Black Works Studio Killer Bee Maduro

James Brown launched Black Works Studio in 2015 as a canvas for artisan cigar-making, and the Killer Bee was one of the very first stings out of the hive. Rolled at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Estelí, Nicaragua, this compact 4 1/2 x 46 petite corona wears a dark, oily Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper with a signature linear cap and a closed foot that locks in the flavor until the moment you light it. Everything about the construction is intentional, down to the natural tobacco stripes mimicking bee markings on the cap.

Medium to medium-full in body, the Killer Bee opens with rich dark chocolate, freshly ground espresso, and a pop of black pepper that settles into hazelnut, pralines, and a touch of coriander spice as the smoke builds. The finish is long, warm, and surprisingly approachable for a Maduro this dark. Short on time but big on flavor, this one punches well above its size. Snag a box while they're in stock.