Cigar Geeks - Black Works Studio Hyena Lonsdale

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Black Works Studio Hyena Lonsdale
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Chuck (Cfickter)

88
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 Dark roast coffee, black

Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible

Good looking cigar, interesting band design. Curly head, even color, no large veins, partially closed foot. Body is firm but not overly. Draw is free and smooth. Prelight draw aromas are light bakery, graham cracker. Surprisingly smooth wrapper despite Cameroon's reputation for being toothy. Did not cut but just broke off the curly head. Did not disturb the cap, leaving a small but usable opening for the draw.

Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible

Quick to light, early slight wobble in the burn line never fully recovered but never got bad enough to cause any touch ups. Ash is a light grey and tightly stacked, holds well. Remained lit after extended rest, but the last two inches did require much more attention, no relights required. Smoke volume was moderate.

Construction: 27 Points of 30 Possible

Overall construction was excellent with very few issues. There were no issues with the cap, the draw remained open and smooth. Considering Cameroon's reputation for being a slightly delicate wrapper there were no issues with wrapper.

Flavor and Aroma: 39 Points of 45 Possible

First third: Immediate flavors are nutty and woody with a sharpness or edge to it. Retrohale is peppery with an ashy undertone. Ligero hits the front of the tongue. Initial strength seems medium plus.

Second third: Still shows some of that initial nutty profile but the sharpness is gone and things are creamier. The strength has backed off just a little to more medium. Retrohale continues with the peppery profile but it seems to show up later as sort of a late pop.

Final third: Final third continues with the creaminess but quickly rolls into a very distinct red pepper flavor. Despite this the retrohale hasn't really upped its game. Overall the profile remains at medium.

Summary

I am a James Brown and BWS/BLTC fan, love the Green Hornet and Killer Bee. While I would not put this cigar on that level it was certainly a very good smoke. Perhaps my biggest disappointment with the experience was the work you had to put into the last inch or two. It really needed constant attention to keep lit.