Wrapper: Ecuadorian

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Profile: Medium+

Black Works Studio Rorschach is one of the most underrated “little cigars” in the boutique world, and it comes with a story that makes it even cooler. When you think of American owners actually running a cigar factory in Estelí, names like Drew Estate’s Jonathan Drew usually come up, but James and Angela Brown (of Black Label Trading Co.) belong in that conversation too. Not only do they own Fábrica Oveja Negra, they also live in Estelí, which is rare in a space where many brands outsource production.

Black Works Studio was launched as a separate project from BLTC to give the factory more freedom to produce cigars faster, smaller-batch, and more creatively, without being locked into the same expectations as the main Black Label portfolio. Early on, three cigars helped establish the identity of the brand, each with its own blend and personality: NBK, Killer Bee, and Rorschach. While they all share a Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan fillers, the Rorschach stands out by using an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, giving it a sharper, brighter, more “classic” profile compared to the darker, heavier wrapper choices used on the other lines.

Expect a mix of sweet oak, black tea, coffee bean, grainy bread/wheat notes, creamy texture, plus a bright orange-citrus finish with a touch of white pepper.