EP Carrillo — Heritage & History

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. did not start EP Carrillo to reclaim a throne; he started it after being pushed off one. In 2009, he left the family business he had built, La Gloria Cubana, and was bound by a non-compete that kept him out of the cigar game for two years. When he returned in 2011, he did so not with a nostalgic blend, but with a declaration of independence: the original Encore. That cigar, a Nicaraguan-forward blend wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano, was an immediate statement that his palate had not retired. The brand’s defining moment came in 2016 when the Encore Majestic was named Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado, a rare honor for a brand that had only existed for five years. Rather than resting, Perez-Carrillo used the platform to push boundaries, releasing the dark, San Andrés-clad La Historia and the highly allocated Pledge series, which secured back-to-back top rankings. The operation is rooted in Villa González, Dominican Republic, where his factories—including the primary TABDOM facility—anchor a production model that prioritizes small-batch control over mass output.

Blending Philosophy

EP Carrillo’s blending approach is defined by a tension between Nicaraguan strength and Dominican refinement. Perez-Carrillo sources hearty Nicaraguan Habano leaves from the Jalapa Valley for body, but he counters that power with the smoother, sun-grown tobaccos cultivated in the Dominican Republic. He is not afraid to use a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper—as seen on La Historia—to add a layer of earthy sweetness, but he typically blends it over a core of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers to keep the profile balanced rather than one-dimensional. The brand’s construction standards are rigorous, with a focus on a flawless draw and a straight burn, which is a hallmark of the TABDOM factory. The Pledge series, with its Connecticut River Valley wrapper, demonstrates his willingness to experiment with less common tobaccos to achieve a specific medium-bodied profile that still delivers a peppery finish. He treats aging as a variable, not a rule, often releasing limited runs like Short Run Sixty that allow him to test blends without committing to a permanent line.

Flavor Profile

Across the EP Carrillo range, smokers can expect a core of white pepper and cedar that is often framed by a distinct, earthy sweetness. The Encore line, particularly the Robusto and Majestic, delivers a profile of dark cocoa and dried fruit, with the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper contributing a subtle spice that lingers on the retrohale. The La Historia line, wrapped in Mexican San Andrés Maduro, shifts the experience toward leather and a deeper, almost molasses-like sweetness, with the pepper taking a backseat to a creamy smoke texture. The Pledge series, with its Connecticut River Valley wrapper, is the outlier, offering a lighter, more floral introduction of cedar and a gentle, baking-spice warmth rather than a sharp pepper bite. The New Wave Connecticut Shade is the mildest entry, presenting a smooth, creamy profile with notes of toasted nuts and a hint of citrus, making it a clear departure from the brand’s typically medium-full strength core.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the New Wave Connecticut Shade in the Sublime vitola is the most accessible entry point. At a mild-to-medium strength and a $12–$16 price point, it offers a gentle introduction without the pepper blast found in the Encore line. Expect a creamy smoke with notes of toasted nuts, cedar, and a subtle citrus sweetness. The larger ring gauge ensures a cool, slow burn, giving you roughly 60–75 minutes of smoking time to appreciate the blend’s nuance.

EP Carrillo Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 EP Carrillo cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are EP Carrillo cigars made?

EP Carrillo cigars are primarily produced in Villa González, Dominican Republic. The brand operates several factories in this region, including the TABDOM factory, which serves as the primary production facility, along with the La Alianza factory and a facility referred to as La Zona. Some production also occurs at the La Romana Cigars S.A. factory in the Dominican Republic.

What is EP Carrillo known for?

EP Carrillo is known for the Encore Majestic, which was named Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado in 2016. The brand is also recognized for the Pledge series, which achieved high rankings in subsequent years, and for the La Historia line, which showcases a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper. The brand’s founder, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr., is also known for his previous work creating La Gloria Cubana.

Are EP Carrillo cigars strong?

Most EP Carrillo cigars are blended at a medium-full strength, which means they offer a noticeable nicotine presence and a robust flavor profile. The Encore, La Historia, and Pledge lines all fall into this category. The New Wave Connecticut Shade is the exception, blended at a mild-medium strength, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a gentler smoke.

What is the best EP Carrillo cigar for beginners?

The New Wave Connecticut Shade is the best choice for beginners. Its mild-medium strength is forgiving, and the Connecticut Shade wrapper provides a smooth, creamy texture without the intense pepper found in the brand’s other lines. It allows a new smoker to experience the brand’s construction quality without being overwhelmed by nicotine or bold spices.

How much do EP Carrillo cigars cost?

EP Carrillo cigars range from $10 to $24 per cigar. The Round Two Robusto is the most affordable at $10–$14, while the La Historia Maduro Toro is the premium offering at $18–$24. The core lines, such as the Encore Robusto and Pledge Prequel, typically sit in the $14–$18 range.

What wrapper does EP Carrillo use?

EP Carrillo uses a diverse range of wrappers across its lines. This includes Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro, Ecuadorian Habano, Nicaraguan Habano from the Jalapa Valley, Ecuadorian Habano Maduro, Connecticut Shade from the USA, Connecticut River Valley, Mexican San Andrés Maduro, Ecuadorian Connecticut Habano, and Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade (Natural). Some releases also feature Nicaraguan Habano wrappers.

Are EP Carrillo cigars Cuban?

No, EP Carrillo cigars are not Cuban. They are made in the Dominican Republic, with all production facilities located in Villa González and La Romana. While the founder, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr., has Cuban heritage, his cigars are crafted entirely outside of Cuba using tobaccos from Nicaragua, Ecuador, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States.

Where can I buy EP Carrillo cigars?

EP Carrillo cigars are widely available at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists that carry boutique brands. They are also sold through major online cigar retailers. Due to the limited production of certain lines like the Pledge, you may need to check release dates or join a retailer’s mailing list to secure specific vitolas.