E.P. Carrillo premium cigars displayed at Match Cigar Bar humidor, featuring Encore and Pledge lines from master blender Ernesto Perez-Carrillo

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E.P. Carrillo — Masterworks

Two #1 Cigar of the Year awards in three years. Cuban-born master blender Ernesto Perez-Carrillo crafts cigars that define modern excellence.

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The Master Blender

From Cuba to Cigar Royalty

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo is Cuban-born, and his hands have shaped some of the most celebrated cigars in modern history. He built La Gloria Cubana from a small Miami operation into one of the most sought-after brands in America before selling it to General Cigar Company in 1999.

But the master wasn't finished. In 2009, he launched E.P. Carrillo — his personal brand, produced at his own Tabacalera La Alianza factory in the Dominican Republic. The results speak for themselves: Encore won Cigar Aficionado's #1 Cigar of the Year in 2018, and Pledge took the same honor in 2020. Two top awards in three years — an unprecedented achievement in the modern era.

  • Cuban-born master blender with decades of experience
  • Built La Gloria Cubana, sold to General Cigar in 1999
  • Founded EPC (E.P. Carrillo) in 2009
  • Encore — #1 Cigar of the Year 2018
  • Pledge — #1 Cigar of the Year 2020
  • Tabacalera La Alianza factory, Dominican Republic
E.P. Carrillo cigars crafted at Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic, showcasing Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's master blending
The Collection

EPC Cigar Lines

Every line reflects Ernesto's philosophy: complexity without compromise, boldness tempered by balance. From award-winning flagships to everyday favorites.

#1 Cigar of the Year 2018

Encore

Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper delivers a rich, creamy profile. Notes of cream, cedar, sweet spice, and toast. The cigar that put EPC on the world stage with Cigar Aficionado's highest honor.

#1 Cigar of the Year 2020

Pledge

Broadleaf maduro wrapper, dark and complex. Rich notes of dark chocolate, espresso, leather, and earth. A full-bodied masterpiece that secured Ernesto's legendary status with back-to-back COTY wins.

La Historia

Medium-full, box-pressed Dominican cigar with depth and character. A tribute to Ernesto's journey — bold, layered, and crafted for those who appreciate a cigar with a story behind it.

E.P. Carrillo Core Line

The accessible entry point to Ernesto's portfolio. Well-balanced, smooth, and expertly constructed. An everyday smoke that punches well above its price point.

Inch

Unique large ring gauge format available in natural and maduro. A bold, distinctive format that delivers a generous smoking experience with surprising nuance despite its size.

Allegiance

Broadleaf binder paired with Nicaraguan filler for a rich, earthy profile. A cigar that bridges Dominican tradition with Nicaraguan power — loyal to flavor above all.

Dusk

Dark maduro wrapper built for the evening hours. A contemplative, late-night smoke with deep, brooding character. The perfect companion for a final pour of bourbon.

Match Cigar Bar atmosphere with premium cigars and bourbon
"I make cigars for people who love cigars. That has never changed."
— Ernesto Perez-Carrillo
Tasting Profile

The EPC Experience

Cuban-style elegance with modern boldness. Complex, nuanced, and balanced — the hallmarks of Ernesto's decades of blending mastery. Medium to full-bodied across the range.

α

Cream & Cedar

Silky cream underpinned by warm cedar — the signature Encore profile that defines refinement.

β

Dark Chocolate

Deep, bittersweet cocoa notes woven through the Pledge line's rich, full-bodied core.

γ

Espresso & Leather

Roasted espresso meets worn leather — earthy, grounded, complex. A hallmark of broadleaf blends.

δ

Sweet Spice & Toast

Baking spice and toasted grain notes that emerge mid-smoke, adding warmth and depth to every draw.

Available at Match Cigar Bar

Experience EPC Tonight

Our humidor carries a curated selection of E.P. Carrillo lines. Pair an Encore with a bourbon old fashioned, or let a Pledge close out the evening. Our staff can guide you to the perfect EPC cigar for your palate.

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