Encore by E.P. Carrillo Torpedo Review

Overview

There is a quiet confidence to the Encore Torpedo, the kind that doesn't need to shout. It arrives in the hand with a silken, Colorado-hued Ecuadorian Habano cloak that feels more expensive than its price point suggests, a prelude to the measured, deliberate performance to come. This is E.P. Carrillo's thesis on the everyday premium—a cigar that doesn't beg for a special occasion but instead elevates the mundane Tuesday afternoon into something worth savoring. It is the counter-argument to the notion that accessible means simple; here, the blending philosophy is one of restraint, where each element is given space to speak rather than competing for volume.

The pre-light draw offers a whisper of sweet hay and cedar, a promise of the toasted woodiness that defines the opening act. Once lit, the first third unfolds with a creamy, almost buttery texture that coats the palate, carrying distinct notes of roasted cashew and a gentle, aromatic cedar. The retrohale introduces a fine white pepper—a tickle rather than a burn—that adds a welcome edge of complexity without disturbing the serene opening. It is an inviting, composed start, suggesting a blend that is in no hurry to reveal its full hand.

As the ash holds its firm, light-grey column, the second third marks a decisive shift in weight. The creaminess recedes slightly, making way for a robust espresso bitterness and a savory dark leather that grounds the profile. The nuttiness persists, now deeper and more toasted, while a wave of dried fruit—specifically raisin and fig—emerges to weave a subtle sweetness through the earthy backbone. This is the heart of the cigar, a masterclass in balance where the Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers engage in a measured dialogue, with the wrapper contributing a faint, honeyed hay note that ties the experience together.

The final third is where the Encore shows its teeth. The strength, which had been building imperceptibly, now announces itself with a firm, medium-full grip. The profile turns decidedly darker, with bittersweet dark chocolate, charred oak, and a more assertive black pepper taking center stage. The creamy texture is gone, replaced by a dry, lingering finish of roasted coffee and wood that clings to the palate long after the smoke is exhaled. It is a powerful conclusion, yet it never feels harsh or uncontrolled—a testament to the aged tobaccos and the blender's skill in maintaining composure even as the intensity ramps up to the nub.

What distinguishes the Encore is its narrative arc. It doesn't start at a peak and descend; it builds with the patience of a well-told story, rewarding the smoker who pays attention to the subtle transitions. It is a cigar that feels both familiar and surprising, a signature achievement that reinforces Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's status as a master of the form, proving that a blend doesn't need a triple-digit price tag to deliver a profound, multi-layered experience.