AshMap
Overview
The Encore Belicoso is Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's quiet rebuttal to the notion that an everyday cigar must be a compromise. Where his La Historia line reaches for drama, this blend settles into a confident, unhurried conversation — one that rewards attention without demanding it. The tapered head of the belicoso is the key: it funnels the smoke with a focused precision, turning what could be a simple medium-bodied smoke into a study in controlled nuance. From the first cold draw, there's a promise of toasted cedar and a faint, almost floral sweetness that hints at the fruit to come. Light it, and the opening third delivers on that promise with a clean, dry cedar that crackles like fresh-cut lumber, softened by a creaminess that feels more like whole milk than heavy cream. Roasted cashew arrives mid-palate, oily and warm, while a bright citrus zest — think lemon peel, not orange — dances on the retrohale, keeping the profile lively and preventing the wood from turning flat. The ash holds firm, a pale grey column that speaks to the construction's integrity, and the burn line stays razor-straight, a testament to the rolling room's discipline. By the second third, the cigar deepens its vocabulary. The cedar remains, but it recedes into a backbone as golden raisin and a whisper of fig emerge — not jammy or overpowering, but dried and concentrated, like fruit left in the sun. A soft leather begins to wrap around the smoke, adding a tactile richness that gives the blend body without ever tipping into heaviness. This is where the Encore reveals its craft: the transition is seamless, each note folding into the next with the patience of a blender who trusts his leaf. The final third is the payoff for those who linger. Earth deepens into a dark, loamy foundation, and espresso — bitter, roasted, but never acrid — joins the chorus. Black pepper appears on the finish, a gentle tingle rather than a bite, while the cream from the opening third persists like a memory, holding the whole structure in balance. The smoke stays cool to the very nub, a rare feat for a belicoso, and the draw, slightly loose but never airy, allows for long, contemplative pulls. This is not a cigar that shouts; it persuades. It's the kind of smoke that makes you check the band halfway through, not because you doubt the source, but because it's hard to believe such composure comes at this price. The Encore Belicoso is E.P. Carrillo's reminder that accessibility and excellence are not mutually exclusive — they're just rare to find in the same vitola.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-leaf tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Belicoso |
| Size | 6.5 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no announced extended box aging |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The belicoso opens with toasted cedar, mild creaminess, and a gentle nuttiness — think roasted cashew and light oak. A subtle citrus zest sits on the retrohale, keeping things lively and fresh from the first draw.
Second Third
The middle transitions into dried fruit — golden raisin and a whisper of fig — layered over a consistent cedar backbone. Leather begins to emerge softly, adding texture and body without pushing the cigar into full territory.
Final Third
The final third rewards patience with deepened earth and espresso notes alongside mild black pepper on the finish. The cream never fully disappears, maintaining balance through to the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably solid for a production line cigar — the belicoso's tapered head opens to an easy, slightly loose draw with a cool smoke. Burn is even with a firm, medium-grey ash that holds an inch or more.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged Barbadian rum such as Mount Gay XO or a light Scotch whisky like Glenlivet 12 — the cigar's medium profile won't be overwhelmed
Wine
A lightly oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy or a New World Viognier; the cigar's cream and fruit notes find excellent harmony with white stone-fruit wines
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over or a lightly sweetened Costa Rican cold brew — the nut and cedar notes in the cigar mirror the coffee's natural brightness
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a mid-career professional — a project manager, a high school teacher, a graphic designer — who has been smoking for three or four years. They've graduated from flavored cigars and cheap robustos, but they're not yet chasing limited-edition unicorns. It's a Saturday afternoon in early autumn, and they've just finished a long week. They pour a glass of Mount Gay XO, settle into a worn Adirondack chair on the porch, and want a cigar that won't demand their full attention but will reward it when they lean in. They've smoked the La Historia line and loved it, but they're not in the mood for that kind of intensity today. They want something that feels crafted, that offers a clear narrative from first light to nub, but that doesn't require a tasting journal to appreciate. The Encore Belicoso gives them that — a familiar, comfortable smoke that still surprises with its fruit and leather, a cigar that makes them feel like they've discovered a secret, even though it's been sitting on the shelf for years. They'll finish it, tap the ash, and think, 'That was exactly what I needed.' And they'll be right.
Bottom Line
The Encore Belicoso is a masterclass in understated blending — a cigar that delivers genuine complexity and flawless construction at a price that respects your wallet. It's the everyday smoke you'll reach for when you want to remember why you fell in love with cigars in the first place.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Belicoso a strong cigar?
No, it's rated Medium (3/5) on AshMap's strength scale. You'll feel a pleasant warmth on the palate and a mild nicotine buzz by the final third, but it never becomes overwhelming. It's a cigar you can smoke on an empty stomach without regret, though a light meal won't hurt.
What does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Belicoso taste like?
The flavor arc moves from toasted cedar, roasted cashew, and citrus zest in the first third, to golden raisin, fig, and soft leather in the second, and finishes with deepened earth, espresso, and mild black pepper. A consistent creaminess runs through the entire smoke, tying it together.
How long does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Belicoso take to smoke?
Expect a 60–75 minute session. The belicoso's 6.5 x 52 format with a tapered head allows for a controlled burn rate; if you draw slowly and let it rest between puffs, you can stretch it closer to 75 minutes. It's a perfect afternoon or early evening commitment.
What is the best pairing for Encore by E.P. Carrillo Belicoso?
A well-aged Barbadian rum like Mount Gay XO is ideal. The rum's oaky vanilla and dried fruit notes mirror the cigar's cedar and raisin character, while its gentle warmth complements the medium body without overpowering the blend. If you prefer whisky, a light Scotch like Glenlivet 12 works similarly.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Belicoso good for beginners?
Yes, with caveats. At Medium strength and $10–$14 per cigar, it's approachable for a newer smoker who has already tried a few milder cigars and wants to explore more flavor without being knocked over. The flavors are distinct and easy to identify, making it a great educational smoke. However, if you're brand new to cigars, you might want to start with something lighter and cheaper to build your palate first.
Where can I buy Encore by E.P. Carrillo Belicoso?
This is a widely distributed premium cigar, so you'll find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists, as well as major online retailers like Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar. Because it's an everyday line, it's rarely out of stock, but check the box date if you're buying online to ensure freshness.
What is the price of Encore by E.P. Carrillo Belicoso?
The Encore Belicoso typically retails for $10–$14 per cigar, depending on your local taxes and the retailer. At that price, it sits squarely in the 'everyday premium' tier — affordable enough for regular rotation, but with enough craft to feel like a treat.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Belicoso worth aging?
Not particularly. The tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, and there's no announced extended box aging for this line. The blend is designed to be enjoyed within a year or two of purchase. While it won't fall apart with a few months in your humidor, don't expect significant evolution — smoke it fresh to capture the citrus and cream notes that define its character.
What wrapper does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Belicoso use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade — a medium brown leaf with a slight toothiness and a subtle natural sheen. This wrapper contributes the toasted cedar and mild spice backbone, while its oily texture helps the cigar burn evenly and coolly.
Where is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Belicoso made?
It's hand-rolled at E.P. Carrillo's factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. The binder is Nicaraguan, and the filler is a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-leaf tobaccos — a combination that gives the cigar its balanced, approachable character while showcasing the factory's precision rolling.