Encore Black — Heritage & History

Encore Black is a relatively recent addition to the premium cigar landscape, developed to offer a consistently refined medium-full smoking experience. While precise founding details remain proprietary, the brand emerged from a collaboration between notable Nicaraguan and Dominican blending houses, with production occurring across multiple respected factories including Tabacalera La Alianza in Estelí, Nicaragua, the E.P. Carrillo facility in Villa González, Dominican Republic, and a STG/Davidoff production site in Estelí. This multi-origin approach allows Encore Black to source a diverse range of wrapper leaves—from Nicaraguan Habano Rosado to Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and Ecuadorian Habano Negro—while maintaining a cohesive strength profile. The brand’s significance lies in its bridging of boutique blending creativity with large-scale production consistency, offering enthusiasts a range of vitolas that highlight nuanced medium-full character without overwhelming strength.

Blending Philosophy

Encore Black’s blending philosophy centers on balance and approachability within the medium-full strength bracket. Rather than pursuing extreme power, the brand prioritizes harmony between wrapper, binder, and filler—using a rotating selection of seven different wrappers (including Nicaraguan, Ecuadorian, Honduran, and Connecticut Broadleaf varieties) to create layered complexity. Each vitola is crafted to deliver a consistent smoking experience that evolves smoothly from first light to nub. The brand distinguishes itself by offering a wide range of sizes—from Petit Corona to Churchill—while maintaining a uniform strength target, allowing smokers to explore different formats without fear of jarring shifts in intensity. This disciplined approach reflects a modern philosophy: precision over brute force.

Flavor Profile

Across the Encore Black lineup, the signature flavor character is defined by earthy depth, subtle cocoa sweetness, and a gentle white pepper spice that lingers on the retrohale. Depending on the wrapper, specific expressions emerge: the Nicaraguan Habano Rosado lends bright cedar and red fruit notes, while the Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro adds dark roast coffee and leather. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro brings a rich, molasses-like sweetness with hints of dark chocolate, and the Ecuadorian Habano Negro contributes a savory, almost umami quality with moderate spice. Underlying all vitolas is a consistent Nicaraguan filler core that provides toasted tobacco and a faint nuttiness, creating a profile that is complex yet never harsh—ideal for both seasoned smokers and those exploring medium-full cigars.

Best for Beginners

For someone new to premium cigars, the Encore Black Robusto ($12–$16) is an excellent entry point. Its 5×50 format offers a forgiving 45–60 minute smoke, while the blend’s balanced medium-full strength delivers flavor without overpowering. The Robusto’s smaller ring gauge concentrates the core notes of earth and cocoa, making the profile easy to appreciate.

Encore Black Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Encore Black cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Belicoso — Belicoso, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Churchill — Churchill, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Corona — Corona, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Gran Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Lancero — Lancero, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Natural Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium-Full · $9–$12 per cigar
  • Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $18–$24 per cigar
  • Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Encore Black cigars made?

Encore Black cigars are produced in multiple facilities: Tabacalera La Alianza in Estelí, Nicaragua; the E.P. Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic; and an STG/Davidoff production facility in Estelí, Nicaragua. Some components also source tobacco from Danlí, Honduras.

What is Encore Black known for?

Encore Black is known for offering a wide range of vitolas (10+ sizes) all consistently blended to a medium-full strength profile. The brand is distinguished by its use of seven different wrapper varieties—including Nicaraguan Habano, Ecuadorian Habano, and Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro—allowing for notable flavor variation within a balanced framework.

Are Encore Black cigars strong?

All Encore Black cigars are classified as medium-full in strength. They provide a noticeable nicotine presence but are not considered overpowering. The brand prioritizes balance, so even the larger vitolas like the Churchill and Toro remain smooth and manageable for most experienced smokers.

What is the best Encore Black cigar for beginners?

The Encore Black Robusto ($12–$16) is the recommended starting point. Its 5×50 size offers a shorter smoking time, and the blend’s medium-full strength is approachable for newcomers, with flavors of earth, cocoa, and mild spice that are easy to identify.

How much do Encore Black cigars cost?

Encore Black cigars range from approximately $9–$24 per cigar depending on the vitola. The Petit Corona is the most affordable ($9–$12), while the Toro is the premium option ($18–$24). The majority of sizes, including Robusto, Gran Toro, and Torpedo, fall in the $12–$16 range.

What wrapper does Encore Black use?

Encore Black uses a rotating selection of seven wrappers across its lineup: Nicaraguan Habano Rosado, Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro, Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro, Nicaraguan Habano, Ecuadorian Habano Natural, Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, Honduran Natural (Habano-seed), and Ecuadorian Habano Negro. Not all wrappers appear in every vitola.

Are Encore Black cigars Cuban?

No, Encore Black cigars are not Cuban. They are produced in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic using tobaccos primarily sourced from Nicaragua, Ecuador, Honduras, and the United States (Connecticut Broadleaf). The brand has no affiliation with Cuban tobacco or production.

Where can I buy Encore Black cigars?

Encore Black cigars are available through select premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. They are not sold in mass-market outlets. Due to the brand’s relatively limited production, availability may vary by region; checking with authorized online cigar merchants is recommended.