This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
The Black Works StudioNBK uses an Ecuadorian HabanoOscuro wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and fillers. It is rolled at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua like all other Black Works Studio. It comes in two regular production vitolas, a 6 x 46 corona gorda and a 5 x 50 robusto, both come in boxes of 20. An event only lonsdale is also produced.
“The cigar is a nice dark brown Maduro with a very smoothly wrapped box press shape. It has a nicely constructed cap and a partially closed foot. Overall it is a handsome an classy looking cigar.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Aroma: 91
“Initial aromas off of the foot are dark molasses and earth. So far so good. Can’t wait to light this baby up!” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Flavor: 91 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“I get a bit of the hay when I first draw on this cigar but it is quickly dissipated into dark cocoa and chocolate with a hint of nut. The retro provides a little bit of pepper and there is a bit of floral note to the finish. The cigar has a nice smooth and earthy base that slowly reveals some leather and more floral notes. The transition to more coffee is noted well into the end of the first third and there is a bit of white pepper on the finish.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
“This cigar started off full of sweet spice as I took the flame away. It settled into sweet oak, bit of chocolate, and a bit of spice. The chocolate notes were subtle and often not detectable. The body was right about where I liked it.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Flavor: 90 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The second third brought more kitchen spices in the array. The prior third’s oak flavors transitioned to the retrohale and off the tongue. There was still a kind of white pepper spice, but very diminished. The cigar still came across a bit sweet.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“Creamy molasses continue with the addition of dark chocolate. Slight black pepper on the retro. Burn continues to be spot on. Draw is smooth with no issues. Killer cigar thus far. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Final Third
Flavor: 90 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The complexity continues for me and it is quite a nice balance. The floral and fruity notes, although minor, compliment the
wood, leather, coffee and cocoa very nicely. I am enjoying the smoking experience with a plethora of flavor to my palette.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
“Final third is same as the first two thirds. And this is by no means a bad thing. Lots of molasses, dark chocolate and some slight espresso notes. Wrapper starts to crack near the final third but it does not take away from the cigar in any way. Had to nub this cigar. I didn’t want to put it down. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 94
“Once flame touched the closed foot of the cigar, the draw was just about as good as I could ask for. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Burn: 93
“I had no issues with the cigar and burned nicely with a crisp line and no required touch-ups. I had a lot of nice smoke and it felt plentiful in my mouth with each draw.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Construction: 91
“Construction was great as there were no lifts, cracks or issues throughout the entire smoking experience. The cap remained very well intact and the feel of the box press in my hand was comfortable.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium Experience Overall: 91
“This was a good looking and good tasting cigar for me. It met all three areas of “like” and the only down side was the little bit of tightness in the draw. I would love to smoke this again and again.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
“The moment I fired this cigar up, I was excited. It had a great sweet and spicy note that rung thoroughly in me. Unfortunately, it all started fading out, down to nothing. I really wish it kept going. Even if the second and third were exactly the same as the first, I would have been happier. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“Overall an enjoyable smoking experience. The cigar had a nice flavor profile and was very visually appealing. Assuming the price is right, I’d likely buy a few and smoke it again. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“This cigar was right up my alley flavor wise. Would definitely buy a box of these. Wasn’t the most complex smoke but the flavors were amazing. I’d give it a solid 95. Excellent smoke!” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Blind Cigar Review: Black Works Studio | NBK Robusto
Summary
"This was a good looking and good tasting cigar for me. It met all three areas of “like” and the only down side was the little bit of tightness in the draw. I would love to smoke this again and again." -Diana (ArmyRN)
