Black Label Trading Company Orthodox

The overall style of the cigars from Black Label Trading Company often appears both unique and somewhat dark. The Browns' Tabacalera is aptly named Oveja Negra, which translates to "black sheep." The Orthodox cigars were introduced at PCA 2024 and arrived in our hands in the fall of the same year.

The Mexican San Andrés wrapper is exceptionally dark and covers a Sun Grown from Ecuador, with the filler being entirely of Nicaraguan origin. Initially, only 900 boxes of each of the three vitolas were rolled. With this blend and its rich and complex profile, James aims to return to the roots of his craft. BLTC cigars were intended from the outset to be strong, uncompromising, and straightforward—a reflection of their (now) homeland, Nicaragua. Although numerous other blends have been introduced over the past decade, it is this intensity that James finds continually inspiring about Nicaraguan cigars. According to him, one should taste notes of dark fruits, cherry aromas, raisins, and star anise—let's see!

Black Label Trading Company: Dark Elegance and Creative Passion

We're lighting one up now to see if we can taste the “supported” notes. Surprisingly, they start out without any bite or pepperiness; however, their strength is evident from the very beginning, though never in an overwhelming way. As the smoke progresses, the Orthodox cigar remains "crisp," yet harmonious—a successful, slow-burning smoke for aficionados. The word Orthodox on the cigar band is, in my opinion, somewhat hard to read; perhaps this is due to my lack of familiarity with tattoo and graffiti styles or maybe due to my emerging farsightedness.

The Black Label Trading Company, or BLTC for short, was founded in 2013 by James Brown and his wife, Angela. The couple wanted to create a boutique cigar brand that placed special emphasis on creativity and authenticity. James originally comes from the gastronomy and hospitality industry; the experiences he gained there still shape his approach to tobacco and flavor today. He views blending and rolling cigars as “real” art, a notion he celebrates with bold combinations of unique tobaccos. We have encountered him at various tobacco fairs in the United States as well as at events at the Cigarworld Lounge in Düsseldorf.

Orthodox Cigars: A Return to Nicaragua’s Intense Roots

It is always surprising how “reserved” and low-key he appears. With his imposing beard, numerous wild tattoos, and extravagant clothing, one wouldn’t expect him to be so calm, almost quiet and modest. His wife, Angela, supports him in the brand's public presence and marketing. She, too, is an experienced aficionada with a deep understanding of tobacco cultivation, blending, and the industry overall. The couple lives together with their son in Nicaragua.

The distribution of this brand in Germany is handled by siblings Martina and Klaus Kleinlagel from Bruchsal, who also distribute Kristoff cigars and Artista Cigars from the Dominican Republic. Over the past years—one could almost say decades—the Kleinlagel family has grown dear to us, as it is exactly people like them who make working in this industry enjoyable and worthwhile!