AshMap
Overview
In the constellation of premium Nicaraguan puros, the Encore Black Corona by Nacionales occupies a singular position: it is a cigar of considerable depth and refinement, yet one that remains, for the moment, something of a quiet triumph. Blended by Nicholas Melillo and the Foundation Cigar Co. team, the Encore Black line sits above the standard Encore label, distinguished by its black band and a more deliberate curation of tobaccos. This Corona vitola, at 5.5 x 46, is arguably the blend’s finest expression—a concentrated tour de force that rewards close attention without demanding a full evening’s surrender.
The story of this cigar begins with its architecture. The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro in a Colorado Maduro shade, presenting a dark coffee-brown leaf that is slightly oily and possessed of minimal tooth—elegant and uniform, it promises a refined smoking experience. Beneath it lies a Nicaraguan Jalapa binder, and a filler blend of long-leaf tobaccos from Jalapa and Estelí, each aged a minimum of three years before rolling. This aging regimen imparts a crucial mellowness to the strength, allowing the complexity to emerge in layers rather than in a single, forceful note. Post-production, the boxes are rested, further harmonizing the components.
From the first cold draw, the cigar communicates its intentions: dark cocoa and dried fig and raisin, with a whisper of cedar. Once lit, the Corona delivers immediate espresso and toasted almond, a creamy body undercutting a Jalapa-sourced pepper on the retrohale. The construction is confident from the first puff—a slightly firm draw that produces thick, voluminous smoke, with a burn line as even as a razor’s edge. The second third unfolds leather and dark chocolate, braided with dried cranberry and a note of molasses; the pepper softens from sharp to a warm, slow-burning spice that coats the palate without dominating. In the final third, the strength climbs to medium-full, yet remains controlled, introducing rich earth, charred oak, and a bittersweet espresso finish with cocoa powder and a whisper of cinnamon lingering on the retrohale.
What elevates the Encore Black Corona, however, is not merely its flavor profile but its sense of proportion. In an era where many premium cigars chase raw power, this blend demonstrates that substance and nuance are not mutually exclusive. The Corona format concentrates each puff, making every draw an event. It is a cigar for those who appreciate value without compromise—a quiet counterpoint to the louder, better-known lines from Foundation Cigar Co. For the aficionado willing to look past the halo of Liga Privada-adjacent reputations, the Encore Black offers a reward that is both profound and accessible.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan Jalapa and Estelí, aged long-leaf |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.5 x 46 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 3 years prior to rolling; box rested post-production |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dark cocoa and dried fruit — fig and raisin with a whisper of cedar underneath. Once lit, the Corona delivers immediate espresso and toasted almond, with a creamy body that undercuts the Jalapa pepper on the retrohale. Construction is confident from the first puff.
Second Third
The mid-section is where this cigar earns its reputation — leather and dark chocolate braid together, with a secondary note of dried cranberry and a touch of molasses. The pepper transitions from sharp to a warm, slow-burning spice that coats the palate without dominating. Complexity increases noticeably.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with rich earth, charred oak, and dark espresso — bittersweet in the best possible sense. A finish of cocoa powder and light cinnamon lingers on the retrohale. Strength climbs but remains controlled, never harsh.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is excellent across the board — the draw is slightly firm but ideally so for the vitola, producing thick, voluminous smoke. Burn line is razor-even with a dense, tight ash that holds 1.5 to 2 inches with ease.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically Zacapa 23 or Ron del Barrilito 3-Star; the sweetness of sugarcane distillates mirrors the cocoa and fig notes beautifully. Bourbon works as well — try a wheated expression like Larceny Barrel Proof.
Wine
Barolo or Amarone della Valpolicella — the dried fruit character in both wine and cigar create a compelling mirror effect; avoid overly tannic young Cabernet which can flatten the cigar's nuance.
Non-Alcoholic
Single-origin Nicaraguan pour-over coffee, medium roast — the terroir alignment with the filler tobacco is genuinely remarkable. A cold brew concentrate with a splash of oat milk works equally well.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Encore Black Corona is for the seasoned aficionado who values complexity and balance over brute strength. It is ideally suited to the smoker who has graduated from beginner profiles and seeks a medium-full bodied experience that rewards attention—a contemplative afternoon smoke or a post-dinner ritual when time is a luxury but not an endless one. The 45–55 minute format makes it accessible without feeling rushed. If you appreciate cigars that layer flavor like a fine wine unfurls in the glass, this Corona is for you. Novices may find the pepper and strength engaging, but its true audience is the experienced palate looking for depth in a compact package.
Bottom Line
The Encore Black Corona is a masterclass in proportional intensity—a cigar that delivers the depth of a larger format in a concentrated, elegant vitola. If you value complexity, balance, and construction that rivals the best in its tier, this is a smoke that belongs in your rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore Black cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore Black Corona by Nacionales a strong cigar?
The Encore Black Corona is rated medium-full (4/5). It builds in strength throughout the smoke, but the aged tobaccos keep the power controlled and never harsh. It is not a nicotine bomb, but it demands respect from a seasoned palate.
What does Encore Black Corona by Nacionales taste like?
The flavor profile opens with dark cocoa, dried fig and raisin, espresso, and toasted almond. The middle third introduces leather, dark chocolate, dried cranberry, and molasses, with a warm, slow-burning spice. The final third intensifies with rich earth, charred oak, bittersweet espresso, cocoa powder, and a hint of cinnamon.
How long does Encore Black Corona by Nacionales take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 45 to 55 minutes for the Corona vitola, depending on your pace. The construction is excellent, allowing for a consistent, unhurried burn.
What is the best pairing for Encore Black Corona by Nacionales?
Aged rum such as Zacapa 23 or Ron del Barrilito 3-Star mirrors the cocoa and fig notes beautifully. A wheated bourbon like Larceny Barrel Proof works well. For wine, Barolo or Amarone della Valpolicella complement the dried fruit character. Non-alcoholically, a single-origin Nicaraguan pour-over coffee or a cold brew with oat milk is an outstanding choice.
Is Encore Black Corona by Nacionales good for beginners?
This cigar is best suited for experienced smokers. Its medium-full strength and complex layering of flavors—particularly the pepper and spice—may overwhelm a novice palate. Beginners are advised to start with milder, simpler blends before tackling the Encore Black Corona.
Where can I buy Encore Black Corona by Nacionales?
Encore Black Corona is available through select premium cigar retailers and online specialty shops. Due to limited production, it may not be as widespread as Foundation Cigar Co.'s flagship lines. Check with trusted brick-and-mortar tobacconists or authorized online vendors.
What is the price of Encore Black Corona by Nacionales?
The price ranges from $12 to $16 per cigar, positioning it solidly in the premium tier. Given the quality of the construction, the aged tobaccos, and the concentration of flavor in the Corona vitola, this represents exceptional value.
Is Encore Black Corona by Nacionales worth aging?
Yes. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, and the boxes are rested post-production. Additional aging—one to three years in a stable humidor—will likely further integrate the flavors and soften the pepper, adding even more complexity. The construction is robust enough to support cellaring.
What wrapper does Encore Black Corona by Nacionales use?
The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro in a Colorado Maduro shade. It presents a dark coffee-brown color, is slightly oily, and has minimal tooth. The leaf is elegant and uniform, contributing both to the cigar's appearance and its rich flavor profile.
Where is Encore Black Corona by Nacionales made?
The Encore Black Corona is hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the Nacionales factory. It is the premium black-banded line from Nacionales, blended by Nicholas Melillo and the Foundation Cigar Co. team, using Nicaraguan tobaccos from the Jalapa and Estelí regions.