AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet confidence to the Encore Toro that announces itself the moment the cutter meets the cap. This is not a cigar that needs to shout. It is the work of a master blender who has already proven everything he needs to prove, and has chosen to channel that accumulated wisdom into something deceptively simple: a daily smoke that refuses to smoke like one. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo built his name on bold, era-defining blends, but with Encore he has engineered a different kind of statement — one that whispers that consistency, balance, and restraint are their own forms of virtuosity. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, silky and Colorado-toned, promises a certain elegance, and the first cold draw confirms it: a gentle sweetness of dried fig and hay, with just a hint of the cedar spine that will carry the entire performance.
The first third unfolds with a composure that feels almost rehearsed. Creamy cedar leads, but it is the toasted almond that gives the smoke its textural identity — a dry, almost pastry-like richness that coats the palate without ever feeling heavy. There is a floral note here, delicate and slightly perfumed, that lifts the profile away from the merely savory. The retrohale is where the blend shows its breeding: a natural sweetness, like honey drizzled over warm bread, accented by a white pepper that tingles rather than bites. It is an opening that invites you to lean in, to pay attention, because the cigar is clearly not going to demand it.
By the second third, the Encore has settled into its true character. The creaminess that anchored the opening now acts as a backbone, allowing deeper flavors to emerge without ever muddying the profile. Roasted coffee arrives first — not the bitter espresso of a dark roast, but the smoother, more rounded character of a medium roast with a hint of chicory. Smooth leather follows, supple and aged, while baking spices — cinnamon first, then a whisper of nutmeg — weave through the retrohale. The pepper has receded into a warm hum, and the sweetness has matured from honey into something closer to brown sugar. This is the heart of the cigar, and it is here that the blend's true genius reveals itself: every element is in perfect proportion, each flavor taking its turn without ever crowding the others.
The final third is a study in graceful resolution. The earthiness that arrives is mild and well-integrated, more like the smell of a forest floor after rain than the raw, aggressive dirt of a powerhouse blend. Dark caramel and a subtle cocoa note — think unsweetened baking chocolate rather than milk chocolate — round out the profile, while the pepper builds just enough to remind you that the cigar is still alive. The finish is clean, slightly sweet, and lingers with that cedar note that has been the through-line from the very first puff. The ash holds in dense, tight columns, and the burn line stays razor-straight, a testament to the construction standards at La Alianza. When the final inch grows warm, you are left not with the bitterness of a cigar that has overstayed its welcome, but with the quiet satisfaction of a performance that ended exactly when it should have.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, aged tobaccos from Jalapa and Estelí valleys |
| Country of Origin | Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 3 years prior to rolling |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening is composed and refined — creamy cedar, toasted almond, and a light floral note from the Ecuadorian wrapper. There's a pleasant natural sweetness on the retrohale alongside mild white pepper on the finish.
Second Third
The profile deepens into roasted coffee, smooth leather, and baking spice — cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. The creaminess persists, acting as a backbone that keeps the blend cohesive and very approachable.
Final Third
The final third brings mild earthiness and dark caramel alongside a slight cocoa note. The pepper builds marginally but never crosses into intensity, finishing clean and slightly sweet with lingering cedar on the palate.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically excellent given EPC's Dominican factory standards — the draw is effortless with moderate resistance, the burn line is straight and even, and the ash holds firm in dense, tight columns for an inch or more.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A aged rum such as Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva — the caramel and vanilla tones mirror the cigar's inherent sweetness; alternatively a light Irish whiskey like Redbreast 12.
Wine
A medium-bodied Garnacha from Priorat or a restrained Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley — nothing too tannic that would overpower the cigar's nuanced, creamy profile.
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian single-origin drip coffee or a lightly sweetened café con leche — its nutty, caramel notes are a natural complement.
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel. He is forty-three, has been smoking for about six years, and keeps a Tupperdor with a few Padróns for special occasions and a box of something reliable for the weeknights. He just finished a long Tuesday — not a brutal one, just the usual grind of back-to-back calls and a commute that ate into his evening. He pours himself a glass of Zacapa 23, settles into the worn leather chair on his porch, and lights the Encore Toro because he wants something that will not demand his full attention but will reward it when he gives it. He already enjoys the creaminess of an Ashton VSG but finds it too rich for a casual smoke. The Encore gives him that same refined character at half the price, with a balance that lets him think about his day or think about nothing at all. It is the cigar he reaches for when he wants to remember why he fell in love with smoking in the first place — not for the spectacle, but for the quiet ritual.
Bottom Line
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro is a masterclass in accessible excellence, delivering a refined, balanced profile that punches far above its price point. This is the cigar that should be in every daily rotation — a benchmark for what an everyday smoke can and should be.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means you will feel a pleasant warmth and a mild nicotine buzz, but it will not overwhelm you or leave you lightheaded. It is strong enough to be satisfying after a meal, but mild enough to smoke on an empty stomach without discomfort.
What does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro taste like?
The flavor profile evolves across three distinct thirds. The first third features creamy cedar, toasted almond, and a light floral note with white pepper on the retrohale. The second third deepens into roasted coffee, smooth leather, and baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The final third brings mild earthiness, dark caramel, and a subtle cocoa note, finishing with lingering cedar.
How long does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro take to smoke?
As a Toro vitola measuring 6 inches with a 52 ring gauge, you should expect a smoking time of roughly 60 to 75 minutes. This can vary slightly depending on your smoking pace, but the dense ash and even burn suggest a steady, unhurried session.
What is the best pairing for Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro?
An aged rum like Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is the ideal companion. The caramel and vanilla tones in the rum mirror the cigar's inherent sweetness, creating a harmonious interplay. Alternatively, a light Irish whiskey like Redbreast 12 offers a softer, slightly fruity counterpoint that won't overpower the cigar's creamy, nuanced profile.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro good for beginners?
Yes, with some caveats. The Medium strength is approachable for a novice, and the creamy, balanced profile is far more forgiving than a bold, pepper-forward blend. However, at $10–$14 per cigar, it is a slightly higher investment than a typical starter smoke. If you are new and willing to spend a bit more for a refined experience, this is an excellent choice. If you are budget-conscious, you might want to start with something cheaper to develop your palate first.
Where can I buy Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro?
Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro is widely available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Look for it at established shops like Corona Cigar Co., Neptune Cigars, or online retailers such as Cigar.com and Famous Smoke Shop. It is also often found in local tobacconists that stock E.P. Carrillo products.
What is the price of Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro?
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro is priced between $10 and $14 per cigar, positioning it firmly in the everyday premium tier. It is available in boxes of 20, which would put a full box in the $200–$280 range depending on your local retailer's pricing.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of 3 years prior to rolling, the Encore Toro can benefit from additional aging. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and the balanced Nicaraguan/Dominican filler blend have the structure to develop further complexity over 1–3 years. However, it is not a cigar that requires aging to be enjoyable — it is excellent right now. If you have the patience, buy a box and smoke one every six months to watch it evolve.
What wrapper does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro use?
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade. This wrapper is known for contributing a natural sweetness, a light floral character, and a silky texture. It is the primary source of the cigar's creamy cedar notes and the gentle white pepper on the retrohale.
Where is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro made?
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Toro is hand-rolled at E.P. Carrillo's La Alianza factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This is the same factory that produces the brand's flagship lines, ensuring the same rigorous construction standards. The blend combines Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, with the binder also sourced from Nicaragua.