medium-full strength, so they are not overwhelmingly strong. Most vitolas fall in the medium range, making them suitable for smokers who prefer a moderate nicotine experience. The Maduro Robusto and Torpedo are among the fuller options.

What is the best Encore cigar for beginners?

The Lonsdale (Mild-Medium) or Petit Corona (Medium) are excellent beginner choices. Both are affordable, smooth, and offer gentle flavor profiles that introduce new smokers to premium tobacco without harshness or high nicotine.

How much do Encore cigars cost?

Encore cigars range from approximately $8 to $16 per cigar, depending on the vitola. The Petit Corona and Lonsdale are at the lower end, while the Corona, Lancero, Natural Toro, and Robusto are among the higher-priced options.

What wrapper does Encore use?

Encore uses four main wrappers: Ecuadorian Habano, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro, and Ecuadorian Connecticut. The specific wrapper varies by vitola, giving each a distinct character.

Are Encore cigars Cuban?

No, Encore cigars are not Cuban. They are made in the Dominican Republic using tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The brand is part of the E.P. Carrillo portfolio, a family rooted in Cuban cigar traditions but operating entirely outside Cuba.

Where can I buy Encore cigars?

Encore cigars are available at select premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Major online cigar merchants often carry them, and they are also stocked in some high-end tobacco shops. Check the E.P. Carrillo website for a store locator.