AshMap
Overview
The Encore Black Lonsdale by Shepherd's occupies a rare niche in contemporary premium cigar culture: a hand-rolled Nicaraguan that delivers genuine complexity without demanding either a three-figure price tag or a full evening's commitment. Introduced circa 2018–2019 as the elevated tier of Shepherd's Cigars' Encore line, the Encore Black represents a calculated step up from its predecessor—a distinction earned through meticulous filler aging and an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper selected for both refinement and nuance. At $12–$16 per cigar, it positions itself as the thinking smoker's daily premium—approachable in price, uncompromising in execution.
The Lonsdale vitola proves particularly well-suited to this blend's architecture. The narrow, elongated format allows the silky Colorado Ecuadorian wrapper to express its initial sweetness and dried fruit character before the Nicaraguan core fully asserts itself around the midway point. What emerges across the 75–90 minute smoking window is a study in progression: toasted bread and roasted nuts give way to espresso and dark cocoa, with the retrohale gradually shifting toward a pleasant white pepper intensity. The final third doesn't disappoint—charred oak and dark roast coffee dominate, culminating in a long, dry mineral finish that feels earned rather than forced.
Construction throughout is consistently excellent. The draw balances openness with just enough resistance to reward the smoker's attention, while the burn line demonstrates the kind of even progression that separates hand-rolled discipline from mass-market mediocrity. Grey ash columns hold with impressive integrity, and the smoke output remains full and cool even as strength builds into the medium-full range. For aficionados fatigued by either undistinguished budget smokes or the relentless premium inflation plaguing the industry, the Encore Black Lonsdale functions as a quiet antidote—proof that boutique complexity and everyday accessibility need not be mutually exclusive.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano Natural — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan Estelí and Jalapa long-fillers, aged minimum two years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.5 x 44 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Fillers reported to undergo a minimum two-year aging regimen before rolling |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweet cedar, dried fruit, and a mild spice tingle on the lips. Once lit, the first third delivers toasted bread, roasted nuts, and a creamy white pepper note that integrates quickly with natural sweetness from the Ecuadorian wrapper.
Second Third
Complexity increases markedly — espresso, dark cocoa, and a leather undertone emerge as the cigar settles into its rhythm. A subtle earthiness from the Jalapa binder weaves through, and the pepper spice migrates to the retrohale with pleasant intensity.
Final Third
The final third strengthens noticeably, with dark roast coffee, charred oak, and a lingering dark chocolate finish dominating the palate. The sweetness recedes, leaving a dry, satisfying mineral note on the retro. The finish is long and clean.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently strong — the draw is open and effortless with just the right amount of resistance, and the burn line is remarkably even for a Lonsdale format. Ash holds firm in generous grey columns and the smoke output is full and cool.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A medium-aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12 Year, or a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 to complement the cocoa and cedar notes
Wine
A Ribera del Duero Tempranillo (e.g. Pesquera Crianza) — the wine's dark fruit and earthy backbone mirrors the cigar's leather and espresso character
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian pour-over or a cold brew concentrate — the coffee's fruity acidity bridges the cigar's dark chocolate and cedar elements beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is ideal for the seasoned aficionado seeking quality without the $25-per-stick habit. It rewards those with at least a year or two of serious smoking experience—the complexity unfolds deliberately, and its medium-full strength demands respect. The Lonsdale format is perfect for an unhurried 75–90 minute session: an afternoon porch smoke, a post-dinner ritual, or any moment when you want genuine flavor development without full-bore intensity. It's equally at home in a relaxed social setting or as a solitary meditation. Beginners may find it slightly intense; experienced smokers will appreciate its value proposition and refined progression.
Bottom Line
The Encore Black Lonsdale is an under-the-radar gem that consistently punches above its price point—a hand-rolled Nicaraguan with genuine complexity, excellent construction, and the restraint of a cigar that knows its strengths. For the discerning smoker who refuses to sacrifice quality for affordability, this is an essential regular rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore Black cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Encore Black Lonsdale a strong cigar?
Yes, it carries a medium-full strength rating (4/5), building gradually from the first third and intensifying through to the finish. It's not entry-level, but the progression feels natural rather than aggressive. Experienced smokers will find it appropriately robust without being overwhelming.
What does the Encore Black Lonsdale taste like?
The first third opens with sweet cedar, dried fruit, and toasted bread with creamy white pepper. The second third introduces espresso, dark cocoa, and leather with earth undertones. The final third becomes darker and more mineral-driven, finishing with charred oak, dark roast coffee, and lingering dark chocolate before a dry, clean mineral note on the retrohale.
How long does the Encore Black Lonsdale take to smoke?
Plan for 75–90 minutes. The Lonsdale vitola (6.5 x 44) rewards slow, deliberate smoking—rushing this cigar would diminish its layered flavor progression. It's designed for an unhurried session.
What is the best pairing for the Encore Black Lonsdale?
A medium-aged Nicaraguan rum like Flor de Caña 12 Year or wheated bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46 complements the cocoa and cedar beautifully. If wine appeals, try a Ribera del Duero Tempranillo (e.g., Pesquera Crianza). For non-alcoholic pairing, a single-origin Ethiopian pour-over or cold brew concentrate bridges the cigar's dark chocolate and cedar elements elegantly.
Is the Encore Black Lonsdale good for beginners?
Not ideally. At medium-full strength with deliberate flavor complexity, it's better suited to smokers with at least a year or two of experience. Beginners would benefit from starting with milder offerings before graduating to this cigar's intensity and sophistication.
Where can I buy the Encore Black Lonsdale?
The cigar is available through authorized premium cigar retailers and online merchants specializing in hand-rolled Nicaraguan cigars. As a Shepherd's Cigars product, availability varies by region and retailer inventory. Check with established cigar shops and online purveyors of premium brands.
What is the price of the Encore Black Lonsdale?
The Encore Black Lonsdale retails between $12–$16 per cigar. Cigars are typically sold in 20-count boxes, making it an excellent value proposition for regular rotation without breaking the budget.
Is the Encore Black Lonsdale worth aging?
The filler tobacco is already aged a minimum of two years before rolling, resulting in a well-developed profile ready to smoke immediately. Additional aging is optional—some aficionados may enjoy cellaring for 1–2 years to allow wrapper integration and subtle softening, but the cigar is not specifically designed for extended aging.
What wrapper does the Encore Black Lonsdale use?
It features an Ecuadorian Habano Natural wrapper in Colorado shade—a silky, medium-brown leaf with slight tooth that expresses natural sweetness and complexity. The wrapper is critical to the cigar's refined character, particularly in the first and second thirds.
Where is the Encore Black Lonsdale made?
The cigar is hand-rolled at a factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Estelí is one of Nicaragua's premier cigar-producing regions, renowned for quality long-filler production. The Encore Black line represents Shepherd's Cigars' premium offering, introduced circa 2018–2019 as a step-up from the original Encore line.