Originally introduced in 2016 and having seen a few incarnations in the years since, the Limited Edition Black Works Studio S & R is a cigar that represents the broad spectrum of cigars produced under the Black Works Studio line. In this latest incarnation, which was announced at the 2023 TPE trade show in Las Vegas, James Brown and his team have expressed it in a barber pole variety and also included the Lancero Culebra as part of the offering.
As James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Company/Black Works Studio and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra, explains:
“Very excited for the return of S&R. This year’s release features a beautiful dark Sumatran wrapper mixed with Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade. The S&R is a bold, medium strength, full flavor blend. The profile combines herbal citrus notes with cocoa and a complex mix of chili & white pepper spice,”
The company describes the blend as:
- Wrapper: Sumatra, Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Binder: Ecuador Habano
- Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican
The 2023 variety is offered in 3 vitolas , each packaged in 20-count boxes with the exception of the Culebra which comes in a 3-count coffin.
- Robusto (5 x 50) – MSRP $12.50/cigar
- Corona Larga: (6 x 46) – MSRP $12.50/cigar
- Lancero Culebra: (6 3/4 x 42)- MSRP $36.00/3-count coffin
For this review, I sampled one of the Robustos, which I received from James at TPE for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press. It has been resting in my humidor for 3 months prior to this review.
Pre-Light Examination
The Black Works Studio 2023 S & R is an absolutely beautiful cigar with its toothy and oily dark brown wrapper. The barber pole is perfect with just a sliver of tan leaf twirling around it. The cigar is firmly packed and finished with an expertly applied quad cap with an awesome pigtail finish. A true craft coming out of Fabrica Oveja Negra.
A single band adorns the cigar using a black and silver motif on the front (or maybe it is the back – who knows). It boldly declares this as the S & R with “Black Works Studio” underneath. The other side of the band is a colorful graffiti style drawing of a fanged serpent.
An impressive pre-light aroma is noticeable along the barrel that presents pungent fermented leaf, vanilla and cocoa notes. The foot exudes enticing earthy and floral notes.
I used my double blade cutter to open the cap and gave it some cold puffs that offered a smooth and perfectly restricted draw with a growing pepper and earth sensation with just a touch of buttery notes.
With the pre-light very much to my liking, and still cold puffing to savor what this has to offer, I finally reached for my double flame torch and warmed the foot to an even orange glow as I drew in the first puffs of cedar and pepper notes to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Cedar and pepper notes start the journey
- Awesome burn and solid stacking dimes light grey ash form on top of a thin even char line
- Toasted pepper cracker aroma
- Sweetness and a touch of citrus join the early mix
- Thick full volume of smoke fills the palate on every draw
- Pepper morphs into a cheek warming cayenne pepper sensation
- There is a mild lingering nut sensation starting the second third
- Getting to the midway point I noted a pleasing dark chocolate note
- The long ash fell midway in a perfect chunk revealing a well-formed and centered burn cone
- The chocolate notes remain prominent with some continued citrus through the second third
- Pepper becomes more prominent in the final
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Analysis
What can I say, once again, James Brown and his team show why they are one of the best makers of premium cigars and that is rightfully showcased with the Black Works Studio 2023 S & R. With an impressive pre-light look and taste to the awesome burn and fine array of flavors and aromas that keep the palate pleased through the 90-minute journey, one can ask for little more in a premium cigar. I guess I only wish these were a full production instead of limited, but I get it, quality takes time, aging takes time, and construction take the best of expert hands, all of which Fabrica Oveja Negra shows over and over.
The captivating journey commences with delightful cedar and pepper notes, setting the stage for a remarkable experience. An extraordinary burn ensues, producing a solid “stacking dimes” light grey ash that forms atop a thin and even char line. Enticing aroma of toasted pepper crackers, provide inviting anticipation and excitement. As the journey progresses, a delightful interplay of sweetness and a subtle touch of citrus emerges, adding depth and complexity to the early flavors. The initial pepper notes gradually transform into a warm and comforting sensation akin to cayenne pepper, gently caressing the cheeks. The profile just gets better entering the second third with a mild and lingering nuttiness emerging, offering a delightful nuance to the overall experience. Pleasing notes of dark chocolate emerges, weaving its way into the symphony of flavors and then taking more of center stage accompanied by a subtle continuation of citrus. The pepper notes regain their prominence in the final, intensifying with each draw, delivering a bold and exhilarating finale. If any a cigar is a box buy, this is it. I rate this a stellar 97.
Point Deductions: NONE
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Long Perfect Ash; (+1) Clean Even Burn
