AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet confidence to the Encore Gran Toro, a cigar that doesn't announce itself with a bang but instead earns its applause through a slow, deliberate build. It's the understudy in the E.P. Carrillo lineup, often overlooked for the flashier lead roles, yet it delivers a performance that is arguably more honest and certainly more accessible. From the first cold draw, there's a promise of restraint—a whisper of sweet cedar and dried hay that suggests this is a blend built on integration, not volume. The 60-ring gauge feels substantial in the hand, a modern nod to those who want a long, contemplative session without the commitment of a Churchill. This is a cigar that respects your time and your palate, offering a narrative arc that rewards patience without ever demanding it.
Upon lighting, the Gran Toro opens with a creamy, almost buttery wood profile that is immediately inviting. The retrohale introduces a mild white pepper, a polite tingle that clears the sinuses without overwhelming the senses. A subtle sweetness, reminiscent of a dry biscuit dipped in light honey, weaves through the smoke, creating a foundation that is both comforting and intriguing. The smoke production is generous from the outset, a thick, chewy cloud that fills the palate with flavor. This first act is a masterclass in accessibility, a welcoming handshake that hints at the complexity to come without giving away the plot.
As the ash begins to form its first firm column, the narrative shifts. The second third introduces a savory depth that was only hinted at earlier. Roasted coffee bean emerges, grounding the profile with a bitter-edged richness, while a soft, supple leather note adds a textural dimension. A mild, earthy undertone—think of damp forest floor after a rain—anchors the blend, preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying. The wrapper's influence becomes more pronounced here, its cocoa powder character integrating seamlessly with the existing flavors. The pepper, once a bright spark, now settles into a polished, supportive role, a steady bassline that holds the composition together. This is the heart of the cigar, a complex and satisfying middle movement that showcases the skill of the blender.
The final third is a descent into a darker, more profound territory. The cocoa deepens into a rich dark chocolate, while the coffee notes intensify into a full-bodied espresso. A woody dryness begins to tighten the finish, a pleasant astringency that cleanses the palate and prepares it for the finale. A touch of spice returns on the retrohale, a final, lingering echo of the opening pepper, now warmed and more assertive. The smoke becomes denser, more concentrated, as if the cigar is gathering its final thoughts. The finish is medium-long, leaving a lasting impression of cocoa and cedar that invites reflection. It is a satisfying conclusion to a well-told story, one that leaves you with the feeling of having shared a meaningful conversation with an old friend. This is not a cigar that shouts for attention; it simply earns it, puff by deliberate puff.
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?
Meet Daniel. He's been smoking for about four years, having graduated from infused sticks to a steady rotation of Padróns and My Father Flor de las Antillas. He's not chasing strength or rare, limited-edition releases; he's looking for a reliable, well-constructed smoke for a Tuesday evening after a long day of client calls. He wants something that doesn't require his full, undivided attention but rewards him when he gives it. He's on a budget, but he refuses to smoke garbage. The Encore Gran Toro is his answer. It’s the cigar he reaches for when he wants to sit on his porch with a bourbon, decompress, and let his mind wander. It gives him that familiar Carrillo quality—the creamy texture, the balanced pepper—without the premium price tag. It’s the dependable friend who always shows up and never disappoints, making it a box-worthy staple for his humidor.
Bottom Line
The Encore Gran Toro is a masterclass in value, delivering a sophisticated and balanced blend that rivals cigars twice its price. It’s a must-have for any aficionado seeking a complex, everyday smoke that doesn't compromise on integrity. This is the sleeper hit of the Carrillo portfolio, and it deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (3/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means you'll feel a satisfying, warming nicotine presence that builds gradually through the smoke, but it never becomes harsh or overpowering. It's potent enough to be satisfying after a meal, yet approachable enough for an afternoon session without causing any lightheadedness.
What does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro taste like?
The flavor profile is a journey. It opens with sweet cedar, dried hay, toasted almond, and a creamy biscuit sweetness with light honey. The middle third introduces roasted coffee bean, supple leather, mild earthiness, and a cocoa powder note. It finishes with dark chocolate, espresso, and a woody dryness, with a lingering cocoa and cedar on the finish.
How long does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro take to smoke?
Given its Toro vitola and substantial 6 x 60 size, you should set aside a solid 80 to 90 minutes to fully enjoy the experience. The thick ring gauge and dense filler tobaccos ensure a slow, even burn that encourages a leisurely pace.
What is the best pairing for Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro?
A medium-aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 is an excellent choice. Its inherent sweetness from the aging process complements the cigar's cocoa and cedar notes beautifully, while its own complexity—hints of vanilla and dried fruit—mirrors the earthy and leathery mid-profile without overpowering the blend. The result is a harmonious interplay of complementary flavors.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro good for beginners?
It can be, but with caveats. The Medium-Full strength is manageable for a beginner who has already smoked a few cigars and knows their tolerance. However, the 60-ring gauge is quite large and can be intimidating for a novice. The price point of $10-$14 is also a bit steep for someone just exploring. A beginner might be better served starting with a smaller vitola or a milder blend, but an adventurous newcomer with some experience could certainly appreciate its smooth, accessible flavor profile.
Where can I buy Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro?
As a widely distributed premium cigar, you can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists. For greater selection and convenience, reputable online retailers like Cigar.com, Thompson Cigar, and Famous Smoke Shop are reliable sources that often offer singles or boxes.
What is the price of Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro?
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro typically retails for between $10 and $14 per cigar. This pricing places it firmly in the 'Everyday' tier, offering exceptional value for the blend complexity and construction quality it delivers.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro worth aging?
While it's delightful right now, it has some aging potential. The filler tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years, and the blend is rested post-rolling, meaning it's well-integrated from the start. However, the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is expressive and vibrant. A year or two in your humidor could allow the peppery notes to mellow further and the sweetness to deepen, but it's not a cigar that requires extensive aging to be enjoyed.
What wrapper does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade. This wrapper is a key contributor to the cigar's character, providing that initial white pepper kick and subtle sweetness. As it burns, it imparts the rich cocoa and dark chocolate notes that define the second and final thirds, adding a layer of complexity that complements the earthier Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers.
Where is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Gran Toro made?
It is hand-rolled at E.P. Carrillo's La Alianza factory in Villa González, Dominican Republic. This is the brand's own production facility, ensuring strict quality control over the construction. The blend itself is a masterful combination of Nicaraguan long-fillers from Estelí and Jalapa, paired with Dominican long-filler, all bound together with a Nicaraguan Jalapa binder.