AshMap
Overview
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona represents a quiet but profound statement about cigar craftsmanship in an era of relentless format inflation. Introduced in 2016 by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo as a deliberate nod to his pre-embargo Cuban blending heritage and the legendary El Credito factory, this vitola resurrects a format that has largely disappeared from contemporary premium production—the classic corona. At 5.62 x 46, it demands the kind of focused attention that modern aficionados have nearly forgotten, yet rewards that discipline with architecture and depth that few larger formats can match.
The Encore Corona's construction speaks to La Zona's mastery. Hand-rolled from tobaccos aged a minimum of three years, the cigar opens with a creamy, measured first third—dried fruit and toasted almond give way to cedary smoke punctuated by white pepper on the retrohale. The second third is where the blend's true intelligence emerges: espresso and dark leather intensify while the palate shifts toward roasted walnut and an earthiness that unmistakably bears the signature of aged Dominican tobacco. Throughout, a persistent creaminess unifies the composition, never allowing any single note to dominate. The final third deepens into dark chocolate and seasoned oak, finishing with lingering black pepper and mineral complexity that feels sophisticated rather than aggressive.
What ultimately distinguishes the Encore Corona is Perez-Carrillo's refusal to compensate for the smaller format with oversized flavor statements. There is no flash here, no gimmickry—merely the work of one of the industry's greatest living blenders demonstrating that true skill reveals itself at reduced ring gauges. The cigar burns with razor-even precision, the draw is ideally firm, and the ash holds with admirable tenacity. For the aficionado who has spent years inside 60-ring ring gauge behemoths, this corona functions as a necessary recalibration, a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding sessions arrive in smaller packages.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Estelí, Jalapa) and Dominican long-fillers, aged tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.62 x 46 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 3 years prior to rolling; post-rolling box rest typical before release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dried fruit and toasted almond. Once lit, the first third delivers creamy cedar, a touch of white pepper on the retrohale, and a subtle underpinning of cocoa. The smoke is dense and well-structured from the first puff.
Second Third
The midpoint is where the Encore Corona earns its keep — espresso and dark leather emerge with greater intensity while the almond note transitions to roasted walnut. A refined earthiness enters, reminiscent of aged Dominican tobacco, balanced by a persistent creaminess that ties everything together.
Final Third
The final third deepens into dark chocolate, seasoned oak, and a lingering black pepper finish on the retrohale. The sweetness recedes and gives way to a more mineral, earthy complexity. The finish is long, satisfying, and appropriately bold without becoming harsh.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically excellent — the draw is slightly firm, ideal for a corona format, producing a generous volume of smoke. The burn line is razor-even, ash holds firmly for an inch or more, and the wrapper shows no cracking or veining issues under typical storage conditions.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum with character — Zacapa 23, Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, or a mid-shelf single malt Scotch like Glenfarclas 15. The creamy mid-palate bridges beautifully with rum's caramel and vanilla backbone.
Wine
A Ribera del Duero Tempranillo (e.g., Pesquera Crianza) or a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with some bottle age — the cigar's structure complements tannic red wine without either overpowering the other.
Non-Alcoholic
A full-bodied single-origin Colombian or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe drip coffee — black, no sugar. The berry brightness of the Yirgacheffe plays counterpoint to the cigar's dark chocolate and earth notes.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Encore Corona appeals to the experienced aficionado who understands that a corona's modest dimensions are not a limitation but a test of a blender's craft. This is ideal for smokers who respect classical vitolas and seek a focused, sub-hour experience—the perfect weekday afternoon ritual or post-dinner contemplative smoke when time is precious but quality is non-negotiable. It rewards patience and attention rather than casual puffing. Beginners may find the medium-full strength and layered complexity demanding; this cigar speaks to those with developed palates who appreciate Dominican tobacco's aged character and nuanced construction.
Bottom Line
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona is an essential smoke for purists—a masterclass in how a great blender uses a classic format to demonstrate real skill. At $12–$16 per cigar, it represents genuine value in the premium tier and belongs in the humidor of anyone serious about understanding what modern Dominican craftsmanship can achieve.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona a strong cigar?
Yes. The Encore Corona is rated medium-full in strength (4/5), making it a moderately powerful smoke. It's robust enough to satisfy experienced smokers but not so aggressive that it overwhelms the palate. The intensity builds gradually from the first third through the finish.
What does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona taste like?
The flavor profile evolves throughout the smoke. The opening delivers creamy cedar, dried fruit, and toasted almond with white pepper on the retrohale. The midpoint introduces espresso, dark leather, and roasted walnut with refined earthiness. The final third deepens into dark chocolate, seasoned oak, and black pepper with lingering mineral complexity.
How long does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona take to smoke?
The Encore Corona is a sub-hour smoke, typically requiring 45–55 minutes. Its modest 5.62 x 46 dimensions make it ideal for a focused afternoon session when time is limited.
What is the best pairing for Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona?
Aged rum with character—such as Zacapa 23 or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva—complements the creamy mid-palate beautifully. For wine, a Ribera del Duero Tempranillo or aged Napa Cabernet Sauvignon works exceptionally well. A full-bodied, single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe drip coffee (black, no sugar) is an excellent non-alcoholic pairing.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona good for beginners?
Not ideally. The cigar's medium-full strength and layered complexity are best appreciated by experienced smokers with developed palates. Beginners may find the intensity and subtlety challenging; this is a cigar for aficionados who understand Dominican tobacco and respect classical vitolas.
Where can I buy Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona?
This data does not specify retail locations. The Encore line is a premium offering from E.P. Carrillo and should be available through authorized cigar retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar establishments that specialize in premium hand-rolled cigars.
What is the price of Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona?
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona is priced between $12–$16 per cigar, positioning it as accessible within the premium tier while reflecting the quality of hand-rolled Dominican construction and aged tobaccos.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona worth aging?
The cigars arrive with a minimum of three years of tobacco aging and typical post-rolling box rest before release. While additional aging is a personal preference, the Encore is crafted to be enjoyed at release and does not require further cellaring to achieve balance.
What wrapper does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona use?
The Encore Corona features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in the Colorado shade—a medium brown wrapper with light tooth and silky sheen. The binder is Nicaraguan Jalapa, with long-filler tobaccos from Nicaragua (Estelí and Jalapa) and aged Dominican stock.
Where is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Corona made?
The Encore Corona is hand-rolled at E.P. Carrillo's La Zona factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. The line was introduced by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo in 2016 as a tribute to his pre-embargo Cuban blending roots and the legacy of El Credito.