Miami, FL. – Casa Carrillo Cigars proudly announces the upcoming release of the Encore Black Bulwarks, arriving in the summer 2025. This bold new vitola continues the legacy of the acclaimed Encore line—first recognized when the Encore Majestic earned Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year in 2018. Following the successful debut of the first Encore Black (5 3/8 x 52), the Bulwarks introduces a larger 6 x 58 Perfecto format and a deeper, more commanding expression of the Encore Black blend.
The Encore Black Bulwarks will make its official debut on July 26 at an event in Michigan. Shipments allocated to select retailers will begin shortly thereafter, marking the start of a limited first production wave. At the heart of the Bulwarks is a meticulously crafted blend of aged tobaccos from five distinguished terroirs:
- Wrapper: Rich Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
- Binder: San Andrés Viso (Mexico)
- Filler: A complex trio from Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa (Nicaragua)
The result is a full-bodied, medium-full strength cigar offering layered complexity and the deep, nuanced flavor that defines the Encore Black. Every tobacco leaf used in the Bulwarks undergoes an 18-month hand fermentation process, followed by a minimum of three years of aging. After rolling, each cigar rests an additional six months to ensure optimal refinement and balance.
“Following the success of the first Encore Black vitola, we knew we wanted to expand the line with something that delivered a fuller, more immersive expression of the blend,” said Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. “The Bulwarks does exactly that. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper takes center stage—given the time it needs to develop its rich, complex character. We paired it with a San Andrés viso binder and select fillers from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega to highlight and complement the Broadleaf’s bold profile. It’s a sincere effort from our family to yours—continuing what we love doing most: creating cigars with heart, heritage, and craftsmanship.”
He added, “Adding this vitola after the success of the first Encore Black release was a natural next step. We saw how much smokers appreciated the complexity and boldness of the blend, and we wanted to explore how it could evolve in a larger format. The Bulwarks offers a slower burn and more pronounced transitions that really show what this blend can do.”
The Encore Black Bulwarks will launch in limited quantities, allocated to select retailers. Each box contains 10 cigars, with an MSRP of $21 per cigar / $210 per box.
With the release of the Encore Black Bulwarks, Casa Carrillo invites cigar aficionados to explore a blend that pushes the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship—while staying rooted in the traditions that define the Perez-Carrillo name.
