Back in June, James Brown and Black Label Trading Co. announced the release of a special cigar to celebrate the company’s 10 years in the business. The cigar would be called La Madonna Negra.
In the press release, James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Co. and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra. stated:
“La Madonna Negra is a culmination of things I’ve learned over the last decade of cigar making. It’s a cigar that not only represents Black Label but also represents who I am today as a cigar maker. It’s bold, as a BLTC cigar should be but, it’s also very refined and elegant. It has layers of complexity and a very unique profile. A mixture of different spice elements combines with aromatic floral notes to create something unexpected. I’m very proud of the result.”
The blend of La Madonna Negra is described as:
- Wrapper: Connecticut (USA) Broadleaf
- Binder: Ecuador Habano
- Filler: Nicaragua / Pennsylvania
It is available to select retailers in 3 box pressed vitolas each packaged in 20-count boxes. There is also a collection box of 32.
- Rothschild (4.5 x 48) – MSRP $11.00
- Corona Gorda (5.5 x 50) – MSRP $12.50
- Robusto (5×54) – MSRP $13.00
- Collection Box – Mixed box (32 count) Allocated
La Madonna Negra is hand crafted and blended at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Estelí, Nicaragua.
For this review I sampled two La Madonna Negra Rothschilds which I received from the company for the purpose for reviewing on Stogie press.
Pre-Light Examination
La Madonna Negra is draped in a dark reddish-brown and oily wrapper that has a decent amount of marbling with a few bumps along the barrel. I would say it looks rather rustic, but then again it is a USA Broadleaf. Though the Rothschild vitola I sampled is small, it is still packed well, with a crisp box press and well applied triple cap. No corners seemed to have been cut in making this cigar.
There are two bands that adorn the cigar. The primary band uses a black, gold, and white motif. An image of a dark Madonna is presented in the middle with the words “BLACK LABEL TRADING CO.” wrapped around it. A secondary footer band using the same motif declares this as the Madonna Negra.
Running the cigar along the nose, I quickly noted the pungent fermented leaf aroma along the barrel. The foot exuded a mild floral note.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap perfectly and gave it some cold draw puffs that I found to be a tad tight in restriction. However, the draw delivered notes of butter and black pepper. The more you cold puff the pepper grows on the palate.
I used my single flame torch to warm the foot to an even orange glow as I drew in the first opening puffs of peppery smoke. Follow along a burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial puff offers nose opening black pepper notes
- Cedar and leather notes join the mix quickly with continued pepper
- A light grey ash forms on top of a decent char line
- Enticing fruit notes add to the early profile along with rich floral aromas
- Dark chocolate notes add additional dimension to the blend
- The ash fell after a solid burn revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Increased cedar notes in the second half
- Spice and mild caramel sweetness build midway through
- Spice takes it to the end
- Only one ash drop throughout the journey
- Medium to Full in Strength
- Total Smoking time was about 1 hour
Final Analysis
The Black Label Trading Co. La Madonna Negra starts the journey with an exhilarating burst of black pepper, setting the tone for an exceptional smoking experience. Swiftly, the blend evolves, as captivating cedar and leather notes join the mix, perfectly complementing the continued pepper presence. Throughout the smoke, a delicate grey ash forms atop a remarkably even char line, a testament to the blend’s impeccable construction. The early profile is further enhanced by alluring fruit notes dancing harmoniously with rich floral aromas, creating a captivating symphony of scents. Notably, dark chocolate notes weave their way into the composition, adding depth and complexity.
The second half of the cigar introduces intensified cedar notes, elevating the smoking experience to new heights. The midsection delights the palate with an enchanting interplay of spice and mild caramel sweetness, offering a satisfying and harmonious sensation. Finally, the spice takes center stage as the cigar reaches its climax, leaving a memorable and fulfilling finish to this extraordinary smoking adventure.
This is by far a box buy for any cigar enthusiast who wants a pleasing and satisfying 1 hour smoke. I rate this a 97
Point Deductions: (-1) Flat But centered burn cone
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Pristine Char line; (+1) Pleasurable and Consistent across multiple samples; (+1) Complex and balanced Flavor Profile
