AshMap
Overview
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro occupies a rare position in the premium cigar market: it is simultaneously dismissed and underrated. Launched around 2013 as E.P. Carrillo's answer to the value-conscious aficionado, Encore was designed to democratize the Carrillo blending philosophy without sacrificing the integrity that defines the brand's reputation. The Gran Toro, at 6 × 60, stands as the line's flagship vitola, and it is here that the blend achieves its most complete expression—a medium-full smoke that unfolds with the sophistication of cigars commanding twice its price.
What makes this cigar remarkable is its architectural coherence. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in Colorado shade provides a sophisticated frame, its subtle toothy texture and natural sheen hinting at the complexity within. The long-filler blend of Nicaraguan tobacco from Estelí and Jalapa, combined with Dominican long-filler aged a minimum of two years, creates a backbone that supports rather than overwhelms. The Nicaraguan Jalapa binder ties these elements together with understated elegance. From the opening draw—which greets you with sweet cedar, dried hay, and toasted almond—through the cocoa and espresso deepening in the final third, the progression feels intentional and unhurried.
For those accustomed to paying premium prices for established names, the Encore Gran Toro challenges assumptions about the relationship between cost and quality. The burn is dependable, the draw perfectly calibrated, and the ash firm enough to speak to meticulous rolling at E.P. Carrillo's La Alianza factory in Villa González. An 80–90 minute smoke, it rewards deliberate attention without demanding it—equally at home on a weekend afternoon or as an occasional weekday indulgence. This is a cigar that proves value need not be a euphemism for compromise.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Estelí, Jalapa) and Dominican long-filler tobaccos, aged a minimum of two years |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6 x 60 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Minimum two-year aging on filler tobaccos; blend rested post-rolling before release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweet cedar, dried hay, and a hint of toasted almond. On light, the first third delivers creamy wood notes, mild white pepper on the retrohale, and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of dry biscuit and light honey. Smoke production is generous from the start.
Second Third
The mid-section transitions into a more complex phase — roasted coffee bean, leather, and a mild earthiness emerge. The sweetness of the wrapper begins to integrate more fully, adding cocoa powder to the profile. Pepper remains present but polished and supportive rather than dominant.
Final Third
The final third deepens with dark chocolate, espresso, and a woody dryness that tightens the finish. A touch of spice returns on the retrohale, and the smoke becomes slightly denser. The finish is medium-long with lingering cocoa and cedar.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is solid for the price tier — draw is well-calibrated with just the right resistance, and the burn line holds admirably straight with only occasional minor touch-ups needed. Ash is firm and medium-gray, holding an inch or more before dropping cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A medium-aged rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or a single barrel bourbon like Four Roses Single Barrel — the sweetness complements the cocoa and cedar notes without overwhelming the blend
Wine
A Malbec from Mendoza (e.g., Clos de los Siete) or a lighter Tempranillo-based Rioja Crianza that mirrors the leather and earthy mid-profile
Non-Alcoholic
A well-extracted double espresso or a Colombian medium-roast pour-over — the coffee notes in the cigar are amplified and harmonized beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
The Encore Gran Toro is ideal for the seasoned aficionado who has moved beyond brand name as a proxy for quality and seeks consistent, well-crafted smoking experiences at accessible prices. Intermediate smokers will find it approachable and instructive; its balanced medium-full profile avoids both timidity and aggression. The 80–90 minute commitment suits weekend afternoons, early evenings, or those rare weekday moments when you want something more complex than a quick smoke but without the extended time demand of larger formats. Budget-conscious collectors who box cigars for regular rotation will find this a guilt-free staple that doesn't sacrifice blend integrity for price point.
Bottom Line
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro is a quiet overachiever—a box-worthy everyday cigar that delivers Carrillo's blending discipline at half the price of his flagship lines. For the value-conscious aficionado, this is the definition of a smart smoke.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro a strong cigar?
No. Rated 3 out of 5 in strength, it is classified as medium-full—flavorful and complex but not aggressive. The pepper and spice are polished and supportive rather than dominant, making it accessible to a broad range of palates.
What does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro taste like?
The first third opens with sweet cedar, dried hay, and toasted almond. The mid-section develops roasted coffee bean, leather, earthiness, and cocoa powder. The final third deepens into dark chocolate, espresso, and woody dryness with lingering cocoa and cedar on the finish.
How long does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro take to smoke?
Plan for 80–90 minutes. This timing makes it suitable for a weekend afternoon session or an early evening smoke without the extended commitment of larger formats.
What is the best pairing for Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro?
For spirits, try a medium-aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 or a single barrel bourbon such as Four Roses Single Barrel. A Malbec from Mendoza or a lighter Tempranillo-based Rioja Crianza pairs beautifully with the leather and earth notes. Espresso or a quality pour-over coffee amplifies the cigar's coffee-forward mid-profile.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro good for beginners?
Yes, but with nuance. While the medium-full strength is moderate, the cigar's complexity and 90-minute length suit intermediate smokers better. Absolute beginners might find it slightly demanding, though its balanced profile and approachability make it a worthwhile step-up cigar.
Where can I buy Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro?
This cigar is widely available through authorized premium cigar retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar. Check established retailers specializing in Dominican cigars and E.P. Carrillo products.
What is the price of Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro?
The Encore Gran Toro retails for $10–$14 per cigar, positioning it as an exceptional value in the everyday tier of premium cigars.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro worth aging?
The filler tobaccos are aged a minimum of two years before rolling, and the blend is rested post-rolling before release. While the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase, additional aging in a humidor may deepen complexity, though this is not required to enjoy a fully developed smoke.
What wrapper does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro use?
The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Habano in the Colorado shade, with a medium-dark tobacco brown color. It features a lightly toothy texture and subtle natural sheen that contributes to the cigar's visual sophistication.
Where is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro made?
The cigar is hand-rolled at E.P. Carrillo's La Alianza factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. This facility is known for meticulous construction and consistency across the Carrillo portfolio.