AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about halfway through the Encore Black Churchill, when the smoke turns a corner. What began as a dark, brooding monologue of espresso and earth softens its jaw, revealing a core of dried fig and raisin that feels less like a flavor and more like a memory of late autumn. This is the genius of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's 'Black' expression—it doesn't just darken the original Encore's wrapper; it inverts the entire narrative. The original Encore is a bright, cedary, almost elegant smoke. The Black is its nocturnal twin, a cigar that speaks in a lower register, trading sunlight for the warm glow of a leather-bound library. It is not a heavier version of the same song; it is a different composition entirely, one written in the minor key.
From the first cold draw, the promise is tactile: dark chocolate and dried cherry, a whisper of cedar that hints at the structure to come. Once lit, the opening salvo is assertive but not aggressive—a roasted espresso bean bitterness that coats the tongue, underpinned by a foundational earthiness that tastes like the Estelí soil itself. The retrohale delivers a sharp, clean black pepper that doesn't just announce the strength; it calibrates your palate for the journey. This is not a cigar that asks for your attention; it commands it, but with the quiet confidence of a master craftsman rather than the bluster of a young upstart.
The second third is where the Encore Black reveals its true architecture. The pepper recedes like a tide, pulling back to expose a seabed of complexity. The dark fruit emerges—not as a jammy sweetness, but as a concentrated, almost wine-like depth of dried fig and raisin. This is layered over a growing creaminess that softens the toasted oak and leather, creating a textural interplay that is both rich and refined. The espresso note never disappears; it mutates, becoming a supporting bass note that grounds the sweeter, more aromatic top notes. It is a masterclass in balance, where no single element dominates, yet each is unmistakably present.
As the final third approaches, the cigar tightens its grip. The strength, which had been a steady hum, now builds to a controlled crescendo. The cedar, which was a mere whisper at the start, returns as a pronounced, almost resinous note, weaving through a deepening dark chocolate bitterness. The earth turns darker, more mineral, and the aged leather takes on a sweet, musty quality that lingers long after the smoke is exhaled. The finish is long, warm, and deeply satisfying—a final statement that leaves no doubt about the cigar's pedigree. This is a Churchill that demands its full 90 minutes, not out of stubbornness, but because it has a complete story to tell, and it refuses to rush the ending.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos, aged |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Churchill |
| Size | 7 x 50 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $14–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; specific aging duration not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw offers dark chocolate, dried cherry, and a whisper of cedar. Upon lighting, the first third opens with roasted espresso, dark cocoa, and a foundation of earth and leather. There is a pleasant black pepper spice on the retrohale that sets the tone.
Second Third
The mid-section transitions into a more complex interplay of dark fruit — dried fig and raisin — alongside leather, toasted oak, and a continuing undercurrent of espresso. The pepper eases slightly, allowing cream and subtle nuttiness to emerge, adding depth without losing the cigar's bold character.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with roasted coffee, dark earth, and a pronounced cedar note that wasn't present earlier. A dark chocolate bitterness develops alongside aged leather, finishing long, warm, and satisfying. The strength builds noticeably here but remains controlled and never harsh.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — E.P. Carrillo's factory work is among the best in the industry. The draw is open and effortless, the burn line nearly razor-straight with a firm, charcoal-gray ash that holds well past the one-inch mark.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or a wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller 12 — the sweetness of either spirit harmonizes beautifully with the dark fruit and espresso notes.
Wine
A full-bodied Malbec from Mendoza (e.g., Achaval Ferrer Malbec) or a Zinfandel — both echo the dark fruit and earthiness of the cigar.
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a cold brew with a touch of dark chocolate — mirrors the cocoa and roasted coffee notes throughout the smoke.
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has already climbed the mountain of mild-to-medium cigars and now seeks a summit with a view. Picture a man in his late 40s, a veteran of the humidor, who has spent the last decade chasing limited editions and rare vintage releases. He is not looking for a novelty; he is looking for a reliable companion for a quiet Tuesday evening. He has just poured himself a glass of Weller 12, the kids are in bed, and the noise of the day has finally subsided. He wants a cigar that will not demand a performance review, but will instead offer a deep, contemplative conversation. He already enjoys the complexity of a Padron 1964 Anniversary Series or the earthy depth of a My Father Le Bijou, but he is tired of the prestige tax that comes with those names. The Encore Black gives him that same level of serious, unpretentious flavor, a smoke that respects his experience without trying to impress him with its price tag. It is the choice of a man who knows exactly what he wants and has finally found a cigar that delivers it, every single time.
Bottom Line
The Encore Black Churchill is a masterclass in controlled power, offering a depth of flavor that rivals cigars at twice its price. It is a serious, rewarding smoke for the aficionado who values substance over hype. This is not just a great value; it is a great cigar, period.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore Black cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Churchill a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on the strength scale. Physically, you will feel a noticeable nicotine presence that builds steadily through the final third, creating a warm, cerebral buzz. It is not a palate-numbing powerhouse, but it is assertive enough to demand your respect and is best smoked after a meal.
What does Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Churchill taste like?
The flavor profile is a progression. It opens with roasted espresso, dark cocoa, and a foundation of earth and leather with black pepper on the retrohale. The middle third introduces dried fig, raisin, toasted oak, and a subtle creaminess. The final third intensifies with roasted coffee, dark earth, pronounced cedar, and a dark chocolate bitterness.
How long does Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Churchill take to smoke?
Given its Churchill vitola (7 x 50), you should set aside at least 90 minutes to properly enjoy this cigar. The larger ring gauge and length require a slow, deliberate smoking pace to prevent overheating and to fully appreciate the flavor evolution. Rushing it will ruin the experience.
What is the best pairing for Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Churchill?
An aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 is an exceptional match. The natural sweetness of the rum, with its notes of caramel and vanilla, harmonizes beautifully with the cigar's dark fruit and espresso notes, creating a rich, dessert-like experience. Alternatively, a wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller 12 offers a softer, sweeter counterpoint to the cigar's pepper and earth.
Is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Churchill good for beginners?
No, this is not a beginner's cigar. The Medium-Full strength can be overwhelming for a palate not yet accustomed to nicotine, and the price point of $14–$18 per cigar is a significant investment for a novice who may not yet appreciate its complexity. This is a cigar for the experienced smoker who can handle its power and is looking for a serious, nuanced flavor profile.
Where can I buy Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Churchill?
As a premium, core-line cigar from E.P. Carrillo, it is widely available at reputable brick-and-mortar tobacconists that stock a diverse selection of high-end cigars. It is also commonly found at major online cigar retailers, where you can often purchase single cigars or full boxes of 20.
What is the price of Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Churchill?
The expected retail price is between $14 and $18 per cigar. This places it firmly in the premium tier, but its performance and complexity argue that it delivers value comparable to cigars priced at $25 or more.
Is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Churchill worth aging?
While the tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, this cigar is blended to be approachable and enjoyable upon release. However, the Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro wrapper and the depth of the aged long-fillers suggest it has the structure to benefit from additional humidor time. A year or two of rest could further meld the flavors and soften the pepper, rewarding the patient smoker with an even more integrated profile.
What wrapper does Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Churchill use?
It uses a Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro wrapper, which is a darker, more oily leaf than a standard Habano. This wrapper is a primary driver of the cigar's bold character, contributing notes of dark chocolate, earth, and a subtle, underlying sweetness that distinguishes it from the lighter, more cedary wrapper on the original Encore.
Where is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Churchill made?
It is hand-rolled at the E.P. Carrillo factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This is the heart of the country's premium cigar industry, and the factory's reputation for meticulous construction is evident in the cigar's flawless draw and razor-sharp burn line.