Back in June, Black Star Line Cigars and Oveja Negra announced the introduction of the Rosewood 1923. The cigar is a dedication to the race riot that occurred in Rosewood, Florida.
Aric Bey, owner of Black Star Line Cigars noted his excitement to work with James Brown and his Oveja Negra factory in Estelí, Nicaragua:
“I have always wanted to work with Oveja Negra. I am a huge fan of their cigars and actually James was one of the first people I reached out to when I was looking to enter the Cigar industry. I ended up gaining JB’s respect through my hardwork and persistence with what I have done thus far with Aganorsa Leaf. I love the name because it not only pays homage to the 100 year anniversary of the massacre but also pays homage to my fraternity brother John Singleton who made a movie about Rosewood in the early 90s. I am a member of “Greater” Beta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc and Singleton passed away a few years ago.”
You can read the history of the massacre here.
Rosewood 1923 is a regular production cigar and is expressed in a single (6 x 48) corona vitola with a blend described as:
- Wrapper – Mexican San Andres
- Binder – Ecuadorian
- Filler – Dominican and Nicaraguan
The company has set the MSRP at $12.99/cigar and they will be available in both 20-count boxes and bundles.
Pre-Light Examination
The Black Star Line Cigars Rose Wood 1923 is draped in a dark brown and oily, San Andres wrapper. The cigar is packed firmly from head to foot with no soft spots. The wrapper has a smoother feel than what I normally get from a San Andres leaf. There are minimal veins running along the barrel. An expertly applied triple cap finishes the construction.
A single band adorns the cigar using a black, metalic red, silver, and white motif. There is a cross centered in the band with red roses wrapped around it. A scroll runs across the bottom of the cross, declaring this as “BSL ROSEWOOD 1923” The right side of the band displays the Back Star Line Logo.
Running the cigar along the nose, I picked up a pungent note along the barrel while the foot exudes a rich earthy note.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap perfectly and gave it some cold draw puffs that delivered a definite peppery spice note with a hint of umami.
My single flame torch was perfect to warm the foot to an even orange glow, as I drew in the first puffs of black pepper. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial puffs offer a bright black pepper sensation especially on the nasals
- There is an undertone of caramel sweetness joining the pepper
- A light grey ash, which is a bit flaky forms on a wavy char line
- Moving through the first third a citrus component begins to develop
- The early caramel sweetness morphs into delectable honey notes
- Thick rich and palate filling smoke has been present since the first puffs
- Ash fell revealing a decent and centered burn cone
- The peppery spice has maintained into the second third
- Cocoa and vanilla notes join the mix especially in the aroma
- Cinnamon spice evolve deep in the second third
- The smoke gets a tad bitter moving into the final
- Medium Plus in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 15 minutes
Final Analysis
The initial puffs of the Black Star Line Cigars Rose Wood 1923 greet the palate with an incredibly vibrant and zesty black pepper sensation, captivating the senses, especially on the nasals. As the experience unfolds, a delightful undertone of caramel sweetness gracefully intertwines with the peppery notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Deeper into the first third, a citrus component emerges, lending a refreshing twist to the flavor journey. What once was early caramel sweetness now transforms into a truly delectable honeyed essence, enriching the smoking experience even further. The smoke itself possesses a remarkable thickness, its richness enveloping the palate in a satisfying and mouth-filling embrace right from the very first puffs.
The peppery spice prevails as the journey continues into the second third while delightful hints of cocoa and vanilla gracefully join the ensemble, leaving an enchanting aromatic trail that complements the overall taste profile. Deep within the second third, the evolution takes a pleasant turn, as subtle notes of cinnamon spice slowly unfurl, adding another layer of intrigue to the cigar’s character.
As the finale approaches, a slight bitterness creeps into the smoke and ends the journey. This is worth grabbing a fiver of. I rate this a 92
Point Deductions: (-1) Slight bitterness in the final; (-1) Flaky ash; (-1) Wavy Char Line
Bonus Points: (+1) Complex in Flavor and Aroma
