AshMap
Overview
The Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto is a testament to Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s enduring mastery of balance and refinement. Introduced around 2019 as a bolder counterpoint to the original Encore blend, this cigar occupies a distinctive niche in the premium landscape: it delivers the depth and complexity of a full-bodied smoke while remaining firmly within the medium-full spectrum—a feat that separates great blenders from merely competent ones. The robusto vitola, at 5.0 x 52, is a classic format that allows the construction—flawless triple cap, seamless wrapper—to shine, and it does. The Ecuadorian Habano Negro wrapper, finished in a Colorado Maduro shade, is the blend’s cornerstone. It offers a deep reddish-brown to dark mahogany complexion with a slight oily sheen and fine tooth, promising both visual appeal and tactile intrigue. Beneath it, a Nicaraguan binder clasps a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers sourced from the prized Jalapa and Estelí valleys, all aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling. The production takes place at the E.P. Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic, a facility synonymous with meticulous standards and hand-rolled artistry. What emerges is a cigar that feels both deliberate and organic—each puff calibrated to reveal a new facet without overwhelming the palate. The Encore Black has quietly earned its place alongside heavier hitters like Liga Privada, offering the working aficionado a complex, rewarding smoke at a price that respects the craft without courting pretension. It is a cigar that rewards patience: the first third opens with roasted espresso, dark cocoa powder, and a distinct cedar backbone, accented by toasted almonds and dried dark raisin over a bed of earthy loam. The second third deepens into a harmonious core of bittersweet chocolate, leather, and black pepper, with a subtle dried fig or molasses sweetness threading through the spice on the retrohale. The final third crescendos with charred oak, dark roast coffee grounds, and a lingering black pepper and spice finish; the sweetness recedes, leaving a satisfying, long, dry cocoa and leather finale that clings to the palate. The draw is open with ideal resistance, producing dense, creamy smoke, while the burn line remains razor-sharp and the ash holds firm for over an inch. Encore Black is not a cigar that screams for attention; it earns it quietly, through precision and depth. It is a blending masterclass—accessible sophistication that validates Perez-Carrillo’s reputation without demanding top-shelf pricing.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano Negro — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, aged tobaccos from Jalapa and Estelí valleys |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic (E.P. Carrillo factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto |
| Size | 5.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 3 years prior to rolling; blend rested post-production |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers roasted espresso, dark cocoa powder, and a distinct cedar backbone. A secondary note of toasted almonds and dried fruit (dark raisin) emerges within the first few puffs, underpinned by a pleasant earthy loam.
Second Third
The profile deepens considerably — bittersweet chocolate, leather, and black pepper develop into a harmonious core. A subtle sweetness reminiscent of dried fig or molasses threads through, balancing the now-present spice on the retrohale.
Final Third
The final third turns richer and more complex: charred oak, dark roast coffee grounds, and a lingering black pepper and spice finish. The sweetness recedes, leaving a satisfying, long, dry cocoa and leather finish that stays on the palate.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — consistent with E.P. Carrillo's meticulous factory standards. The draw is open with just the right resistance, producing a dense, creamy smoke. Burn line is razor-sharp, and ash holds firm for an inch or more before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (e.g., Flor de Caña 18 Year) or a wheated bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46 — the vanilla and caramel notes bridge beautifully with the cigar's dark chocolate core
Wine
Argentinian Malbec (e.g., Achaval Ferrer Malbec) or a Ribera del Duero Tempranillo — bold red fruit and tannic structure complement the leather and espresso notes
Non-Alcoholic
Double espresso or a cold brew coffee with a dark roast profile; alternatively a lightly sweetened dark hot chocolate
Who Should Smoke This?
The Encore Black Robusto is built for the advancing smoker who has moved beyond mild introductions and seeks complexity without intimidation. It suits the experienced aficionado who appreciates a medium-full profile that evolves across three distinct acts, offering new discoveries with each rotation. This is not a smoke for hurried moments; it demands a 45-to-55-minute window of uninterrupted attention, ideally in a relaxed afternoon or evening setting. The working professional who values craftsmanship and balance will find an ideal companion here—a cigar that rewards focus but never punishes distraction. Beginners are welcome if they have some tolerance for spice and cocoa intensity, but the Encore Black truly shines in the hands of someone ready to explore layered Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers wrapped in a masterfully fermented Habano Negro leaf. It is for the connoisseur who wants Liga-level depth without the cult markup, and for the collector who understands that a well-aged robusto from E.P. Carrillo is an investment in smoking pleasure.
Bottom Line
The Encore Black Robusto is a quietly brilliant medium-full cigar that punches well above its price point. It delivers the depth, construction, and evolving complexity of a top-shelf blend without the accompanying ego—or expense. An underrated gem that every serious smoker should have in their rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore Black cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto a strong cigar?
The Encore Black is classified as medium-full, rated 4 out of 5 on strength. It offers a robust nicotine presence and rich flavor body, but avoids the heavy, overpowering intensity of a full-strength maduro. It is suitable for experienced smokers and advancing enthusiasts who can handle moderate spice and body.
What does Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto taste like?
The flavor profile evolves through three distinct thirds. It opens with roasted espresso, dark cocoa powder, cedar, toasted almonds, and dark raisin. The middle third deepens into bittersweet chocolate, leather, black pepper, and dried fig or molasses sweetness. The final third delivers charred oak, dark roast coffee grounds, black pepper, and a lasting dry cocoa and leather finish.
How long does Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 45 to 55 minutes. The 5.0 x 52 robusto format, combined with a dense, creamy draw and razor-sharp burn, allows for a relaxed but efficient session that rewards attention to the flavor progression.
What is the best pairing for Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto?
An aged Nicaraguan rum, such as Flor de Caña 18 Year, or a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46, bridges the vanilla and caramel notes with the cigar's dark chocolate core. For wine, an Argentinian Malbec or Ribera del Duero Tempranillo complements the leather and espresso notes. Non-alcoholic options include a double espresso or cold brew with dark roast profile, or a lightly sweetened dark hot chocolate.
Is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto good for beginners?
It is not recommended for absolute beginners due to its medium-full strength, black pepper spice, and complexity. However, an advancing smoker with some experience who can handle moderate nicotine and layered flavors will find it approachable. Beginners should start with a milder cigar in the E.P. Carrillo lineup, such as the original Encore blend.
Where can I buy Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto?
This cigar is widely available through premium online retailers such as Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar. It can also be found at brick-and-mortar tobacconists that stock the E.P. Carrillo Encore series. AshMap recommends purchasing from authorized dealers to ensure authenticity and proper storage.
What is the price of Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto?
The retail price ranges from $12 to $16 per cigar, depending on retailer and local tax. This places it in the premium tier, but it offers exceptional value relative to its complexity and construction, often competing with cigars priced significantly higher.
Is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto worth aging?
Yes, it is worth cellaring. The filler tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, and the blend is rested post-production. Further aging in a humidor (at 65–70% relative humidity) for one to three years will deepen the cocoa and leather notes while smoothing out the pepper spice, making an already refined cigar even more elegant.
What wrapper does Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto use?
The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Habano Negro leaf, finished in a Colorado Maduro shade. This wrapper exhibits a deep reddish-brown to dark mahogany color, with a slight oily sheen and fine tooth. It is the key component that delivers the dark fruit sweetness and cocoa notes without pushing the profile into full maduro territory.
Where is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto made?
The cigar is hand-rolled at the E.P. Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. This facility is known for rigorous quality control and is dedicated to producing E.P. Carrillo's entire premium portfolio, ensuring consistency across every production run.