Black Works Studio cigars is an offshoot of the Black Label Trading Company and although they are produced at the same factory, the Black Works Studio brand is typically reserved for the more experimental Black Label Trading Co cigars.
Killer Bee is a great example of this. It's a small-batch handmade premium cigar that features a distinctive bee-like stripey wrapper, achieved by using thin strips of contrasting wrapper leaves.
Expertly constructed and even-burning all the way down, these small batch cigars are worth looking out for, as they usually don't stay in stock for long. For a better idea of what to expect, read our Black Works Studio Killer Bee cigar review below, or head over to YouTube for our Killer Bee video review.
An introduction to Black Label Trading Company
Black Label Trading Company was created by James Brown and is based at the Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua. While Black Label Trading Co cigars are not puros, the Nicaraguan influence is dominant throughout the tobaccos chosen in their production.
In 2015, Brown announced Black Works Studio, sometimes written as BLK WKS, as a "playground" that would allow him to use Fabrica Oveja Negra to try new ideas and concepts and, ultimately, to bring them to market.
The first Black Works Studio Killer Bee cigars shipped in December 2015 and the label has become a buzzword in its own right, spawning new sizes and an 'extension' of the line, the Black Works Studio Green Hornet cigar.
Cigar Specs
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: Fabrica Oveja Negra
- Wrapper: Ecuador
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Sizes available:
- Killer Bee Petite Corona (4.5 x 46)
- Killer Bee Limited Edition Connecticut (4.5 x 46)
How is a Killer Bee constructed?
The unique Killer Bee cigar construction is what gives this stick its name. The Ecuadorian maduro wrapper has a closed foot and a linear cap, which uses narrow strips of contrasting wrapper leaves to give the cap a bee-like stripey appearance.
Seams are hidden well and, aside from the lighter contrasting strips, the maduro tobacco has a rich, deep brown color. A single band features the 'Killer Bee' label and the 'Black Works Studio' brand in gold print, with a gold bee image and gold border.
What I got from the cold draw
Brown favors a closed foot on his cigars in order to deliver maximum flavor on the initial draw, and this is the case with Killer Bee. The neatly applied linear cap acts as an aid to cutting the cap, which helps to achieve a straight burn line throughout the smoke.
On the draw, expect an intense hit of dark chocolate, earthy notes and citrus fruits, with a strength retained by that closed cap. This intensity is an indicator of what to expect once you light up Killer Bee.
Flavors I enjoyed
Killer Bee has satisfying strength and intensity, but it also has a complexity that continues to develop right the way through the nearly hour-long smoking time. Here are some of the main flavors to watch out for in the first, middle and final thirds of the stick.
First third
The central flavor profile of Killer Bee comes from wood, cocoa, citrus and black pepper. In the first third, the black pepper kicks things off, before wood and chocolate come to the fore in equal measure.
Slightly further back, there's a lemony citrus aspect that helps to bring some bittersweetness to the overall experience, and the retrohales deliver plenty of black pepper punch.
Second third
In the middle third, the cocoa rides shotgun while the woody flavors take the driving seat. Lemon and black pepper are both still present, but they fade a little into the background. Overall the profile is still complex, with those peppery retrohales to spice things up.
Final third
As the cigar enters the final third, the artisan construction should mean you still have an even burn line with very few touch-ups needed. The wood is still at the forefront, but pepper comes through stronger in this phase.
Cocoa and lemon zest provide the background, and while the strength of the pepper continues to grow toward the nub, there's no sting in the tail of Killer Bee, which stays nicely balanced right to the end.
How strong is the Killer Bee?
We rate Killer Bee's strength profile at the top end: full strength with a strong body. Its intensity and depth hold their own against indulgent beverage pairings such as a fresh cappuccino, which should bring out the cocoa flavors more fully.
Closing thoughts
Killer Bee is a real showstopper, a handmade premium cigar that delivers maximum strength, body, and complexity of flavor. The dance of cocoa, wood, lemon and black pepper is delicate and delicious. It's a small batch cigar so availability may vary - don't miss out on the chance to stock Killer Bee in your humidor.