EP Carrillo Encore El Primero Cigars

An award-winning cigar built for balance, richness, and long, refined smoking sessions.

EP Carrillo Encore El Primero is part of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s Family Series and gained major recognition after the Encore line earned #1 Cigar of the Year (2018). This isn’t a beginner cigar. It’s built for smokers who want depth, construction quality, and a more complete experience. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr.

What makes this cigar stand out is the Nicaraguan puro blend, with tobaccos aged using the traditional tercio method. This extended aging helps develop deeper flavor and smoother transitions across the cigar.

From the first draw, you’ll notice a mix of sweet tobacco and earth, followed by cocoa and spice. As it progresses, the cigar builds complexity with layers of pepper, creaminess, and a long, slightly sweet finish.

The cigar is box-pressed, which slightly changes how it feels in hand and helps control the burn. Construction is one of its strongest points, delivering a steady draw and even burn throughout the session.

In terms of strength, it sits between medium to full-bodied, but it stays balanced rather than overpowering. The richness builds gradually instead of hitting aggressively.

The 6.75 x 54 format makes this a long-session cigar, typically lasting 75 to 100+ minutes depending on pace. It’s not something you rush. It’s meant for relaxed smoking when you have time to sit with it.

Compared to other EP Carrillo lines:

1. more balanced than Pledge
2. more refined than INCH series
3. focused on complexity + smooth richness

This cigar is best suited for:

1. smokers who want a premium, award-winning cigar
2. those who enjoy complex flavor progression
3. longer sessions with rich but controlled strength

Key Features:

1. Brand: EP Carrillo
2. Line: Encore
3. Vitola: El Primero
4. Size: 6.75 x 54 (Box-pressed)
5. Wrapper: Nicaraguan
6. Binder: Nicaraguan
7. Filler: Nicaraguan
8. Strength: Medium to Full
9. Profile: Cocoa, earth, spice, sweet tobacco, cream
10. Smoking Time: 75 to 100+ minutes
11. Packaging: Box of 20 cigars