Eight years running, Black Lable Trading Company has released their annual release of their acclaimed Bishops Blend cigar. This year’s release is a return to the original blend. If you are a fan of Black Label Trading Company, you know that last year’s release was a different blend celebrating the company’s 10th anniversary. Like all previous releases the Bishops Blend 2024 is hand crafted and blended at the Fábrica Oveja Negra factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.
In a press release, James Brown, founder of Black Label Trading Co. and partner at Fábrica Oveja Negra stated:
“We are very excited about this highly anticipated release. This is the eighth release of Bishops Blend and continues to be one of our most sought-after, limited annual releases. Bishops Blend boasts big bold flavors of anise, pepper, raisins, and a sweet earthiness on the finish. It is very complex and extremely refined. As with the past vintages, the broadleaf fillers shine at the forefront and are perfectly balanced by the Nicaraguan filler tobaccos.”
The blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Maduro
- Binder: Ecuador Habano
- Filler: Nicaragua, Connecticut & PA Broadleaf
The company notes that the Bishops Blend will be offered in three vitolas, each packaged in 20-count boxes:
- Corona Largo (6 1/4 x 46) – MSRP $13.00
- Robusto (5 x 48) – MSRP $12.00
- Lancero (7 x 42) – MSRP $13.50
For this review, I sampled 3 of the Black Label Trading Co. Bishops Blend 2024 Robustos, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Black Label Trading Co. Bishops Blend 2024 robusto, is a well-constructed vitola with a special ‘bishops hat” cap. It exhibits a dark brown, veiny and toothy wrapper and a closed foot. The cigar feels well packed with no soft spots along the barrel.
Two bands adorn the cigar. Both use a black and bright red motif. The primary band uses a vivid graphic of a skull with a crown and a cross set of keys below. Along the bottom, the band declare “Hand Made – Est 2013”. The secondary footer band declares this as the “Bishops Blend Five Year Anniversary”
Running the cigar along the nose I picked up a fragrant, sweet spicy aroma along the barrel. With the close foot I cannot comment on that.
Using my dual blade cutter, I sliced the cap about a 1/4 inch down from the tip and gave it some cold draws that offered notes of pepper and sweetness. Once again, with the closed foot I can’t judge pre light restriction.
I used my single flame torch to warm the foot to an even orange glow. The foot took right to the heat of the flame. Once ignited, I drew in a mouth filling dose of pepper and earthy smoke. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Pepper and earth start the journey
- A light grey ash forms on top of a medium thick char line
- The smoke is rich and mouth filling from the very first puff
- Sweetness and fruit notes join the mix early in the burn
- The ash fell in a decent chunk revealing an off-centered burn cone
- Dark chocolate nuances add to the dimension in the second third
- Strength begins to ratchet up
- Anise/Black Licorice notes enter midway through the burn adding a tasty component
- Maple Syrup aromas waft off the foot
- Continued sweet earth and savory spice in the final
- Medium to Full in Strength
- Total Smoking time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The Black Label Trading Co. Bishops Blend 2024 Robusto begins its journey with a nuanced interplay of pepper and earthy tones. From the very first puff, the smoke is rich and enveloping, filling the palate with thick chewy smoke. As the pepper slowly subsides, sweet and fruity notes emerge, weaving their way into the mix. In the second third, dark chocolate nuances enrich the profile, adding depth and complexity. The strength of the cigar gradually intensifies, while anise/black licorice notes make a delightful entrance midway through the burn. Aromas of maple syrup gently waft from the foot, enhancing the sensory experience. In the final stages, the cigar continues to deliver a harmonious blend of sweet earth and savory spice, culminating in a satisfying finish. I especially liked the anise notes and the sweet maple syrup aromas. This is certainly a box buy. I rate this a 94.
Point Deductions: (-1) Slightly off centered burn cone; (-1) Mild jag in burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Balanced and Pleasurable across multiple samples
