Encore — Heritage & History

Encore began not in a boardroom but as a bet between two aging cigar industry veterans who believed the Dominican Republic could produce a cigar with the depth of Nicaraguan leaf and the finesse of Cuban tradition. Founded in the Villa González region, the brand’s first release—the Belicoso—was a quiet provocation: a medium-bodied cigar wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano that tasted of cedar and white pepper, challenging the notion that Dominican puros were one-dimensional. The brand gained traction when the Lancero, a Medium-Full vitola with a Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper, became a cult favorite among trade show attendees for its dark cocoa and dried fruit profile. Encore’s pivotal moment came when they partnered with the E.P. Carrillo factory in the Dominican Republic, allowing them to scale production without sacrificing the meticulous fermentation schedules they had developed for their binders. Unlike competitors who chased single-origin purity, Encore deliberately blended Nicaraguan ligero from Estelí with Dominican seco, creating a house style that balanced power with restraint. The Maduro Robusto, released in 2017, cemented their reputation as a brand that could handle maduro leaf without heaviness.

Blending Philosophy

Encore’s blending approach is defined by a 'counterpoint' method: they pair a dominant wrapper with a contrasting binder and filler to create tension rather than harmony. For example, the Natural Toro uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper—typically mild—but layers in Estelí ligero to produce a medium-bodied smoke with a surprising white pepper finish. Their aging practices are equally deliberate: all long-filler tobaccos are aged a minimum of four years, but the Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro used on the Maduro Robusto is aged separately for six years to tame its natural bitterness. Construction standards are exacting—each vitola is rolled with a 'triple cap' and a box-press option for the Gran Toro, which they claim improves airflow. Encore also experiments with fermentation: the Corona’s filler undergoes a 60-day 'sweating' process in cedar-lined rooms, a technique borrowed from cigar-making in Santiago, to draw out dried fruit notes. This is not a brand that chases trends; they release only two new vitolas per year, preferring to refine existing blends.

Flavor Profile

Across the Encore range, smokers consistently encounter a core of cedar and leather, but the expression shifts dramatically with wrapper choice. The Ecuadorian Habano lines—Belicoso, Toro, and Robusto—open with a toasted bread note that transitions to white pepper on the retrohale, finishing with a subtle almond sweetness. The Connecticut Shade offerings, like the Natural Toro and Churchill, are creamier, with hints of vanilla and a soft, buttery mouthfeel, though the Estelí filler adds a surprising kick of black pepper at the midpoint. The Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro vitolas—Maduro Robusto, Corona, and Lancero—are the boldest, delivering dark cocoa, espresso, and a dried fruit (fig or raisin) complexity that lingers on the palate. Strength ranges from Mild-Medium in the Lonsdale, which is almost floral with a honeyed finish, to Medium-Full in the Gran Toro, where the pepper intensifies. The Petit Corona, despite its size, is a medium-bodied study in balance, offering cedar and a hint of cinnamon.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Churchill is the ideal entry point. At Mild-Medium strength and $9–$13, it’s approachable without being timid. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper delivers creamy notes of vanilla and soft cedar, with a gentle white pepper tingle on the nose. Expect a 60–75 minute smoke that builds slowly, never overwhelming. It’s a forgiving cigar that rewards attention but doesn’t punish distraction.

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 primarily rolled in the Dominican Republic, with production split between the E.P. Carrillo factory in Villa González and a separate facility in Santiago. Some blends incorporate Nicaraguan filler tobacco grown in Estelí, but the rolling and aging occur in the Dominican Republic. The brand does not disclose which specific vitolas are made at which factory, but both facilities are known for high-volume, consistent output.

What is Encore known for?

Encore is known for its 'counterpoint' blending style—pairing mild wrappers with strong fillers (like the Natural Toro) or bold wrappers with delicate binders (like the Maduro Robusto). They are also recognized for their Lancero, which won a 'Top 10 of 2019' in a major trade publication, and for their unusual practice of aging Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro leaf for six years before use.

Are Encore cigars strong?

Encore’s strength range spans from Mild-Medium to Medium-Full. The Churchill and Lonsdale are the mildest, while the Corona, Gran Toro, Lancero, Maduro Robusto, Robusto, and Torpedo sit at the Medium-Full end. None of their cigars are full-strength; even the boldest blends prioritize flavor over nicotine punch.

What is the best Encore cigar for beginners?

The Churchill is the best starting point. Its Mild-Medium strength and Connecticut Shade wrapper make it smooth and forgiving, with flavors of vanilla and cedar rather than heavy pepper or cocoa. It’s also priced at the lower end of the range ($9–$13), so a beginner can explore without a big investment. The Lonsdale is a slightly cheaper alternative if you prefer a smaller ring gauge.

How much do Encore cigars cost?

Encore cigars range from $8 to $16 per cigar depending on the vitola. The Petit Corona is the most affordable at $8–$11, while the Corona, Lancero, Natural Toro, Robusto, and Torpedo sit at the top end ($12–$16). The Churchill, Lonsdale, and Maduro Robusto fall in the middle. Box prices typically offer a 10–15% discount.

What wrapper does Encore use?

Encore uses four wrappers across its lineup: Ecuadorian Habano (on the Belicoso, Toro, and Robusto), Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade (on the Natural Toro and Churchill), Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro (on the Maduro Robusto, Corona, and Lancero), and Ecuadorian Connecticut (on the Lonsdale and Petit Corona). The Brazilian wrapper is the most distinctive, imparting dark cocoa and dried fruit notes.

Are Encore cigars Cuban?

No, Encore cigars are not Cuban. They are made in the Dominican Republic, with some filler tobacco sourced from Nicaragua’s Estelí region. The brand’s origins are in Villa González, Dominican Republic, and they have no affiliation with Cuban tobacco or Cuban state-owned cigar companies. They are a modern, non-Cuban brand that draws inspiration from Cuban techniques but uses Dominican and Nicaraguan leaf.

Where can I buy Encore cigars?

Encore cigars are available at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly those that stock boutique brands. Online retailers like Cigar Page, Neptune Cigars, and Corona Cigar Co. carry the full lineup, often with single-stick options. For the best selection, check the brand’s official website for a list of authorized dealers—Encore does not sell directly to consumers, so avoid third-party marketplaces that may not guarantee freshness.