Cigar News: E.P. Carrillo Introduces the Encore Black – An Enhanced Ode to the 2018 Cigar of the Year

E.P. Carrillo Cigars is proud to announce the late February launch of the Encore Black. This new addition builds upon the legacy of the Encore, which was awarded Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year in 2018. The Encore Black symbolizes the Perez-Carrillo family’s commitment to excellence in cigar craftsmanship, a journey that began over a century ago.

The Encore Black features a distinctive blend of tobaccos from five unique terroirs. The wrapper is a rich Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, while the binder comes from the fertile San Andrés Valley in Mexico. The filler is a carefully selected mix of tobaccos from Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa, contributing to a complex and layered flavor profile. This blend has been crafted to deliver a rich, full-bodied experience, with a medium-full strength profile.

In keeping with the tradition of E.P. Carrillo’s commitment to quality, each leaf in the Encore Black has undergone extensive 18 month hand fermentation and has been aged for a minimum of three years. The cigars then spent 6 months in the aging room after being made. This process ensures the development of deep flavors and a captivating aroma, hallmarks of the Encore Black.

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo states:

“Following our Encore, which was honored as Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year in 2018 with the Majestic size, my family wanted to create something special with Encore Black. This blend really puts the spotlight on the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. We’ve given it a lot of time – 18 months of fermentation and then three years of aging – to bring out the rich flavors and complexity that is unique to Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers. We paired this wrapper with a San Andres Mexican viso binder and fillers from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega, aiming with all of these tobaccos to complement the Broadleaf’s rich flavors. It’s a sincere effort from our family to yours, hoping to share what we love doing most.”

The initial release comprises 20,000 cigars (2,000 boxes) in late February, with a total of 50,000 cigars (5,000 boxes) planned for release in 2024. The Encore Black is offered in a 5 3/8 x 52 Vitola, with each cigar priced at $17 and each box of 10 retailing for $170.

E.P. Carrillo Cigars invites cigar enthusiasts to experience the Encore Black, a product that not only continues the legacy of the Encore series but also represents the Perez-Carrillo family’s century-long dedication to the art of cigar making.

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