Product News
Perez-Carrillo Ships Encore Noir II: A Rare All-Nicaraguan Limited Release
One of the cigar world's most decorated families is back with a scarce new release — and most of it is leaving the country. Casa Carrillo, the company led by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr., has released the Encore Noir II, a limited, mostly-export follow-up to a blend that earned wide acclaim. For U.S. enthusiasts, only a small allocation will be available, tied to a single launch event.
What's New in the Blend
The Encore Noir II is an all-Nicaraguan cigar, a deliberate departure from the original Encore Noir that debuted in April 2024, which paired an Ecuadorian wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and Dominican-Nicaraguan filler. Similar to how the Montecristo expands Espada line with Plasencia-made 'Conquistador' Nicaraguan Puro, this release focuses on the rich profile of Nicaraguan leaf. According to reporting from halfwheel and Cigar Dojo, the new edition comes in a single size — a Celestial No. 2, a 6 1/8 x 50 toro.
What makes it genuinely limited is the wrapper. Casa Carrillo says the leaf spent more than five years aging in bales before production, a slow process that naturally capped how many cigars could be made. The run is held to 1,500 boxes of 10 — a total of 15,000 cigars — produced at the company's factory in the Dominican Republic. This level of scarcity is common in the Collectors’ Corner of the industry, where high-aged tobacco dictates volume.
Why Most of It Isn't Coming to the U.S.
The Encore Noir II is being positioned largely as an international/export release, so the bulk of those boxes are headed outside the United States. Only about 250 boxes are being shipped to Two Guys Cigars in New Hampshire, which is hosting a launch weekend on July 24 and 25, 2026.
Both Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III are scheduled to attend the New Hampshire launch event.
For the event, the cigar is priced at $17 each; international pricing hadn't been announced at release. The Perez-Carrillo name carries real weight in the industry. Ernesto Jr. built his reputation over decades — including his years shaping La Gloria Cubana — and the family's releases are routinely among the most closely watched by collectors. While some fans look for Drew Estate Cigars for their unique profiles, the Carrillo family remains a pillar of traditional excellence.
What It Means for Shoppers
The honest takeaway is one of scarcity. This isn't a wide national launch; it's a small, event-anchored release with most volume going overseas. If you're in the U.S. and want to try it, the realistic path is the New Hampshire event or the secondary market that follows — and even then, quantities are thin. The latest cigar numbers show that while premium holds firm, these ultra-limited releases are becoming the primary target for enthusiasts.
Collectors chasing limited, high-aged wrappers will find it appealing; casual shoppers may prefer to keep an eye out for more widely distributed filtered cigars or corona cigars that offer consistent availability. For those who enjoy a different pace, exploring the best filtered cigars of 2026 can provide a reliable daily smoke while waiting for rare releases to surface.
The Bottom Line
Encore Noir II is a small, deliberate release from a storied maker — an all-Nicaraguan, long-aged blend built for the enthusiast who values rarity over ubiquity. Most of it is bound for overseas humidors, so the U.S. window is narrow. For fans of the Perez-Carrillo family's work, it's a notable one to know about, even if it's hard to get. For more information on various tobacco formats, you can consult our Tobacco Guide.