Black Works Studio Avispa
📌 Brand: Black Works Studio
📌 Line: Avispa
📌 Size: Toro (5 3/4" × 48)
📌 Weight: 12.7 g
📌 Age: 1 year
📌 Origin: Nicaragua
Tasting Notes
White Pepper – Bright and lively opening spice
Cedar – Clean and aromatic backbone
Citrus Zest – Distinct freshness through the middle
Cream – Smooth finish balancing the spice
First Impressions
The Avispa has a striking appearance with its dual wrapper of Ecuadorian Habano and Candela. Construction appears excellent visually, though the cigar feels slightly soft in hand. Pre-light aromas reveal cedar, hay, citrus, and white pepper. The cold draw is noticeably loose.
Smoking Experience
First Third – Opens with vibrant white pepper and citrus zest, supported by a clean cedar foundation. Smoke production is abundant due to the loose draw.
Second Third – Cream and subtle sweetness begin to emerge, creating a pleasant balance between spice and freshness. Unfortunately, the very loose draw starts to dilute some of the flavor intensity.
Final Third – The cigar remains enjoyable and flavorful, but the overly open draw prevents the profile from becoming as concentrated and refined as it could be.
Pairings
Alcohol – Pisco Acholado (Peru) - Floral notes, citrus character, and clean finish beautifully complement the cigar's bright and zesty profile.
Tea – First Flush Darjeeling - Floral complexity and delicate citrus notes pair exceptionally well with the cigar's lighter character.
Music Pairing
“Oye Como Va” – Tito Puente
Fresh and rhythmic, complementing the cigar's citrus and spice notes.
Final Thoughts
Black Works Studio Avispa delivers an engaging mix of spice, citrus, cedar, and cream in a profile that stands apart from many Dual-wrapped cigars. The only significant drawback is the very loose draw, which slightly dilutes the overall intensity and concentration of flavors.
Final Score: 8/10
Why not a 10?
The excessively loose draw reduced flavor concentration and prevented the cigar from achieving its full potential.
Only cigars that deliver flawless draw, balance, flavour evolution, construction and satisfaction get a 10.