AshMap
Overview
The Encore Petit Corona is the argument for short-form smoking, delivered by a master who understands that restraint is its own kind of luxury. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has built a career on big, bold blends, but here he shrinks the canvas and lets the tobacco do the talking. The result is a cigar that feels less like a quick smoke and more like a perfectly edited short story—every note purposeful, every transition earned. From the first cold draw, there's a promise of toasted cedar and a faint, sweet earthiness that hints at the depth to come. Light it, and the opening third delivers on that promise with a dry roasted cashew richness, a clean creaminess that coats the palate, and a whisper of white pepper that dances on the retrohale—enough to keep you alert, never enough to distract. The burn is immediate and even, the smoke dense and fragrant, and you realize within minutes that this is not a compromise cigar; it's a deliberate one.
As the ash holds its first firm inch, the second third shifts with a quiet confidence. The cedar softens into supple leather, and a caramel sweetness emerges, not cloying but integrated, like the last sip of a well-aged rum. Dried stone fruit—apricot, golden raisin—adds a tangy counterpoint, while an earthy undertone builds from the Nicaraguan leaf, grounding the sweetness and adding a savory depth that keeps the profile from tipping into dessert territory. This is where the blend reveals its sophistication: the Dominican Olor and Jalapa tobaccos are playing in harmony, each contributing a voice without shouting. The complexity here is not a list of flavors but a conversation—one that punches well above the price point and makes you forget you're smoking a petit corona.
The final third tightens the narrative. Dark roast coffee takes center stage, bitter and grounding, while toasted oak adds a structural backbone. A lingering cocoa note on the finish is the last word, soft and satisfying, and the Nicaraguan spice ticks up just enough to leave a warm, peppery tingle on the tongue. There's no harshness, no ammonia, no rushed finale—just a clean, medium-long finish that makes you wish the cigar were longer, even as you appreciate the discipline of its length. The construction is flawless, as expected from the Carrillo factory: an even burn line, a draw that's open without being loose, and an ash that holds in tight grey columns before releasing cleanly. This is a cigar that respects your time and your palate, and it earns every minute of the 40–50 minutes it asks of you.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan Estelí and Jalapa, Dominican Olor, aged 3–4 years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Corona |
| Size | 4.5 x 50 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $8–$11 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 3 years prior to rolling |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with toasted cedar, dry roasted cashew, and a light cream note. Subtle white pepper appears on the retrohale, keeping things lively without aggression. The draw is immediately rewarding and the combustion brings out a pleasant, clean wood smoke.
Second Third
The midpoint transitions into soft leather, a touch of caramel sweetness, and dried stone fruit — think dried apricot or golden raisin. Earthiness builds gently, grounding the sweetness. Complexity picks up meaningfully here, punching above its price point.
Final Third
The final third deepens into dark roast coffee, toasted oak, and a lingering cocoa note on the finish. Spice from the Nicaraguan filler ticks up slightly, adding a satisfying warmth. The finish is medium-long and clean, with no harshness despite the shorter format.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently reliable out of the Carrillo factory — the burn line is even, the draw is open without being loose, and the ash holds firm in tight grey columns to about an inch before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23, which mirror the cigar's caramel and dried fruit notes without overpowering the medium profile
Wine
A Grenache-based Côtes du Rhône or a lighter-bodied Tempranillo (Rioja Crianza) — avoid heavily tannic reds that will overwhelm the subtlety
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian drip coffee or a flat white — the milk fat in the latter beautifully accentuates the cream and caramel mid-palate notes
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel, a 34-year-old software architect who's been smoking for about two years. He's graduated from mild Connecticut-wrapped cigars and is starting to explore medium-bodied blends, but he's still wary of the nicotine wall that full-strength cigars can hit. He has a demanding job and a young family, so his smoking time is precious—usually a 45-minute window after dinner while the kids are in bed. He's tried a few Padróns and found them too heavy; he loves the creaminess of an Ashton but wants more complexity. Daniel is looking for a cigar that feels special but doesn't require a two-hour commitment or a special occasion. The Encore Petit Corona gives him that: a medium-strength smoke that won't knock him out, with enough flavor evolution to keep his developing palate engaged. He'll pair it with a flat white and feel like he's gotten a mini-vacation from his living room.
Bottom Line
The Encore Petit Corona is a masterclass in format and blend—proof that a short cigar can deliver a full, satisfying arc without a single dull moment. At this price, it's an everyday luxury that belongs in every humidor, whether you're a novice or a seasoned smoker. Buy a box; you'll reach for it more than you expect.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Petit Corona a strong cigar?
No, it's rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. You'll feel a gentle warmth and a slight nicotine buzz, but it won't overwhelm you. It's a comfortable smoke for after a meal or during a break, without the heavy body of a full-strength blend.
What does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Petit Corona taste like?
The flavor progression moves from toasted cedar, dry roasted cashew, and light cream in the first third, to soft leather, caramel, and dried apricot or golden raisin in the second, and finishes with dark roast coffee, toasted oak, and lingering cocoa. White pepper appears on the retrohale throughout, and earthiness builds gently in the middle.
How long does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Petit Corona take to smoke?
Expect a 40–50 minute smoke. The 4.5 x 50 vitola is purpose-built for a shorter session, but the dense filler blend ensures you get a full experience without rushing. It's ideal for a lunch break or a pre-dinner warm-up.
What is the best pairing for Encore by E.P. Carrillo Petit Corona?
Aged rum is the standout pairing—specifically Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23. Their caramel and dried fruit notes mirror the cigar's mid-palate sweetness and complement the creamy, oaky finish without overpowering the medium profile. For a non-alcoholic option, a flat white's milk fat accentuates the cream and caramel notes beautifully.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Petit Corona good for beginners?
Yes, with caveats. At Medium strength, it's approachable for novices who've had a few cigars, but the flavor complexity might be lost on absolute beginners. The $8–$11 price is reasonable for exploring quality, and the short format is forgiving. If you're new, smoke it slowly and eat beforehand—it's not a lightweight, but it won't punish you.
Where can I buy Encore by E.P. Carrillo Petit Corona?
You can find it at most premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Look for authorized E.P. Carrillo dealers, such as major online shops like Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, or your local lounge. It's a widely distributed line, so availability is generally good.
What is the price of Encore by E.P. Carrillo Petit Corona?
The price ranges from $8 to $11 per cigar, depending on your retailer and local taxes. This places it in the 'everyday' tier—affordable enough for regular smoking, but with the quality of a more expensive blend.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Petit Corona worth aging?
It's already aged a minimum of 3 years prior to rolling, so it's ready to smoke now. However, the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan/Dominican fillers have the structure to benefit from 1–2 more years of humidor aging, which could mellow the white pepper and deepen the caramel and cocoa notes. But don't feel obligated—it's excellent fresh.
What wrapper does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Petit Corona use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade—medium brown with a slight satin sheen and minimal tooth. This wrapper contributes a subtle spice and a clean, woody character, while allowing the filler's sweetness to shine through without dominating.
Where is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Petit Corona made?
It's hand-rolled at the E.P. Carrillo factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This is the heart of the country's cigar industry, and the factory's discipline ensures consistent construction—even burns, open draws, and firm ash—across every cigar.