AshMap
Overview
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill stands as a masterclass in restraint and precision—a cigar that earns its place in the premium conversation not through brute force, but through seamless construction, deliberate balance, and an unmistakable sophistication. Crafted at the E.P. Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic, the Encore line was conceived by maestro Ernesto Perez-Carrillo as an accessible yet refined everyday smoke. At 7 x 49, the Churchill vitola embodies the classic form, delivering a leisurely 90-minute journey that rewards patience without demanding it. The cigar’s Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, finished in a silky Colorado Claro hue with a subtle oily sheen, is a visual promise of the elegance within. That wrapper is married to a Nicaraguan Jalapa binder and a carefully aged blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers—a composition that speaks to Carrillo’s deep understanding of how mild tobaccos can achieve profound complexity when layered with intention. From the first light, the Encore announces itself with toasted almonds, fresh cream, and gentle cedar, punctuated by a floral, almost jasmine-like sweetness that rises from the wrapper. The retrohale introduces white pepper and soft hay, setting a tone that is approachable yet never simplistic. In the second third, the profile evolves gracefully into baking spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—accompanied by roasted cashew and mild leather. Creaminess remains a constant throughline, lending the smoke a cohesive, rounded texture that never veers toward harshness. The final third brings a light espresso note and dark wood, deepening the experience just enough to reward the smoker’s patience, while white pepper on the retrohale becomes more pronounced. The finish is clean and medium-long, leaving cedar and cream on the palate—an understated farewell from a cigar that knows its strength lies in subtlety. Construction is exemplary: the draw is effortless and open, the burn near-laser straight, and the ash holds in dense, pale grey columns well past an inch and a half. The Encore by E.P. Carrillo is often underestimated precisely because it is mild and affordable. Yet Carrillo’s blending intelligence is fully present here—the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper is seamlessly integrated with the Dominican-Nicaraguan core, producing a cigar that punches well above its price tier in construction quality. It is the cigar you hand to a seasoned friend who prefers elegance over power, or to a developing palate you want to treat with respect.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Dominican and Nicaraguan long-filler blend, aged tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Churchill |
| Size | 7 x 49 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $9–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; specific duration not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening presents toasted almonds, fresh cream, and a gentle cedar note that is immediately approachable. A subtle floral sweetness — almost jasmine-like — emerges from the Ecuadorian wrapper. Retrohale delivers white pepper and a soft hay note.
Second Third
The midpoint sees a natural evolution toward baking spice — cinnamon and nutmeg — alongside roasted cashew and mild leather. Creaminess persists as a throughline, giving the smoke a well-rounded, cohesive texture. Complexity builds modestly without ever becoming aggressive.
Final Third
The final third introduces a light espresso note and a touch of dark wood, bringing just enough depth to reward your patience. White pepper on the retrohale becomes more pronounced. The finish is clean and medium-long, leaving pleasant cedar and cream on the palate.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary for the price point — characteristic of E.P. Carrillo production standards. The draw is effortless and open, the burn line is near-laser straight, and the ash holds firm in dense, pale grey columns to 1.5 inches or more.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A light-to-medium aged rum such as Ron Barceló Añejo or a gentle single malt like Glenlivet 12 — avoid peated whisky which will overwhelm the delicate wrapper notes
Wine
A Viognier or lightly oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy or the Rhône; alternatively a Spanish Albariño for its complementary floral and citrus notes
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee or a lightly sweetened jasmine green tea
Who Should Smoke This?
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill is for the smoker who values refinement over intensity—the connoisseur seeking a morning or early afternoon companion that offers complexity without demanding full attention. It suits developing palates exploring nuanced flavors, as well as experienced enthusiasts who recognize that true craftsmanship often lives in milder profiles. The 7x49 format requires a relaxed 90-minute commitment, making it ideal for a weekend brunch, a contemplative hour on the porch, or any moment when a cigar should complement rather than dominate. It is also an excellent gateway cigar for newcomers ready to move beyond basic offerings, delivering consistent construction and layered flavor at an accessible everyday price. In short, this is a cigar for anyone who appreciates elegance, balance, and a smoke that rewards without overwhelming.
Bottom Line
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill is an extraordinarily well-built mild-to-medium cigar that delivers refined, layered complexity at an everyday price. It is a testament to Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s blending mastery—accessible enough for beginners, sophisticated enough for seasoned palates. For those seeking elegance over power, this is an essential addition to the rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill a strong cigar?
No. The Encore Churchill is a mild-to-medium cigar, rated 2 out of 5 in strength. It is designed to offer balanced, approachable flavors without overwhelming nicotine impact, making it suitable for morning, early afternoon, or sessions where subtlety is preferred.
What does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill taste like?
The flavor profile evolves across three parts. First third: toasted almonds, fresh cream, gentle cedar, and a subtle floral sweetness (jasmine) from the wrapper, with white pepper and hay on the retrohale. Second third: baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), roasted cashew, mild leather, and a persistent creaminess. Final third: light espresso, dark wood, and more pronounced white pepper on the retrohale, finishing clean with cedar and cream.
How long does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill take to smoke?
The 7 x 49 Churchill vitola provides approximately 90 minutes of smoking time, making it suited for a relaxed, unhurried session such as a weekend brunch or a contemplative hour on the porch.
What is the best pairing for Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill?
Spirit pairing: a light-to-medium aged rum such as Ron Barceló Añejo or a gentle single malt like Glenlivet 12—avoid peated whisky. Wine pairing: a Viognier, lightly oaked Chardonnay, or Spanish Albariño. Non-alcoholic pairing: a medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee or lightly sweetened jasmine green tea.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill good for beginners?
Yes. With its mild-medium strength, accessible flavor profile, and flawless construction, the Encore Churchill is an excellent choice for developing palates. It offers complexity without intimidation and serves as a respectful introduction to premium hand-rolled cigars.
Where can I buy Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill?
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill is widely available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. It is sold in boxes of 20 and can often be found at authorized E.P. Carrillo dealers and major online cigar merchants.
What is the price of Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill?
The Encore Churchill is priced between $9 and $13 per cigar, placing it in the everyday premium tier. This price point, combined with its construction quality, positions it as a high-value offering.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, the Encore Churchill's blend is well-balanced and ready to smoke upon purchase. Additional aging may soften the remaining edges and further integrate the flavors, but it is not necessary—the cigar is designed to deliver its best experience from the first light.
What wrapper does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill use?
The Encore Churchill is wrapped in an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade leaf, finished in a Colorado Claro shade. The wrapper is described as silky, golden-tan, and possesses a subtle oily sheen.
Where is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Churchill made?
The Encore Churchill is hand-rolled at the E.P. Carrillo factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. It features a triple cap and is produced under the direct supervision of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo.