This was the seventh release from Black Label Trading Company. I was very excited but skeptical going into this one since I had only had one other stick from the company. With an amazing reputation and high quality blends I was still confident that there was something amazing to taste here.
Stats:
Profile: Medium
Wrapper: (Double) Mexican San Andreas and Ecuadorian Maduro
Shape: Robusto
Length: 4.5"
Gauge: 50
Country: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Pricing: (Box of 20) - $195.00
(per stick) - $9.75
First Impression:
The name, the hype, and the label already put me in the high expectation zone. The cigar is beautiful. The wrapper is dark like chocolate with little to no veins in the wrapper. Right form the start I was very happy with what I had in my hands. It makes the anticipation of the smoke even better.
Pre-Smoke Ritual:
I got a good sniff of this cigar before I began to get ready. I had a strong scent of mocha with a pepper tone in the background along with black licorice. I made my cut with a Select Draw Cigar Cutter. 12 holes in the cap with 9 around the cap. To my surprise the cold draw filled my mouth with the black licorice flavor which was excellent. The mocha and pepper were also noticeable, but not the dominant flavor.
Lighting, Draw, and Burn:
Lighting happens almost effortlessly. The draw is on the pleasant side of tight. It did not need any additional help. I will say that after getting through the first third of this cigar the draw does loosen up a bit, but still is optimal. This stick burned well but required a few touch ups. Even without them it still would have been more than acceptable, but I did it anyway because I like to.
Flavor:
The first third of Morphine is filled with the flavor of mocha, pepper, and black licorice. The mocha is the star of the show while the black licorice is a strong second. The flavors mix well with the strong hints of pepper. The second third pushed the black licorice into the front position. The mocha is still there and very noticeable, but it has taken the backseat for this portion. The pepper adds strong hints. As you exit the second third and get into the final third the mocha becomes subtle hints at best. Black licorice and pepper lead the way in the final third. The pepper is prominent at this point but never surpassing the black licorice.
My Preference:
6 months rest in the humidor. Cut made with a Select Draw Cigar Cutter. Rockwell quad flame butane torch lighter used to toast and light.
Final Thoughts:
If you are a fan of black licorice this is a must try. While that flavor and mocha do mix very well it may not be for everyone. The added spice of the pepper was very welcoming since I enjoyed the addition. This cigar is definitely worth grabbing and resting in the humidor to enjoy at a later date.