AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about halfway through the EP Carrillo Encore Robusto, when the smoke turns from a conversation into a soliloquy. It happens without warning, as the initial wave of roasted espresso and dark cocoa recedes to reveal a deeper, more introspective register of fig, aged cedar, and a creamy caramel sweetness that clings to the palate like a memory. This is not a cigar that announces itself with theatrics; it is a blend that earns your attention through sheer, unforced depth. The Jalapa Habano wrapper, a silky, toffee-toned leaf with a subtle sheen, is the first hint of the refinement to come—its cold draw offering sweet cedar and dark raisin, a promise of the complexity that unfolds with every subsequent draw.
The Encore is Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr.'s quiet manifesto, a blend that speaks to his decades of mastery without resorting to the bombast of modern marketing. It is a cigar that proves a blend can be both powerful and poised, where the Nicaraguan tobaccos from Jalapa, Estelí, and Ometepe are not merely layered but woven into a cohesive narrative. The first third is a bold opening statement—roasted espresso and dark cocoa dominate, underpinned by seasoned leather and toasted almond. A subtle red pepper tingle on the retrohale is the first sign of the Jalapa leaf's character, a gentle warning that this is a cigar with a spine. But it is the second third where the Encore truly finds its voice, as the profile deepens into bittersweet dark chocolate, dried fig, and dark cherry, all wrapped in a creamy mid-palate that softens the pepper and introduces a caramel-like sweetness. This is the heart of the cigar, a moment of profound balance where earth and sweetness coexist in perfect tension.
As the final third approaches, the Encore does not fade; it intensifies. The espresso becomes concentrated, the black pepper more pronounced, and the leather backbone asserts itself with authority. Yet, just as the strength threatens to overwhelm, a lingering sweetness of dark molasses steps in, keeping the experience from turning harsh. The finish is long, dry, and deeply satisfying—wood tannins and cocoa dust linger well after each draw, a final, resonant chord that leaves you contemplating the smoke long after it has ended. The construction is exemplary, with an effortless draw that produces voluminous, cool smoke, and a burn line that remains razor-sharp without intervention. The ash holds firm in dense, pale grey columns, a testament to the meticulous rolling at the Villa González factory.
This is a cigar for the aficionado who understands that true complexity is not about the number of flavors but the way they interact. The Encore Robusto is a masterclass in restraint, a blend that demonstrates Perez-Carrillo's extraordinary ability to coax refinement from Nicaraguan tobaccos without letting strength overshadow nuance. It is a cigar that rewards patience and focus, offering a 45-to-55-minute journey that feels both substantial and fleeting. In a market saturated with over-hyped releases, the Encore stands as a legitimate statement—a reminder that technical excellence and a deep respect for the craft will always trump fleeting trends. This is not just a cigar; it is a benchmark.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa Valley) — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Jalapa, Estelí, Ometepe) — aged tobaccos blended for complexity and balance |
| Country of Origin | Villa González, Dominican Republic (EP Carrillo factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto |
| Size | 5.5 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $14–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos reported to be aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling; additional box aging recommended |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw offers sweet cedar and dark raisin. Once lit, the first third delivers a prominent wave of roasted espresso and dark cocoa, underpinned by seasoned leather and toasted almond. A subtle red pepper tingle appears on the retrohale, signaling the Jalapa tobacco's character.
Second Third
The profile deepens considerably — the cocoa transitions to bittersweet dark chocolate while notes of dried fruit (fig, dark cherry) and aged cedar come forward. Creaminess develops mid-palate, softening the pepper and adding a caramel-like sweetness that balances the earthy undertones.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with concentrated espresso, black pepper, and a pronounced leather backbone. A lingering sweetness of dark molasses keeps the complexity from turning harsh. The finish is long, dry, and deeply satisfying — wood tannins and cocoa dust linger well after each draw.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — the draw is effortless with perfect resistance, producing voluminous, cool smoke. The burn line is razor-sharp almost without intervention, and the ash holds firm in dense, pale grey columns of 1.5 to 2 inches.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum (Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva) — the sweetness complements the cocoa and fig notes; alternatively a 12-year Speyside Scotch such as Glenfiddich 12 or Balvenie DoubleWood
Wine
A medium-to-full-bodied red — Malbec from Mendoza (Catena Zapata) or a structured Tempranillo-based Rioja Reserva; the dark fruit and leather in the wine mirror the cigar's core profile
Non-Alcoholic
A double ristretto or cold brew concentrate — the concentrated coffee oils harmonize naturally with the cigar's espresso and cocoa core; alternatively a dark roast Ethiopian single-origin black coffee
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has already navigated the bold, in-your-face profiles of the modern market and is now searching for something that whispers rather than shouts. Picture a seasoned enthusiast, perhaps a collector with a well-organized humidor, sitting alone on a late autumn afternoon as the light begins to slant. They have a glass of Ron Zacapa 23 within reach, not as a crutch but as a companion. They have smoked the heavy hitters—the full-throttle blends that demand attention—and they appreciate them, but today they crave a conversation. This cigar is for that moment when you want to slow down, to dissect the interplay of cocoa and fig, to feel the pepper tingle on the retrohale and then be soothed by the creamy caramel that follows. It is for the smoker who finds joy in the technical perfection of a razor-sharp burn line and the dense, pale ash that holds firm, because they know that such precision is not accidental. They will finish this cigar with a sense of quiet satisfaction, not because it was the most powerful or the most exotic, but because it was the most composed.
Bottom Line
The EP Carrillo Encore Robusto is a masterclass in balance, a cigar that delivers profound depth and complexity without ever raising its voice. It is a must-smoke for any serious enthusiast, a blend that reaffirms Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr.'s place among the greats. Simply put, this is a benchmark cigar that punches far above its price point.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is EP Carrillo Encore Robusto a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on the strength scale. This means it has a noticeable nicotine presence and body that builds throughout the smoke, but it is not overpowering. You will feel a satisfying warmth and a slight buzz, especially in the final third, but the balance of flavors prevents it from becoming harsh or overwhelming.
What does EP Carrillo Encore Robusto taste like?
The flavor profile is a journey. The first third opens with roasted espresso, dark cocoa, seasoned leather, and toasted almond, with a red pepper tingle on the retrohale. The second third deepens into bittersweet dark chocolate, dried fig, dark cherry, and aged cedar, with a creamy caramel sweetness. The final third intensifies with concentrated espresso, black pepper, a pronounced leather backbone, and a lingering dark molasses sweetness.
How long does EP Carrillo Encore Robusto take to smoke?
Given its Robusto vitola and dimensions of 5.5 x 52, you should expect a smoking time of approximately 45 to 55 minutes. This makes it an ideal format for a focused, unhurried session, whether in the afternoon or evening.
What is the best pairing for EP Carrillo Encore Robusto?
An aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is an exceptional pairing. The natural sweetness and notes of caramel and dried fruit in the rum directly complement the cigar's cocoa and fig core, creating a harmonious and enriching experience. Alternatively, a 12-year Speyside Scotch like Glenfiddich 12 offers a softer, honeyed counterpoint.
Is EP Carrillo Encore Robusto good for beginners?
Honestly, this is not the best choice for a novice. With a Medium-Full strength rating and a price point of $14–$18 per cigar, it is an investment that demands a developed palate to fully appreciate its nuances. A beginner might find the pepper and strength challenging. It is better suited for someone with some experience who is ready to explore a more complex and refined profile.
Where can I buy EP Carrillo Encore Robusto?
As a premium, handmade cigar, the Encore Robusto is best purchased from a reputable brick-and-mortar tobacconist where you can inspect the cigars and get personalized advice. It is also widely available from trusted online retailers that specialize in premium cigars, often with the option for box purchases.
What is the price of EP Carrillo Encore Robusto?
The EP Carrillo Encore Robusto is priced in the premium tier, typically retailing between $14 and $18 per cigar. This price reflects the use of aged, high-quality Nicaraguan tobaccos and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in its production.
Is EP Carrillo Encore Robusto worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, which gives the cigar a remarkable level of integration. However, additional box aging is recommended. Over time, the red pepper notes will likely mellow further, and the creamy sweetness and dried fruit characteristics will become more pronounced, creating an even more refined and complex smoking experience.
What wrapper does EP Carrillo Encore Robusto use?
It features a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper grown in the Jalapa Valley. This particular wrapper is a Colorado shade, giving it a medium-dark toffee brown color. It is known for contributing a subtle red pepper spice and a silky texture, which adds a layer of sophistication and a gentle kick that complements the blend's deeper flavors.
Where is EP Carrillo Encore Robusto made?
It is handcrafted at the EP Carrillo factory located in Villa González, Dominican Republic. This is the company's own factory, where Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. oversees production, ensuring that each cigar meets his exacting standards for construction and quality.