Cigar Geeks - Black Works Studio Hyena Lonsdale

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Black Works Studio Hyena Lonsdale
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Neal (ntanner)

74
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique. This one has been generously sponsored by our member Beegerply (Byron). The cigar provided for this round is the http://www.cigargeeks.com/cigardb/default.asp?action=showcig&cigar_id=192526">Black Works Studio Hyena Lonsdale. Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is pleased to announce the release of Hyena: Hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra. Hyena is a Limited Edition that started shipping to select BLK WKS retailers at the beginning of March. "Hyena is a truly unique cigar that is focused on showcasing a perfect balance between Nicaraguan fillers and the Cameroon wrapper. Hyena is an extremely complex and balanced cigar and is a tribute to our many years of living in Africa," said James Brown, creator of BLTC & BLK WKS and owner at Fabrica Oveja Negra. Limited release of 700 boxes.

Black Works Studio Hyena Lonsdale

Brand:: Black Works Studio
Name:: Hyena Lonsdale
Length:: 6.5
Ring Gauge:: 42
Country of Origin:: Nicaragua
Filler:: Nicaragua
Binder:: Nicaragua
Wrapper:: Cameroon
Color:: Colorado
Strength:: Medium-Full
Shape:: Lonsdale
Notes:: https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/limited-edition-smoke-from-black-label-coming-in-early-march

This cigar was enjoyed with Coffee

Pre-Light: 7 Points of 10 Possible

Slight sheen to the wrapper, a few vein lines, closed foot and pigtail cap, all nice touches. The wrapper seems are pretty visible and there are a few wrinkles in the wrapper close to the foot. The cap is well attached but a bit sloppy looking in its application. The band is different, on the one side the name and manufacturer in a nice, clear fashion and on the other, well I'm not sure what that's about but regardless, overall a decent enough looking stick.

It takes a cut well enough and has an effortless draw despite a very solid feeling cannon and a closed foot.

Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible

Takes a fire well enough and smoke production is OK but less than I would expect from such an open draw initially but by the second third I was getting great quantities of smoke with each puff. The ash is a very light grey and burn albeit not razor sharp but straight enough to keep me happy. Ash held well beyond an inch and was solid when I knocked it. Burn was slow but I paced myself, this one could get hot pretty quickly.

Construction: 25 Points of 30 Possible

The wrapper is a great looking leaf with a slight sheen and a slightly toothy feel but its application is a bit sloppy, not bad but a few wrinkles and the seem lines are pretty visible. The cap, well applied as it is is also a bit sloppy, off center and some wrinkles but it is well attached and cuts just fine. The draw is wide open and makes it easy to get this one hot.

Flavor and Aroma: 29 Points of 45 Possible

There is a decent amount of spice right from the start, both on the tongue and in the retro. There is a sweet note of toasted sugar accompanying the spice giving it a decent balance. The room aromatics have a slight vanilla hint to them.

The second third is a continuation of the first with the addition of a paper taste, not really enjoying it that much.

The last third is more of the same. A less than breathtaking close to this one.

Summary

This one didn't really do it for me. Sort of one deminsional and not my deminsion. Never got over medium in strength and the flavors never really developed into anything attention grabbing. The burn was good and smoke production was good and I'm sure this is up someone's alley, just not mine. I do appreciate the opportunity to smoke this one. After all, its good to know what you don't like as well as what you do.