AshMap
Overview
The EP Carrillo Encore Majestic is a study in controlled power—a cigar that speaks in a low, deliberate register, never raising its voice, yet commanding the room. It is Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s meditation on balance, a blend that honors the past while nodding to the present, wrapped in a satiny Ecuadorian Habano that glows like aged mahogany. From the first cold draw, the narrative is set: dried fig and raisin, sweet and dark, layered over a whisper of cedar that promises depth. Lighting the foot, the smoke unfurls with a rich espresso shot, toasted almond, and a fine white pepper that tingles the retrohale without overwhelming. The draw is firm, almost resistant, but yields a dense, cool smoke that feels like velvet on the palate—a testament to the Dominican rolling room’s precision.
As the first third gives way to the second, the blend shifts into a deeper register. Dark cocoa emerges, not sweet but brooding, alongside cured leather that evokes an old library chair. The earthiness of Jalapa and Estelí becomes pronounced, a mineral-laden terroir that grounds the smoke in Nicaraguan soil, yet the Dominican filler adds a creamy counterpoint that keeps the profile from turning harsh. A red chili spice enters through the nose, a subtle heat that dances with the cream, creating a tension that never resolves into dominance. This is the hallmark of Perez-Carrillo’s craft: each element converges, none shouting for attention, yet the whole is unmistakably complex. The ash holds firm, a salt-and-pepper column that defies the 60-ring gauge, and the burn line remains razor-straight, a quiet testament to construction.
The final third intensifies without losing elegance. Dark roast coffee, charred oak, and a lingering molasses sweetness wrap the palate, preventing any bitterness from creeping in. The pepper resurfaces with authority on the finish, a final exclamation that lingers long after the smoke is exhaled. The smoke grows richer, fuller, yet never acrid—a masterclass in big-ring blending. The nub is cool, the burn flawless, and the experience ends with a sense of completeness, as if the cigar has told a full story. This is not a cigar for the impatient; it demands two hours of unhurried attention, rewarding the seated aficionado with a journey through dark fruit, earth, and spice. In the Encore line, Perez-Carrillo has crafted a tribute to his earlier philosophy, but the Majestic vitola proves he is still innovating, proving that a 60-ring gauge can be elegant, focused, and profound.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Jalapa, Estelí) and Dominican long-fillers, aged a minimum of three years |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Gordo |
| Size | 6.0 x 60 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $18–$22 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling; EP Carrillo recommends additional box aging of 6–12 months post |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dried fruit — dark raisin and fig — layered over a creamy cedar note. Once lit, the first third delivers rich espresso and toasted almond with a subtle undercurrent of white pepper on the retrohale. Construction is impeccable here, with a firm draw and dense, cool smoke.
Second Third
The profile deepens into dark cocoa, cured leather, and a pronounced earthiness reminiscent of Nicaraguan terroir. A touch of red chili spice enters through the nose, balancing beautifully against a continuing creamy texture. The complexity here is the hallmark of Ernesto's blending — nothing dominates, everything converges.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with dark roast coffee, charred oak, and a lingering molasses sweetness that prevents any harshness. Pepper resurfaces with more authority on the finish, and the smoke grows richer and fuller without turning acrid. The burn remains razor-straight through the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is a benchmark of EP Carrillo's Dominican operation — the draw is consistently ideal, slightly resistant without being tight, producing voluminous, creamy smoke. The burn line holds admirably on the 60-ring gauge, a notable achievement, and the ash is firm and salt-and-pepper gray, holding an inch or more with ease.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum is the natural companion — specifically a 12–18 year Barbancourt Réserve du Domaine or a Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva; alternatively, a well-aged wheated bourbon such as Pappy Van Winkle 12-year enhances the molasses and cocoa notes beautifully
Wine
A Priorat Garnacha — bold, earthy, and tannic — mirrors the cigar's dark fruit and leather complexity without overpowering it; alternatively, a Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache blend
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over, brewed long and clean, amplifies the espresso and dark fruit notes; alternatively, a cold-brew concentrate served neat
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a man in his late forties, a seasoned collector who has smoked through the great Cuban classics and the boldest Nicaraguan puros, yet finds himself restless, seeking something that bridges both worlds. He is sitting alone on a cool autumn evening, a glass of 15-year-old Barbancourt at his side, the last light of dusk fading over his patio. He has just finished a demanding week of negotiations, and this cigar is his reward—not for celebration, but for introspection. He already appreciates the finesse of a Padron 1926 and the depth of a Liga Privada, but he craves a blend that feels both familiar and revelatory. The Encore Majestic will give him that: a cigar that respects his palate, challenges his assumptions about big-ring vitolas, and leaves him with a quiet sense of having witnessed something masterful. He will smoke it slowly, noting each shift in flavor, and by the final third, he will understand why Perez-Carrillo remains a legend.
Bottom Line
The EP Carrillo Encore Majestic is a triumph of balance, proving that a 60-ring gauge can deliver nuance and depth without sacrificing focus. It is a must-smoke for any aficionado seeking a contemplative, full-flavored experience that rewards patience. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has crafted a modern classic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is EP Carrillo Encore Majestic a strong cigar?
Rated Medium-Full (4/5), it delivers a satisfying nicotine kick that builds gradually, but it never overwhelms. The strength is present from the first third, with a noticeable tingle on the palate and a warming sensation in the chest, yet the creamy texture and sweetness keep it from becoming harsh. It is not a powerhouse, but it is not for the faint of heart—expect a full-bodied experience that lingers.
What does EP Carrillo Encore Majestic taste like?
The flavor progression is a journey: first third offers dried fig, raisin, espresso, toasted almond, and white pepper on the retrohale. Second third deepens into dark cocoa, cured leather, pronounced earthiness, and a red chili spice. Final third intensifies with dark roast coffee, charred oak, and molasses sweetness, with pepper returning on the finish.
How long does EP Carrillo Encore Majestic take to smoke?
Given its 6.0 x 60 Gordo vitola and dense construction, expect a 90-minute to two-hour smoke. The draw is slightly resistant, which slows the burn, and the ash holds firmly, encouraging a leisurely pace. This is not a quick smoke—set aside a full evening to appreciate it.
What is the best pairing for EP Carrillo Encore Majestic?
Aged rum is the natural companion—specifically a 12–18 year Barbancourt Réserve du Domaine or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. The rum's dark fruit and molasses notes mirror the cigar's sweetness, while its warmth complements the pepper and earth. Alternatively, a well-aged wheated bourbon like Pappy Van Winkle 12-year enhances the cocoa and molasses, creating a harmonious, indulgent pairing.
Is EP Carrillo Encore Majestic good for beginners?
No, this is not a beginner's cigar. At Medium-Full strength and a price of $18–$22 per stick, it demands an experienced palate and a willingness to invest time and money. Beginners may find the pepper and earthiness overwhelming, and the 60-ring gauge can be unwieldy for those still developing their smoking technique. Start with milder, smaller vitolas before approaching this masterpiece.
Where can I buy EP Carrillo Encore Majestic?
This premium cigar is available at high-end tobacconists, specialty cigar lounges, and reputable online retailers like Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, or Neptune Cigars. Given its tier, it may not be stocked at every corner store—seek out authorized dealers that carry EP Carrillo's full line. Always check for authenticity and proper storage conditions.
What is the price of EP Carrillo Encore Majestic?
The EP Carrillo Encore Majestic retails for $18–$22 per cigar, placing it in the premium tier. This price reflects the aged tobaccos, hand-rolled construction, and the reputation of the Perez-Carrillo name. It is an investment, but one that pays off in a memorable smoking experience.
Is EP Carrillo Encore Majestic worth aging?
Yes, absolutely. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, but EP Carrillo recommends an additional 6–12 months of box aging. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper will mellow further, allowing the dark fruit and cocoa notes to deepen while the pepper softens into a more integrated spice. If you have the patience, this cigar will reward you with even greater complexity.
What wrapper does EP Carrillo Encore Majestic use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade, which is medium brown with a satiny sheen and light tooth. This wrapper contributes a subtle spice and a creamy texture, while its resilience helps maintain an even burn on the large 60-ring gauge. It is a key component in keeping the blend focused and elegant.
Where is EP Carrillo Encore Majestic made?
It is hand-rolled at EP Carrillo's facility in Villa González, Dominican Republic. This factory is known for its meticulous construction standards, which is evident in the cigar's firm draw, razor-straight burn, and dense smoke. The Dominican origin also influences the blend's creamy character, balancing the Nicaraguan fillers.