Black Works Studio NBK (6 x 46)

Video review HERE.

James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Company (BLTC) and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra, is launching Black Works Studio as a showcase for the boutique cigar factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

"Part of the motivation for opening our own factory, Fabrica Oveja Negra, was to experiment and develop unique blends highlighting Nicaraguan tobacco. Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is my first opportunity to use our factory as my playground. Blending cigars is my passion and I ended up with several blends and ideas on the shelf, the time was right to launch a new brand. My inspiration comes from many things; art, movies, music, etc. that ultimately result in a new cigar blend. I have always looked at cigar making as an art form and BWS is another expression of what I can do as a cigar maker and brand owner."

"Keeping with our small batch philosophy BLK WKS showcases Fabrica Oveja Negra's ability to not only create unique premium cigars but also bring new brands into the market," continues Brown.

Three cigars were released:

NBK, 6 x 46 box press corona larga (REVIEWED TODAY)

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Killer Bee, 4.5 x 46 petite corona

Wrapper: Ecuadorian maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Rorschach, 5 x 38 petite panatela

Wrapper: Ecuadorian habano

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

The cigar is very well made and had a dark chocolate wrapper. It has a nice oily shine. The cigar features a closed foot.

The test draw after cutting the cap was very good. The initial flavors were a sweet orange citrus and lots of espresso. You get these flavors immediately; no waiting around. I like that in a cigar.

A half inch in the flavors are expanding into molasses and brown sugar to go along with the citrus and espresso. The black pepper is rated at an 8. The finish is a dry wood with cream and a lot of lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied but I expect it to move up.

At the midpoint the flavors are sweet orange citrus, brown sugar, touch of molasses, and espresso. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is the same flavors but the sweet cream is the lead flavor. There is still good black pepper on both ends. The cigar has settled down into a very good cigar.

4 inches in the molasses notes have gone away. In it's place there are now dry cedar notes. The finish is unchanged, as is the black pepper. The molasses notes gave it a thick sweetness and they are now gone.

The cigar ended with the same primary notes but in the place of the citrus is now sweet cedar. The cigar is now full bodied. The finish is unchanged. Being critical, if the cigar had maintained the sweet, thick molasses with the citrus notes, brown sugar, and espresso I was prepared to rate this cigar a 94. I loved those flavors. However, cigars can change. But, this was a very good cigar and I was impressed. I have no doubt that these will be a hit for Black Works Studio. 

Score: 92