Everyone in the cigar industry knows the Alec Bradley name. For many years, the AB crown logo has stood proud among fine cigar manufacturers, producing only the highest quality smokes available. Alan Rubin, the founder of Alec Bradley, has seen to make sure that every line of cigars produced is as expertly crafted as possible, sourcing some of the best wrappers and fillers from across the globe. The Black Market series is no exception. Released in 2011 at the IPCPR tradeshow, the Black Market line has shone through as a fantastic blend of several countries’ finest tobaccos.
The original release of the Black Market contained five different sizes: the Robusto (5 1/4 x 52), Toro (6 x 50), Torpedo (6 1/8 x 54) Churchill (7 x 50) and Gordo (6 x 60.) Peter reviewed the special edition Filthy Hooligan and the Churchill in previous posts. In March of 2013, Alec Bradley released the Punk, a petite corona of small size but large personality. This little cigar has me quite perplexed at the moment as to explaining it’s amazing qualities, so I’ll just get down to the review of the Alec Bradley Black Market Punk.
Speaking of Alec Bradley’s other fine lines, check them out here.
Size: 4½ x 42
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Jalapa
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Panamanian
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium to Full
Flavor: Full
Cigars Smoked For Review: 1
Rating: 91
MSRP: $5.65
Construction and Appearance: The Alec Bradley Black Market Punk is enveloped in two unique bands:
The larger of the two bands is a long grey/tan “natural” looking paper with the Alec Bradley logo seated on the top and the words “BLACK MARKET” in a spray-painted font diagonally across the entirety of the band. The smaller- a regular sized band- half black, half tan with the words “Alec Bradley” repeated in the tan color in the black on top and “Black Market” in black repeated across the bottom. The smaller of the two bands is actually tucked skillfully beneath the larger band, so when the first is removed, the regular sized band remains on the cigar. A very nice touch from Alec Bradley.
The wrapper is a beautiful medium-to-chocolate color with medium veins. The wrapper and cap are sealed quite well, but the cap has a noticeable dividing line from the rest. There is a light oil sheen across the wrapper and the cigar is firm and seems tightly bound.
The scent of the Alec Bradley Black Market Punk’s wrapper is earthy and sweet with hints of cocoa. I chose a straight cut for this cigar, befitting to the smaller ring gauge. The dry draw is peppery but holds the earthy flavor of the wrapper.
by Andrew Holmes Photography
Smoking Characteristics: Upon first draw of the Alec Bradley Black Market Punk (ABBMP), I’m pleasantly greeted with earthy, peaty tones and a hint of spice. It’s a tighter draw but there is a pleasant volume of smoke. The first third of this cigar seems to be burning into a canal, and I’m really hoping the issue resolves itself. I’m quite happy with the mellow sweet tones of cocoa and spice in the draw emerging.
Halfway through, I’m beginning to lose the initial peaty flavor, but rich cocoa flavors abound. There is still quite a tight draw, but my canal burn seems to be evening out. I’m beginning to enjoy roasted coffee end notes as well. One notable observation is that the true flavors of this cigar develop in the mouth upon exhale. It is quite wonderful contrast to many other cigars that have strong flavors up front and a more mellow or subtle finish.
Toward the end of the ABBMP the roasted coffee flavor is heavy but wonderful. The draw continues to remain tighter than my preference. Chocolatey end notes return, and the heat is minimal which I contribute to tighter construction. As I’m finishing the nub of this cigar, I realize that each draw doesn’t leave any particularly distinguishable flavor in my mouth. There’s a distant roasted coffee flavor as I exhale, but the truly masterful quality of this cigar’s finish is the smoke that wraps around my head. Today isn’t particularly breezy, so each exhale swirls around me and there is where I encounter the rich velvety chocolate and coffee flavors.
This isn’t a cigar to enjoy on a breezy day; there is too much involved with the release of smoke to truly understand what makes this little cigar so beautiful. If I were to describe it, I would say it had the feeling of sitting at home while someone makes a delicious dessert in the kitchen. I can’t taste the glorious food immediately, but my nose and the back of my tongue encounter the smells and tastes as if I were eating already, getting me excited for that first bite.
by Andrew Holmes Photography
Conclusion: The Alec Bradley Black Market Punk has me lacking as to how to accurately describe it. The majority of the cigar was lovely, with a great draw despite the tight construction, delicate flavors throughout, but the smell of the air around me and the leftover scent on my clothes has me a bit more impressed than the initial smoke. It is astonishing how many complex flavors inhabit the smoke of the cigar AFTER I exhale than the moments it sat in my mouth. But I believe that Alec Bradley has produced another wonderful cigar- a little contender with a big attitude. I will definitely be smoking more of these.
by Andrew Holmes Photography
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