For their debut in 2013, Black Label Trading Company released six blends—much higher than the usual one or two lines for a cigar brand’s debut. While the husband and wife team James and Angela Brown founded Black Label, this is no multi-generational cigar family story. In fact, the Browns never thought this side hustle would become a full-time gig. Before entering the cigar business, they worked in the wine industry and then owned and operated multiple companies throughout South America and West Africa, including an off-road adventure tour company that led yearly trips to Nicaragua.
During this time, James, already a cigar lover, studied all things related to cigar tobacco with the desire to create a blend that fully satisfied his palate. Soon he was producing cigars for himself and his clients. It didn’t take long for these clients to start asking where they could buy more of these sticks. James saw the opportunity, and soon Black Label Trading Company was born.
The primary goal from day one was to create edgy cigars that were elegant but with a touch of the dark side. Another goal was each blend would have its own personality and story to tell. James does all the artwork himself, and the often skull-clad modern gothic theme adds an additional element of mystery and danger to the overall product in the best way.
Initially, these cigars were marketed to younger cigar-loving adults, though over time, this aim expanded to include all cigar enthusiasts. The premium boutique brand is known for attention to detail, small batches, and a “less is more” philosophy, with each line releasing limited quantities and only a few sizes.
Now with their own factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, Black Label covers multiple bases to offer cigars to a wide range of smokers. There are the medium-full-bodied Last Rites with a sweet and spicy Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper surrounding a potent blend from Nicaragua and Honduras. Another is the more medium Salvation, which will deliver you from evil with its four-country blend of Honduran, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and U.S. tobaccos. The Browns have another brand as well—Black Works Studios—which James uses to develop blends not necessarily in Black Label Trading Company's ballpark, like the bold Killer Bee line featuring thin candela accents on the cap, which creatively resemble bee stripes.
According to Black Label, “Our attitude re-thinks standards for cigar making and caters to cigar lovers and aficionados tired of a mainstream, mass-produced approach to cigar making. At Black Label Trading Company, we have created a market for those with the attitude that they deserve the best, and the confidence that they deserve to experience the Black Label Experience.”
We can’t wait to see what James Brown cooks up next!
Please browse our selection of Black Label Trading Company cigars at your leisure.
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