AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about halfway through the Encore Black, when the smoke turns from a conversation into a monologue. It stops asking for your attention and simply commands the room. This is not the bright, cedar-forward Encore of 2018 that put E.P. Carrillo back on every award shortlist. This is the shadow version—the darker, more brooding sibling that doesn't need to prove its pedigree because it knows exactly what it is. The Encore Black Robusto is a study in controlled darkness, a cigar that uses the Ecuadorian Habano Negro wrapper not as a costume, but as a core component of its identity. The wrapper leaf is a deep, oily mahogany with a fine tooth that promises texture before the first puff even touches the flame. It feels substantial in the hand, dense and cool, a prelude to the weight of the experience to come.
The pre-light draw offers a concentrated hit of dark cocoa powder and raisins, a sweetness that hints at the complexity beneath the surface. Once lit, the first third unfolds with a deliberate pace. The opening salvo is a robust espresso shot, dark and slightly bitter, immediately followed by a wave of dark cocoa that coats the tongue. The cedar backbone is present but not dominant—it’s the structural frame, not the painting. Within a dozen puffs, toasted almonds emerge, adding a savory, nutty counterpoint to the sweeter notes. There’s an earthy loam underneath, like fresh-turned soil after a rain, that grounds the profile and prevents the sweetness from ever feeling cloying. The retrohale is surprisingly gentle here, with just a whisper of white pepper that teases what’s coming.
As the ash holds firm—a testament to the rolling—the second third shifts the narrative. The sweetness recedes slightly, replaced by a deeper, more savory complexity. Bittersweet chocolate takes over from the cocoa, bringing a more adult, less sugary edge. Leather emerges, not the new car smell, but the worn, supple hide of an old armchair. The black pepper on the retrohale intensifies, now a steady companion rather than a fleeting guest. But the masterstroke is the introduction of dried fig and molasses—a sticky, dark sweetness that weaves through the savory core like a thread of gold in a tapestry of iron. It’s this balance, this tension between the dark, peppery spice and the residual fruit sweetness, that defines the Encore Black’s character. It is medium-full in strength, but the power is in the flavor density, not a nicotine punch.
The final third is where the cigar earns its keep. The charred oak arrives, smoky and assertive, replacing the clean cedar of the opening. The espresso notes have now devolved into dark roast coffee grounds, bitter and intense. The sweetness has all but vanished, leaving a long, dry finish of cocoa and leather that lingers on the palate for minutes after the final puff. The pepper remains, a persistent, satisfying tingle on the lips. This is a cigar that doesn't fade; it resolves. It ends with a statement, not a question, leaving you with the distinct impression that you’ve just witnessed a masterclass in blending—a cigar that is both a tribute to the classic profiles of old and a confident step forward for the modern palate.
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?
This is for the collector who has a humidor full of rare Cubans and limited-edition releases, but finds himself reaching for the same reliable, flavorful smokes on a Tuesday night. He’s been smoking for over a decade, has a palate that can pick out a specific vintage of Padrón, but is tired of cigars that demand a special occasion to be enjoyed. He’s the guy who appreciates the nuance of a well-aged tobacco but doesn't need to pay $30 to get it. He’s sitting on his back porch after a long day of client calls, with a glass of bourbon in hand, not to celebrate, but to decompress. He wants a cigar that will engage his mind without requiring his full attention—something that offers a complex, evolving journey but doesn't punish him if he lets it burn down while he’s lost in thought. The Encore Black is that cigar. It rewards his experience with its depth, but its approachable strength and flawless construction mean he can smoke it without ceremony. It’s the cigar he recommends to his friends who are moving past the mild stage, and the one he secretly hopes they don't stockpile, because he wants to keep it for himself.
Bottom Line
The Encore Black Robusto is a masterful blend that delivers a dark, complex, and deeply satisfying smoke at a price that feels like a steal. It is a benchmark for the medium-full category and a testament to Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s enduring skill. This is a cigar that demands a place in your regular rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore Black cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on the strength scale. This means it has a noticeable nicotine presence that builds gradually, but it is not a nicotine bomb. The power is more about the intensity of flavor—dark cocoa, espresso, and pepper—rather than a harsh, overwhelming strength. It will satisfy an experienced smoker but won't knock a moderate smoker off their feet.
What does Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto taste like?
The flavor profile evolves significantly. The first third opens with roasted espresso, dark cocoa powder, cedar, toasted almonds, and dark raisin. The second third deepens into bittersweet chocolate, leather, black pepper, and a balancing sweetness of dried fig and molasses. The final third turns richer with charred oak, dark roast coffee grounds, and a long, dry finish of cocoa and leather with lingering black pepper.
How long does Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto take to smoke?
As a Robusto vitola measuring 5.0 x 52, you can expect a smoke time of approximately 45 to 55 minutes. This is an ideal duration for a focused afternoon or evening session, allowing you to experience the full flavor progression without a significant time commitment.
What is the best pairing for Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto?
An aged Nicaraguan rum, such as Flor de Caña 18 Year, is an excellent choice. The rum's inherent vanilla and caramel sweetness creates a beautiful bridge with the cigar's dark chocolate core, while its own depth and complexity can stand up to the cigar's evolving profile without being overpowered.
Is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto good for beginners?
Given its Medium-Full strength and price point of $12–$16 per cigar, it is not the ideal starting point for a novice. A beginner might find the nicotine level and flavor intensity challenging. However, for a smoker who has a few months of experience and is looking to graduate from milder Connecticut-wrapped cigars to something with more depth and power, this is an excellent and rewarding next step.
Where can I buy Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto?
As a premium, widely distributed cigar, you can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists. It is also readily available from major online cigar retailers. Given its popularity, it is rarely a limited release, but checking with your local shop or a trusted online vendor is the best course of action.
What is the price of Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto?
The expected retail price is between $12 and $16 per cigar. This positions it firmly in the premium tier, but it offers significant value for the complexity and construction quality, especially when compared to other cigars in the same flavor and strength bracket that often command a higher price.
Is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, this cigar has the structure to benefit from additional humidor time. A year or two of rest could allow the peppery notes to mellow slightly and the sweetness to integrate more fully with the earthy and leathery core. However, it is also highly enjoyable fresh, so it is not a requirement, but a rewarding option for those with patience.
What wrapper does Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Habano Negro wrapper in a Colorado Maduro shade. This specific wrapper is the key to the cigar's character, providing a deep reddish-brown to dark mahogany color and contributing the distinct dark fruit sweetness, subtle earthiness, and oily texture that defines the blend's profile.
Where is Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo Robusto made?
It is hand-rolled at the E.P. Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. The construction is exemplary, featuring a seamless, triple cap that is a hallmark of the factory's meticulous standards, ensuring a razor-sharp burn and an open, effortless draw.