Building on the success of the original Encore Black (5 3/8 x 52), the Casa Carrillo Encore Black Bulwarks introduces a commanding 6 x 58 Perfecto format. Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo at Casa Carrillo, this limited-production release elevates the acclaimed Encore line with a dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, a rich Mexican San Andrés binder, and premium Nicaraguan fillers from Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa.
The Encore Black Bulwarks is an impressive-looking Perfecto dressed in a dark, oily, and toothy Maduro wrapper with an attractive sheen and finished with a pigtailed triple cap. The cigar feels firm, dense, and evenly packed in the hand, displaying excellent construction from head to foot.
The cigar opens with an earthy foundation accompanied by chocolate, oak, leather, and sweet cedar. A distinctive Dr Pepper-like sweetness emerges alongside notes reminiscent of brownie batter, mocha, baking spices, and toasted marshmallow. White pepper provides a subtle kick, while hints of black tea, plum, orange, cognac, and toffee add layers of complexity. Smoke output is exceptional from the start, producing thick clouds with each draw.
Moving into the second third, charred oak becomes more prominent as dark cherry, cedar, and cinnamon join the profile. A noticeable salt and mineral component develops early in the third, adding contrast to the cigar’s sweeter characteristics. Mocha and spice remain present as coffee and brownie notes reemerge alongside caramel and dried fruit. The finish becomes increasingly creamy, bringing the flavors together nicely.
In the final third, chocolate and cedar remain at the core while the earlier mocha note deepens into a richer espresso character. Wood, leather, white pepper, and walnut emerge, with a slight walnut bitterness adding another dimension. Stronger tobacco flavors begin to assert themselves alongside an interesting toasted cracker and savory meat-like note. Earthiness intensifies with a damp forest quality, while subtle floral notes and a touch of anise appear late in the cigar.
Construction was outstanding, delivering an excellent burn, effortless draw, and impressive smoke production throughout the two-plus-hour smoke. Earthy and sweet flavors remained nuanced and complex as the strength gradually built. Smooth, rich, and exceptionally well constructed, the Encore Black Bulwarks is an ideal cigar for a long, relaxing evening.
Overall Score: 90.09 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 5.50 out of 10
This blind review (Cigar #36-D) was conducted by the Cigar Review Team comprising of: Sam Frishman, JB Smith, Rob Brown, Bret Curry, Mike Conklin, James Elliott, Rick Galletta, George Hillman, King Sweet Daddy, Jeremy Hanson, Anthony Ambeliotis, ,Jacob Pyle, & Chuck
