Cigar review: E.P. Carrillo Encore
I was given an opportunity to test and review a new cigar blend from one of the most respected names in the cigar industry, E.P. Carillo. As always , how and where I receive the cigar does not influence my subjective reviews. If you like what I wrote, please try the cigar and let me know your thoughts.
Brand/Name of Cigar: E.P. Carrillo/Encore
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5.8 x 52
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Shape: Box Press , Robusto
Price: Receive gratis for review.
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 3/18/18
Appearance/Construction: Handsome looking presentation with an impeccable combination of solid construction, semi oily feel and small veins. The crafting of this cigar is quite impressive. The cigar band is also attractive with a detailed example of cigar art.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: The initial third gave me a very creamy blend of fruit, cocoa, medium spice and almonds. I wanted to sink into my chair and melt it was that smooth. The second third continued to impress with a sweetness that increased the overall complex nature of the smoke and the spice made the overall mix a positive palate experience. The finish was subtle with no cloying after taste or bitterness. Some earthy notes were also evident , cedar being the dominant taste.
Smoking Characteristics: The burn was cool throughout with a slight deviation of the burn line near the end of the smoke. Not really a problem as it left no lingering issue as I finished up the cigar.
Conclusion/Overall Impression: This is a champion of a cigar, an early contender for the best smoke I have had this year. Smoke this without any interruptions , lock the door, sit back and relax.
Final Thoughts and the Numbers: You need to buy this cigar right away. I would suggest get a box and keep them under lock and key. Do not give any to your friends even if they beg.
The Carrillo family know how to make an outstanding cigar. They are at the top of their game on the Encore.
Appearance/Construction: 4.5 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 4.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 4.0 out of 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 4.3 out of 5
Best cigar I have had this year ,
Keep smoking
From their press release.
E.P. Carrillo Unveils a New Addition to the Perez-Carrillo Series
The Encore Launches after Two Years of Tercios Fermentation
Miami, FL – After years of anticipation, the Encore hand-rolled premium cigar from Master Blender Ernesto Perez-Carrillo is ready. Compared in elegance and finish to La Historia, The Encore is the next in the Perez-Carrillo Series. The masterful blend of this Nicaraguan Puro has been aged in tercios for two full years for exceptional balance, smoothness, and complexity. The Perez-Carrillo Series honors the generations of family that have long been a part of the Perez-Carrillo name.
Ernesto Perez-Carrillo personally oversaw every aspect of the creation of this cigar, from sourcing the impeccable 100 percent Nicaraguan tobacco blend, and insisting on the implementation of 26 quality control metrics to ensure perfection during the aging and production process.
“I like to make blends that are not only going to activate your senses around the palate, but stimulate your senses everywhere, making it a whole body experience. With this wrapper, I believe we have delivered,” Perez-Carrillo said. “It’s always interesting when you smoke it, within every inch you will find a different complexity, and you find that it changes as you smoke. It keeps you coming back to the cigar. Some cigars you smoke and you smoke and you forget you’re smoking it, not Encore.”
“My father blends from the soul and challenges himself with every blend. The Encore’s name came from the concept of that last song at a concert, the one we all want to hear after a great performance. Being a former musician, my dad could relate to that very well,” says Lissette Perez-Carrillo, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s daughter and co-owner of E.P. Carrillo. “For the Encore, my father decided to honor his grandchildren, the future of this endeavor, in the names of each Encore size – El Primero, Celestial, Valientes and Majestic. The Encore’s sizes are based on a quality associated with each of his grandchildren’s names and is truly that last song we ache to hear, bringing us such joy and satisfaction.”
Since 2009, E.P. Carrillo has been known for its vast and satisfying assortment of cigars. The founder, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, is dedicated to producing only the finest cigars, taking pride in adding uniqueness and differentiating his cigars from those of his “big brand” competitors.
For more information about E.P. Carrillo, including products, retailers and events, visit http://epcarrillo.com.
About E.P. Carrillo
E.P. Carrillo was founded in 2009 by cigar-making legend and master blender, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, along with his two children, Lissette and Ernesto III. Perez-Carrillo has been involved in the cigar industry since he was child, learning his craft from his father. With over 20 blends including La Historia, INCH, and Dusk, E.P. Carrillo is known for its full-flavored, premium cigars hand-crafted in Dominican Republic. Follow and ‘like’ E.P. Carrillo on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/epcarrillo, become a fan on Instagram @epcarrillo_cigars and @EPCarrillo on Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube. For more information, visit www.EPCarrillo.com.