Year over year the Bishops Blend from Black Label Trading Company is one of the most highly anticipated releases. Originally released in 2016, the Bishops Blend is touted as a rich and intense smoking experience. It also has a uniquely pointed cap that is fitting to the name. I have always been a fan of the Bishops Blend, though I typically find them to really shine after some rest. That being said, I smoked the Corona Larga right off the truck and thought it was fantastic. I am looking forward to smoking this robusto.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica Oveja Negra
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua, Pennsylvania, Connecticut Broadleaf
Vitola: 5 x 48 Robusto
Price: $12.00 MSRP
Link to Purchase: The Cigar Farm (Use code “Review” to save 10%!)
This Bishops has a very dark, clean wrapper. I am always a fan of the Bishops Blend bands and the little pointed cap. The cigar smells of sweet earth. The cold draw is dark chocolate and citrus fruit. First light brings about full bodied smoke with full flavors of oily pepper, dark roast coffee, a bit of cacao, and some wood. The retrohale off the bat echoes some of the cold draw notes of citrus fruit and dark chocolate, with some added black pepper and a bit of cane sugar. The smoke is thick and gritty. About halfway through the first third the draw has taken on a bit of meatiness. There’s still some oily pepper and coffee as well. The retrohale remains the same and is a must to get the most out of the smoking experience. Nearing the halfway point the performance has been perfect. The meatiness has dropped out leaving a draw profile of black pepper, slightly tannic, oily wood, and coffee. The retrohale has transitioned to a drier earth with just a hint of the previously prominent citrus and chocolate. Entering the final third this Bishops is rolling along. The only change is a bit of a strength bump and an increase in pepper. Coming to an end at just over an hour the profile has remained consistent, with strength reaching medium-full. The performance was flawless through the end.
Overall Experience
Overall this year’s Bishops Blend release seems to have really hit the mark. The profile is rich and intense, but much more complex and nuanced than I feel previous years have been. It is also worth noting that both sizes I have smoked so far have performed flawlessly, which has historically not always been the case. I recommend trying some of this years if you have an affinity for Black Label Trading Company, limited editions, or just rich, bold, stronger blends.
Have you smoked this one? Let me know your thoughts!