Black Works Studio Hyena Lonsdale – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

In March of 2021, Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) announced their newest limited edition cigar: Black Works Studio Hyena. The blend uses a Cameroon wrapper, Nicaraguan Habano binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. It comes in two sizes: Corona Gorda – 5 x 46 (20 count) MSRP $12.00 and Lonsdale – 6.5×42 (20 count) MSRP $12.50.

James Brown described the cigar as a tribute to he and his wife’s many years living in Africa. Black Works Studio Hyena is rolled at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Estelí, Nicaragua. Only 700 boxes of each size were made and each size has a rabito cap.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Lonsdale
Length: 6 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 42
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Nicaragua Habano
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica Oveja Negra
Blender: James Brown
Number of reviewers: 4 – Isaac M. (The Nothing) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) Adam B. (Bushboy)
Price: $12.50
Age: 2 Months
Release Date: March 2021
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 94

“There are a few words for this cigar. Long, thin, and elegant. Rolled with invisible seams and finished with a fantail cap. It sports a milk chocolate-colored wrapper with some mottled spots near the foot. Just beautiful!” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Aroma: 93

“Pre-light aroma is raisins on the foot and sweet cedar bark from the shaft. Earthy and slightly sweet.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

First Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Since this cigar has a close foot I just right into it without toasting it. The first puffs are full of sugar-dusted cedar smoke. As I smoke on it get the pith of an orange, mainly on the tip of the tongue. As I push some smoke through my sinuses, I get loads of cinnamon and cedar. This makes the finish long and flavorful. As they enter the dying moments of the third there is a cocoa and sea salt essence that ebbs and flows on the palate. What an open to this cigar.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“The cigar started out with a blast of black pepper. Very spicy and almost licorice flavors. The flavors quickly mellowed into a more nutty, almost oak flavor dominating. A little bit toothy, and leaves a nutty toasted pecan flavor on the finish. Lots of smoke from the burn line. Like most cigars this shape, the burn line is spot on and ash hangs for about a half-inch before I don’t trust it anymore.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Second Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The middle portion of this cigar has remained much the same which is just fine by me! There is a bit of sweetness now on the finish which is a nice addition. Through the nose, it has settled just a bit but overall is still a fuller-bodied and fuller strength cigar. I’m really looking forward to the finish!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“The second third has mellowed into a nutty toasted sweetness. The flavors are coming together well and it’s spicy at times, nutty at times, very smooth, and savory throughout. The burn line has been perfect. No issues with the poor construction. So far a fantastic cigar.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Final Third

Flavor: 94
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The cigar finished much as the it had tasted throughout. It continued with the flavors of wood, bread, and kitchen spices right on through to the end.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“Final third produced more of the toasty flavors. All the spice is gone and a cool nutty earthy campfire flavor remains. Burn line never faltered. Great smoke output and mouth-watering aroma.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 94

“The draw seemed to be just about right with a v-cut. I had tried to just pinch off the tail from the cap, but that didn’t work out well for me. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Burn: 93

“The burn line was almost nonexistent. This is some old, aged wrapper with the perfect mix of fillers. All of this made for a cruise control burn from start to finish. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Construction: 94

“From the excellent appearance to the superb performance, this cigar was expertly made and a true joy to smoke!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 96

“This cigar certainly had a classic Cuban appearance to it. The flavors were fairly clean and the cigar smoked well, but it was boring. It felt pretty monotonous and offered little to excite me.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“This cigar was a real joy to smoke in all aspects. The flavors were bold and commanded my attention, and the performance was truly excellent. I can’t wait to put my order in for a bunch of these!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“It is easy to say that this cigar was phenomenal. There are so many areas where a cigar this size could go wrong but when done right it can be transcended. This will be a box worthy cigar once I find out what it is. If you are a fan of a profile that is sweet and savory with some great spice that lingers, this will be the cigar for you. Enjoy.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“Admittedly I am partial to smaller ring gauges, however, this cigar was fantastic. Started spicy and finished mellow smokey and oak-ey. The aroma was fantastic and the burn & construction never caused concern. Will definitely smoke again” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 83

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Black Works Studio | Hyena Lonsdale