The most excellent manager at The Wharf handed me some samples, which we call homework.  Two of the cigars looked vaguely familiar to me.  Black and white labels with some nice design, attractive looking tobacco.  Needless to say, I was intrigued.  I was handed two of these samples, Black Label Trading Company, and I chose the Lawless blend for the first review.  The Benediction will soon follow.  So, enough babbling here, let's get smoking.

Construction: This is an exceptionally nice looking cigar.  The Habano Rosado wrapper leaf is a nice deep red-brown with loads of oils.  The seams are smooth and no veins.  The overall look of the cigar is very rustic and rather lumpy.  Honestly, a look I enjoy in any cigar.  The band also deserves some recognition here.  A simple black and white scheme always looks good on cigars and in this case they used a nice Victorian flourish with a skull and crown.  It's a simple scheme that works well.  The foot is protected by a band as well.  This sporting the name of the cigar in matching black and white using distressed lettering.  Overall a very nice presentation.

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: Out of the cellophane, the Lawless gives up some very rich aromas.  Oak, leather, and a sweetness like molasses are prevalent in the body of the cigar while the foot gives a nice sweet cocoa and coffee bean.  Cutting is a snap and the draw is nice.  Not too open or closed.

Light and Burn: Lighting is no issue with a couple of matches and the burn was sharp from start to finish.

Tasting: Starting off, the Lawless gives up some very intense cocoa and leather.  A terrific start.

The first third is just silky smooth.  The leather notes from the initial puffs continue into the first with oak, minerals, coffee, and some mild black pepper.  There is a mildly sweet undertone to the Lawless and mixed with the smooth character, it reminds me of a latte made with half and half.  Rich.  Dense.  Delicious.

The second third is just as smooth.  The leather drops out a bit and the coffee comes to the front.  The complexity increases a bit as well with notes of coconut, cream, and a touch of earth.

The final third brings the cocoa to the front followed closely by the coffee notes.  The finish is rich and sweet.  There are additional notes towards the nub as well.  A nice cream, vanilla, and chocolate all make appearances before putting this terrific cigar down.

Value: At around $9 the Lawless is perfectly priced to be on your anytime list

Final Thoughts: Well, this has been the first big surprise of the year for me as a reviewer.  The Black Label Trading Company Lawless is simply a masterpiece of cigar blending.  I am sold on their creations and already put in my recommendation for them to land on the shelves at The Wharf.    I highly recommend this amazing smoke.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Rosado
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium-full

Size: 5 X 54

Terrific looking cigar

Very nice design.  Love cigar labels with skulls on them for some reason....