Look & Feel Of The Black Label Trading Co. Lawless
- Wrapper Hue: Ground Coffee
- Rolling Consistency: Even
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Hay, Leather, Nutmeg
The Lawless cigar from Black Label Trading Co. showcases an Ecuadorian Rosado wrapper, a relatively rare tobacco variety.
The wrapper also has a beautiful ground coffee color, enhanced by a lovely sheen, and is marked by only a few prominent veins. The cigar’s body feels firm to the touch, boasting a beautifully even roll that speaks to its quality craftsmanship.
BLTC Lawless Cigar Review
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Ideal
- Aromas: Earth, Molasses, Rye
Before lighting up the Black Label Trading Co. Lawless, the cigar’s exterior offers a delightful aromatic mix.
Scents of hay, leather, and a hint of nutmeg waft up from the foot. On the cold draw, there’s a rich tapestry of earthy tones, sweetened by molasses and spiced with rye, creating an inviting preview of the smoking experience. The draw hits that sweet spot – exactly where I prefer it to be.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Bitter Chocolate, Bananana, Rye
If you haven’t smoked a Black Label Trading Co. cigar, I’ll offer one small warning. They start with a BANG. The Lawless, in particular, starts with an explosion of bold flavors that immediately grab your attention.
Right upon lighting, it evokes the rich, comforting notes of chocolate banana bread. I usually link these bready-cereal flavors to Habano wrappers, and the Lawless features an intriguing habano-rosado hybrid. On the retrohale, there is yet another layer that is reminiscent of a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
To be honest, this cigar skirts the edge of being almost too intense for my taste, but luckily, it mellows a bit after the first third. If you find yourself handling a cigar that feels too strong, I recommend a couple of tactics. Slow down your smoking pace, and keep a sweet drink or snack within reach. This can help mitigate any effects of high nicotine, like jitters or nausea.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Rye, Hazelnut, Chocolate
Comparing the intensity levels, the first third of the Lawless was a solid 9 out of 10 on the strength scale, but the second third eases down to a more manageable 5 out of 10. Despite this decrease in strength, the cigar doesn’t lose any of its rich flavor.
The forefront of the palate is greeted with distinct notes of rye, hazelnut, and chocolate, while the retrohale adds a unique, savory mushroom quality.
Here’s a handy tip for outdoor smokers: especially on chilly days: let your cigar sit outside for about an hour before lighting it. This allows the cigar to adjust to the outdoor temperature, preventing the wrapper from splitting as a result of the inner cigar expanding and the wrapper contracting due to the cold.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Cinnamon, Wheat Toast, Leather
As the Lawless enters its final third, a delightful sweetness begins to emerge, intertwining beautifully with a distinct cinnamon flavor. This combination instantly brings to mind the spicy-sweet taste of Hot Tamale candy.
Complementing this new sweetness are the familiar and comforting notes of wheat toast and leather. The retrohale rounds off this diverse flavor profile with a hint of floral honey, adding a delicate and aromatic finish to the smoking experience.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Solid
- Burn Angle: Mostly Straight
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Ideal
- Final Smoking Time: 60 Minutes
Throughout the session, the construction quality of the Oveja Negra Factory was able to shine through. The ash was solid and reliable, the burn angle remained largely straight.
Additionally, the cigar remained a cool smoke, though my setting may have influenced this. And finally, the BLTC Lawless offered an excellent draw, even into the final third, when cigars tend to become more challenging to draw.
Overall Experience
The Black Label Trading Co. Lawless cigar makes a bold statement with its band design, featuring a bovine skull encircled by a halo of barbed wire. This striking imagery may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but as someone who appreciates a touch of the macabre, I find it absolutely captivating. Particularly, the design detail that really stands out to me is the glossy finish on the skull, set against the matte background of the band.
Initially, I thought the band was simply black and white, but on closer inspection, the subtle metallic silver accents in the barbed wire and footband add an extra layer of sophistication.
The packaging follows suit with the same black, white, and silver color scheme, carrying the theme over beautifully. What’s more, each box is thoughtfully packed with a Boveda humidity pack, ensuring that the cigars maintain optimal humidity from the factory right to your humidor.
Pairing Recommendations Black Label Lawless Cigar
For a perfect setting to enjoy the Black Label Trading Co’s Lawless, I recommend a relaxed dinner environment.
When it comes to food pairings, this cigar seems like it would be a match made in heaven with some classic Texas barbecue. The peppery and smoky flavors of the barbecue would beautifully complement the subtle sweetness of the cigar.
For a different twist, a dark bread could bring out the rye notes in the cigar. And if you’re in the mood for dessert, a rich and caramelized bananas foster would be an excellent choice to pair with it.
As for drinks, rum stands out as an ideal companion, particularly a Koloa rum from Hawaii – which, frankly, is where I’d rather be than in snowy Oregon. A red ale would also be a great choice, echoing the bready flavors of the habano wrapper. And for those with a sweet tooth, a cup of hot chocolate could be just the thing to highlight the sweeter notes of this blend.
Closing Thoughts
Even on a cold, snowy day, the BLTC Lawless smoked great. The draw was spot-on, and the ash, a fine and pristine white, added to the aesthetic appeal.
Despite noticing some waviness in the burn line across my review samples, it managed to self-correct as the cigar progressed. I’m inclined to attribute this minor issue to the cold winter conditions.
In the Bespoke Unit Cigar Matrix, the Lawless earns a commendable score of 90. Considering its price point of about $9 per stick, it easily secures an A in the value-for-money category.
This blend is truly a roller coaster ride in terms of flavor and strength, making it a worthwhile addition to your humidor, especially if you’re up for a bold smoking experience.
