#21 2024 Cigar of the Year

#21 2024 Cigar of the Year: Black Works Studio S&R (2023) Corona Larga

SPECIFICATIONS

Wrapper: Sumatra, Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Ecuador Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica Oveja Negra
Corona Larga: 6 x 46
Price: $12.50

Sponsor: No
Samples Provided for Initial Review: Yes
Review: Black Works Studio S&R (2023) Corona Larga
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Company): 5 (2016, 2017, 2019, 2023, 2024)

The Details

The #21 Cigar of the Year for 2024 is the Black Works Studio S&R (2023) Corona Larga from Oveja Negra Brands. S&R debuted in 2018 as a limited edition small batch line under the Black Works Studio brand. At the time, it was a significant release for owner and blender James Brown because it marked his first release with a Sumatra wrapper and his first release with Dominican tobacco. There were additional small batch releases in 2019 and 2020 of S&R. Last year, James Brown decided to revamp the blend, with the big change being incorporating a barber-pole wrapper.

The name S&R fits into this model. S&R stands for Serpents and Rainbows, drawing its inspiration from the film and book The Serpent and the Rainbow. The twisted barber-pole wrapper seems to fit in with the serpent part of the theme.

The barber-pole wrapper continues to use Sumatra, but it now incorporates Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf. The binder is Ecuadorian Habano, while the filler is Nicaraguan and, once again, Dominican tobacco. As with all Black Works Studio cigars, production comes from the Fabrica Oveja Negra factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The Corona Larga, measuring 6 x 46, is an absolute staple in the Oveja Negra portfolio.

When James Brown introduced the first S&R in 2018, he proved he could blend an excellent Sumatra release. With the 2023 edition, he takes things to another level. The 2023 S&R Corona Larga delivered a flavor profile of coffee, cedar, earth, chocolate, cream, and pepper. Keeping to the profile of many cigars on the year’s countdown, the S&R Corona Larga delivered medium-bodied flavors countered by medium strength.

This is the fifth time Oveja Negra Brands have landed at least one cigar on the Countdown. Meanwhile, if you are keeping score on the Countdown, this gives Nicaragua its seventh cigar on the 2024 Countdown.


 

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