AshMap
Overview
In an era where ring gauges balloon with each passing season, the Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero is a quiet manifesto for restraint. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Sr., a man whose name is etched into the modern cigar renaissance, conceived the Encore line as an accessible entry point into his portfolio — a secondary brand that would not compromise on the craftsmanship that defines his Dominican factory. Yet within this line, the lancero vitola stands apart, a deliberate homage to the Cuban tradition where a 38- to 40-ring gauge was the ultimate test of a torcedor’s skill. The Encore Lancero, at 7.5 x 40, is not merely a size; it is a statement that complexity need not be chased by girth. Wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano leaf of Colorado hue — medium brown, silken to the touch, with a subtle sheen that catches the light like polished mahogany — this cigar is built around a Nicaraguan binder and a core of aged Nicaraguan long-fillers, multiple primings selected for depth. The narrow format forces every component to earn its place; there is nowhere to hide. And from the first draw, it becomes clear that Carrillo intended this lancero to be a showcase, not an afterthought. The first third arrives with concentrated cedar, toasted almond, and a grassy green tea note that feels almost cerebral in its precision. A gentle white pepper tingle on the retrohale signals that this is not a timid smoke, yet the draw is creamy and cohesive, deceptively refined for a cigar that sits comfortably between twelve and sixteen dollars. As the ash lengthens, the profile deepens into dark caramel, leather, and a distinct espresso roast, with a dried fruit undercurrent — fig or dried cherry — emerging as the combustion warms. The medium-full body asserts itself without losing elegance, a balancing act that speaks to the pedigree of the blend. By the final third, dark cocoa and roasted nuts dominate, accompanied by a lingering earthiness and a touch of black pepper on the finish. The narrow format keeps the smoke focused, almost intense toward the nub, rewarding patience with a complexity that belies its price tier. The Encore Lancero is E.P. Carrillo’s quiet argument that lanceros belong in every serious smoker’s rotation regardless of budget. It punches well above its weight, and the narrow ring gauge showcases the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a way a 52-plus ring gauge simply cannot. If you find this cigar underrated, you are paying attention.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-fillers, multiple primings, aged |
| Country of Origin | Dominican Republic (E.P. Carrillo factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Lancero |
| Size | 7.5 x 40 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; specific post-production aging not widely documented |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The narrow ring gauge announces itself immediately with concentrated cedar, toasted almond, and a grassy green tea note. There is a gentle white pepper tingle at the retrohale, and the draw delivers a creamy, cohesive smoke that is deceptively refined for the price point.
Second Third
The profile deepens into dark caramel, leather, and a distinct espresso roast. A dried fruit undercurrent — fig or dried cherry — emerges as the combustion warms. The pepper integrates rather than spikes, and the medium-full body becomes more assertive without losing elegance.
Final Third
Dark cocoa and roasted nuts dominate, accompanied by a lingering earthiness and a touch of black pepper on the finish. The narrow format keeps the smoke focused and slightly intense toward the nub, rewarding patience with complexity and a long, satisfying finish.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is expectedly tight for a true lancero, requiring an attentive cut and light, but once lit it rewards with an even, razor-sharp burn line and a firm, cool draw. Ash is tight and holds in decent columns; the thin ring gauge means the smoke temperature must be managed with a slower cadence.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — Zacapa 23 or Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva — complements the caramel and dried fruit notes without overpowering the nuance of the narrow vitola. A light Bourbon such as Elijah Craig Small Batch also works well.
Wine
A medium-bodied Rioja Reserva or a Côtes du Rhône blend — the earthy Grenache-forward profiles mirror the cigar's leather and dark fruit notes without clashing.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Colombian pour-over coffee — fruity and medium-roast — highlights the cigar's espresso and almond mid-section beautifully.
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is for the smoker who understands that complexity is not a function of diameter. The Encore Lancero rewards an experienced palate — someone who appreciates how a narrow ring gauge concentrates flavor and demands a slower, more deliberate cadence. It is not a cigar for the multitasker; the 90-to-100-minute smoke time requires a relaxed afternoon or unhurried evening. Enthusiasts who revere classic Cuban proportions will feel an immediate kinship, while those exploring medium-full profiles will find a refined entry point. If you are a collector of lanceros or simply curious why this vitola endures, you owe it to yourself to experience Carrillo’s interpretation.
Bottom Line
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero is a masterclass in restraint — a premium cigar that proves complexity thrives in narrow confines. At a price that undercuts its peers, it delivers a cascading profile of cedar, espresso, dark caramel, and cocoa with a construction that demands respect. This is not just a good lancero for the price; it is a great cigar, period.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero a strong cigar?
It is rated medium-full (4/5). The narrow ring gauge concentrates the nicotine delivery, so while it is not overpowering, it is assertive enough to command respect from experienced smokers. Novices should approach with a full stomach and a slow pace.
What does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero taste like?
The flavor profile evolves from cedar, toasted almond, and grassy green tea in the first third to dark caramel, leather, espresso, and dried fig or cherry in the second. The final third delivers dark cocoa, roasted nuts, earth, and black pepper. The narrow format keeps every note focused and precise.
How long does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 90 to 100 minutes. The lancero vitola requires a deliberate, unhurried pace to avoid overheating the thin ring gauge. This is a cigar for leisure, not a quick break.
What is the best pairing for Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero?
An aged rum such as Zacapa 23 or Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva complements the caramel and dried fruit notes beautifully. A light Bourbon like Elijah Craig Small Batch also works. For wine, a medium-bodied Rioja Reserva or Côtes du Rhône blend mirrors the leather and dark fruit character. A single-origin Colombian pour-over coffee highlights the espresso and almond mid-section.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero good for beginners?
It is not recommended for beginners. The thin ring gauge demands careful smoking technique, and the medium-full strength can be challenging for new palates. Experienced smokers who appreciate classic vitolas will get the most from this cigar.
Where can I buy Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero?
Encore by E.P. Carrillo is widely available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Check authorized E.P. Carrillo dealers for the Lancero vitola, which may have more limited distribution than the line's larger ring gauges.
What is the price of Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero?
The expected retail price ranges from $12 to $16 per cigar, positioning it as a premium offering that delivers exceptional value relative to its complexity and construction.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, and while specific post-production aging is not widely documented, the blend’s balance and depth suggest it could benefit from 6 to 12 months of rest. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper may integrate further with time, but the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase.
What wrapper does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in the Colorado shade, characterized by a medium brown color, silky texture, and subtle sheen. This wrapper is central to the cigar's profile, delivering cedar, spice, and a creamy mouthfeel.
Where is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Lancero made?
It is hand-rolled at the E.P. Carrillo factory in the Dominican Republic, a facility known for meticulous construction and adherence to traditional Cuban-inspired techniques.