My Weekend Cigar Review: Alec Bradley Black Market Estelí
VIDEO CIGAR REVIEW: ALEC BRADLEY BLACK MARKET ESTELÍ
A Small Cigar with Big Flavor Dreams…
When Alec Bradley Cigars announced their Black Market Estelí selection, company co-founder, Alan Rubin, noted that cigar smokers who love Nicaraguan cigars know that the tobaccos are grown in Nicaragua, but the exact location is a mystery. According to Alan, the idea behind the line was to “bring Estelí, the cigar capital of Nicaragua, out of the shadows”—but not entirely. Working with the Plasencia factory in Estelí, which harbors a massive selection of Nicaraguan tobacco, it was decided that the tobacco details would remain under wraps. Moreover, when the Black Market Estelí Punk debuted in August of 2019 it was aimed at cigar smokers who wanted a top-drawer short smoke, as well as others who generally prefer Coronas and similar small cigars.
Cigar Details:
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A. – Estelí, Nicaragua
Size: 4¼”x 42 Petite Corona (Punk)
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Honduras & Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Presented in boxes of 24
Alec Bradley Black Market Estelí Punk Cigar Review
The Alec Bradley Black Market Estelí boasts a naturally dark, attractive, and oily wrapper. It’s a little thicker, too. The cigar is firmly rolled, finished with a triple seam cap, and after clipping, the cold draw issued notes of earth, nuts, and leather.
The opening puffs had a tangy, citrus flavor complemented by hints of wood and nuts. The smoke was also smooth on the palate and began with a medium body and strength. The burn also got off to an even start and revealed firm ashes throughout both of my sessions. Just short of the second inch, the smoke was sweeter but still mostly fruity with drive-by notes of leather and salt.
The fruity tanginess eventually subsided at about halfway down. Nuttier flavors were also revealed as hints of dark chocolate and espresso tapped on the window but lacked the strength to open it. More earth emerged, too, as the body and strength transitioned to full.
By the final inches, the cigar continued to be creamy and tasted nuttier. Yet what I found most interesting was the cigar tasted as well-rounded at 1½ inches as it did at its start. Maybe it’s just me on that last point, but overall, I thought the Punk was pretty satisfying.
Was Alec Bradley Black Market Estelí Weekend Worthy?
The “weekend worthy” verdict is that if you asked me to write-up a short list of good short smokes, the Black Market Estelí Punk would be on it. Like I said in my recent Warped Sky Moon review, I don’t often smoke cigars of this size, but the Black Market Estelí Punk turned out to be a curious little delight. It performed perfectly checking the top boxes for burn, draw, strength, flavor, and aroma.
Rich, well-balanced, and listed at a fair price, I see the Punk as a treat for experienced cigar smokers who enjoy full-bodied Nicaraguan cigars. Interestingly enough, at times it seemed like there were more flavors than I could define, and ring gauge aside, sometimes it seemed more like a bigger cigar. F.Y.I., both of my samples smoked close to 45 minutes, which is also why I think every day Corona smokers will like it, too.
Please Note: Gary’s review was based on two samples and that your experience may vary. If you’ve already had an experience with this cigar please share your thoughts with a comment.