Black Works Studio NBK (Box Pressed) cigars are small-batch artisanal maduros from Black Label Trading Company Cigars, part of the Oveja Negra (or 'Black Sheep') group. Black Works Studio or 'BLK WKS' focuses on quality, rather than quantity. BLK WKS cigars are released in only a small, select number of vitolas, in batches of just 100 boxes.
BLK WKS NBK is a box-pressed Maduro with an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper around a Nicaraguan binder and filler. Two vitolas are available: the 5 x 50 Robusto and its bigger brother, the 6 x 46 Corona Larga. Both offer a smoke time in the 1-1.5 hour ballpark.
During that time, the strength of Black Works NBK grows, the smoke becomes more full-bodied and the flavors release their full power. Expect dark chocolate, molasses, and cabinet spices. Available in singles and boxes of 20, this is a spiced and sultry experience not to be missed. Order your BLK WKS 'Natural Born Killer' from Cigars.com today.
Brand overview
Several names are associated with Black Works Studio: Black Label Trading Company, Oveja Negra, and the brand's founders James and Angela Brown. They created Black Label Trading Co in 2015 at the Oveja Negra boutique cigar factory, producing handmade Nicaraguan cigars that combine tobaccos from the USA, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Known for delivering complex flavor profiles with the bold body, Black Label introduced the Black Works Studio line with an even greater focus on premium tobaccos. BLK WKS cigars include the Green Hornet, Hyena, Rorschach, and Natural Born Killer, better known as Black Works Studio NBK which we're looking at today.
Cigar specs
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Strength: Full
- Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Oscuro
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Smoke Time: 70 minutes (Robusto) / 85 minutes (Corona Larga)
- Sizes Available:
Cold Draw
Black Works Studio NBK is darker than a typical Maduro, thanks to the Ecuador Habano Oscuro wrapper. The unique Oscuro fermentation process develops this darker shade, while the box-pressed production leads to a squarish stick. Together, this gives NBK a very distinctive appearance in your humidor.
The deep color of the Oscuro wrapper is apparent on the cold draw too, which carries aromas of earth and molasses. If you like full strength and body, BLK WKS NBK is likely to satisfy your tastes.
Flavor profile: first third
As you light NBK, you can expect typically 'dark' flavors throughout. First to hit the palate are cocoa and rich chocolate, spiced with peppery retrohales. The base of the flavor profile is quite earthy, with hints of leather. As the first third progress, the cocoa develops into coffee and the chocolate taste becomes much more subtle.
Flavor profile: second third
Into the middle of the stick, there is more spice brought into the complex flavor profile, this time in the form of baking spices, which are perfectly complemented by the richness of molasses. The earthy tone takes on an element of oak wood, while the pepper fades considerably and is now mostly detected on the retrohales.
Flavor profile: final third
As NBK burns down to the nub, the flavors remain complex but balanced. A smorgasbord of leather, wood, cocoa, and dark coffee, with the sweetness of molasses, kitchen spices, and occasional fruity and floral touches, all combine to hold your interest until the final moments.
While the flavors overall do not change much from the first puff to the last, NBK has the kind of quality that you won't want to put down. With 20 sticks to a box, there's always the next time.
Conclusion
The extra-dark Maduro Oscuro wrapper tobacco on Black Works Studio NBK is the first sign of the evocative flavors that lie beneath. Aficionados can (and assuredly will) argue over the pros and cons of box-pressed cigars, but there's no denying the quality and craftsmanship of Black Works Studio handmade cigars.
If you're storing these sticks long-term, remember to give them space in your humidor so they can reach that sweet spot of moisture content, and so the air can circulate freely around them. The squarish stick is well suited to slipping into your pocket before taking a hike, walking the dog, or playing a round of golf.
Available in two vitolas, in singles or boxes of 20, we rate Black Works NBK very highly. It's a favorite with seasoned cigar smokers every time, and a fine addition to any order from Cigars.com.