We reviewed the initial Super Deluxe release from Black Label trading Company way back in 2021 on Episode 139. The cigar’s “flawless” construction and highly consistent profile of spice, mineral, coffee, and dark chocolate worked very well for us, so much so that it earned a score of 92 from the table. And that was soon that, the Super Deluxe receded into the night and was never heard from again. Until now. Black label’s founder James Brown had this to say in a recent press release:
“Super Deluxe is the most requested cigar in BLTC history, so I’m very excited to bring it back. The combination of Nicaraguan fillers and the Mexican San Andrés wrapper create a bold, dark and rich profile. The subtle spice blends with the dark fruit and star anise notes creating a long complex finish. This cigar represents what our consumers have come to love from Black Label.”
THE CIGAR – SUPER DELUXE 2025 by BLACK LABEL TRADING COMPANY
Size: 4 1/2 x 48 (petite corona)
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Ecuadorian habano
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: $11.00 (you can purchase several sizes of the Super Deluxe from Smokers Abbey Austin right HERE)
The Super Deluxe showcases a very dark wrapper leaf which has some slight surface oils present and there’s a few noticeable lumps found above and just below the band. It’s a tight, well-defined box press and just the right amount of give is detected when the cigar is gently squeezed between two fingers. Pro Tip: Always squeeze your cigars with two fingers, never three. Prelight aromas of dry hay and other “rodeo stuff” can be found, and there’s a distinct whiff of walnut when sniffing the foot of the cigar directly.
The Super Deluxe took to my punch tool effortlessly and the resulting cold draw revealed a good deal of must backed by earthiness. Upon ignition, black pepper and dry earth flood the nostrils in equal measure. Once the initial smokeshow settles down a bit, bold leather is presented via the draw and it’s soon followed by a sharp black coffee note. Around the 1” mark, the retro’s earthy aspect subsides and is immediately replaced by a much more defined mineral presence.
Construction so far is outstanding with a smooth draw, straight burn line, and copious smoke production. I don’t often mention a cigar’s aroma while writing my reviews, most likely because I don’t notice it, but there’s no ignoring the fact that the Super Deluxe smells amazing. The strength of the cigar’s pepper spice is increasing as the draw’s leather-forward profile is dwindling. That sharp black coffee note is now firmly in the driver’s seat.
I was tempted to thump off the impressive ash around the fifty yard line as a precautionary measure but I ignored my instincts and resisted the urge…
So, naturally, the ash fell with a thud on my lap just before reaching the band. That one’s on me, literally.
The Super Deluxe is now clearly in the full body, full strength camp. The tireless spice is working very well with the still-developing mineral note upstairs, while the clear and present French roast coffee continues to dominate the draw’s flavor profile. If you handed me this cigar unbanded and asked me to guess the manufacturer, the first name that I would toss out there would be Tatuaje. And that, if there’s any question, is a compliment. But I believe in the very near future, Black Label Trading Company’s name will just as quickly come to mind given a few more years of James Brown blending these spice-forward creations with character under his belt.
A surprising creaminess has begun to arise in the Super Deluxe’s final act. It’s faint, you have to really focus in on it, but it’s there and it adds a nice element of complexity to what has been a fairly straight-forward smoking experience*. To be perfectly honest, I’m impressed by any flavors that are able to shine through this spice. The Super Deluxe finishes strong in every sense of the word.
THE NUB
TNCC FINAL SCORE = 91
If you are a seasoned cigar smoker who gravitates towards spicier offerings, I feel confident in stating that you are going to enjoy the Super Deluxe. It’s an expertly conceived and constructed pepper bomb that, while similar in many ways to the 2020 original release, takes the overall intensity up a significant notch. I’d recommend pairing this ballsy motherfucker with a creamy stout or possibly a light Pinot noir. Let the cigar and the cigar alone bring the spice to the party**.
* Total Smoking Duration: 52 minutes
** Unless, that is, you have a kickass recipe for spicy queso dip. If that’s the case, obviously, bring the spicy queso dip as well. And don’t just assume there will be enough tortilla chips at the party, bring at least 2 bags so there’s plenty for everyone.
