AshMap
Overview
In the constellation of E.P. Carrillo’s esteemed portfolio, the Encore line occupies a quietly brilliant niche. It is not the flagship — that honor belongs to the legendary La Historia and the perennial Pledge — but it is perhaps the most honest expression of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s blending philosophy. Encore was conceived as an accessible, everyday companion: a cigar that delivers the house DNA without demanding the reverent occasion or tariff of its prestige-tier siblings. The Torpedo, at 6.0 x 52, is the vitola that best captures this intent. Its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a Colorado-hued leaf with a silky sheen and subtle honey-hay character, is draped over a Nicaraguan binder and a core of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, all aged prior to rolling. The result is a cigar that opens with a poised invitation: toasted cedar, roasted cashews, and a gentle creaminess that coats the palate. A mild whisper of white pepper on the retrohale signals complexity without aggression, a hallmark of Carrillo’s restraint. The profile is not monolithic — it evolves with purpose. By the second third, the body builds with espresso, dark leather, and a persistent nuttiness, while dried raisin and fig weave sweetness into the earthy backbone. The wrapper’s honeyed note emerges mid-smoke, lending a fleeting elegance. The final third asserts itself with authority: dark chocolate, charred wood, and black pepper supplant the creaminess, finishing dry and composed with roasted coffee and oak. The construction is textbook: an effortless draw, a burn line that holds true, and a firm, light-grey ash that clings to an inch or more. This is a cigar that respects the smoker’s time — 60 to 75 minutes of calibrated progression, never rushed, never sloppy. Encore often flies under the radar, overshadowed by the brand’s more celebrated lines, but the Torpedo punches well above its $12–$16 price point. It is not a budget cigar wearing a premium label; it is a genuinely calibrated blend that rewards patience, attention, and a diverse humidor.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-filler tobaccos, aged |
| Country of Origin | Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; specific duration not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The draw opens with toasted cedar, roasted cashews, and a gentle creaminess that coats the palate. Mild white pepper on the retrohale provides early complexity without aggression. The transition is smooth and inviting.
Second Third
The body builds as notes of espresso and dark leather emerge alongside a persistent nuttiness. Dried fruit — raisin and fig — begin to surface, adding sweetness to balance the earthy backbone. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper contributes a subtle honey-hay note mid-smoke.
Final Third
Strength picks up noticeably in the final third, with dark chocolate, charred wood, and black pepper coming forward. The creaminess recedes, replaced by a dry, lingering finish of roasted coffee and oak. Remains controlled and well-composed to the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently solid — the draw is effortless, around 15–18 puffs per minute ideal range, and the burn line holds true with only occasional minor touch-ups needed. Ash is firm and light grey, holding 1 to 1.5 inches reliably.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Medium-aged rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 — complements the nutty, creamy mid-profile without overpowering it
Wine
A Rioja Reserva (Tempranillo-forward) or a domestic Merlot from Napa — the fruit-driven profiles echo the raisin and fig notes in the second third
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast single-origin Colombian pour-over or a cold brew with a touch of oat milk — mirrors the espresso and nutty character beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
The Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo is for the aficionado who values reliability and nuance over flash. It suits experienced smokers seeking a medium-full, complex profile without the ritualistic weight of a special-occasion cigar — think a relaxed afternoon, a post-dinner unwind, or a familiar companion in a regular rotation. Novices with a few solid sessions under their belt will find its progression forgiving and instructive, thanks to a smooth first third and balanced build. If you appreciate cigars that evolve without overwhelming, or you’re building a humidor with versatile, well-constructed blends, this Torpedo belongs in your rotation. It demands 60 to 75 minutes and a willingness to pay attention — but not a formal occasion.
Bottom Line
E.P. Carrillo’s Encore Torpedo is a masterclass in accessible complexity: a perfectly constructed, medium-full smoke that delivers tier-one blending at a working-aficionado price. It earns its place in any humidor that values substance over hype.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Encore cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo a strong cigar?
It is rated medium-full (3/5) — robust enough for seasoned smokers but not punishing. The strength builds steadily from a creamy, approachable first third to a more assertive finale of dark chocolate and black pepper.
What does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo taste like?
The flavor journey opens with toasted cedar, roasted cashews, and creaminess. The middle third introduces espresso, dark leather, raisin, and fig, with a honeyed note from the wrapper. The final third shifts to dark chocolate, charred wood, and black pepper, finishing dry with roasted coffee and oak.
How long does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo take to smoke?
Expect a 60- to 75-minute session, depending on your pace. The draw is effortless (15–18 puffs per minute ideal), and the burn line holds true with minimal intervention.
What is the best pairing for Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo?
A medium-aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 or a wheated bourbon (e.g., Maker's Mark 46) complements the nutty, creamy mid-profile. For wine, a Rioja Reserva or Napa Merlot echoes the raisin and fig notes. Non-alcoholic: a medium-roast Colombian pour-over or a cold brew with oat milk mirrors the espresso and nutty character.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo good for beginners?
It is suitable for dedicated novices with some experience, thanks to its smooth, creamy first third and balanced strength build. Absolute beginners may find the final third assertive, but the progression is instructive and rewarding.
Where can I buy Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo?
It is widely available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online, including major e-commerce platforms like Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, and Neptune Cigars. Check your local lounge or tobacconist.
What is the price of Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo?
The retail price is $12–$16 per cigar, placing it in the premium tier without the prestige-level tariff — an excellent value for the complexity and construction quality.
Is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo worth aging?
Yes. While the tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, additional humidor rest (12–24 months) can further integrate the flavors, mellow the final-third pepper, and deepen the dried fruit and honey notes. It rewards patience.
What wrapper does Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo use?
An Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade — medium-brown, silky with a subtle sheen, contributing honey-hay notes and mild pepper.
Where is Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo made?
It is handmade at E.P. Carrillo's Dominican Republic facility, using Nicaraguan and Dominican long-filler tobaccos with a Nicaraguan binder.