Black Works Studio has rolled out its latest creation, the Hawaii Hornet, marking another chapter in the company's growing portfolio of distinctive cigars. This release stands apart as an exclusive offering for R. Field Wine Co., crafted at the respected Fabrica Oveja Negra facility in Esteli, Nicaragua.
The Hawaii Hornet joins Black Works Studio's lineup of Hawaiian exclusives, each designed to capture something unique about the island state's cigar culture. According to James Brown, who created Black Works Studio and serves as a partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra, this particular smoke holds a special place in the collection.
"The Hawaiian Hornet is definitely a favorite of the R.Field Hawaii series. Its big, bold and intense profile represents not only Black Works Studio but the smokers of Hawaii as well," Brown explained.
What makes this cigar stand out is its assertive character. Brown describes it as spice-forward, with multiple layers that unfold as one smokes it. The finish lingers, giving the experience a lasting quality that serious cigar enthusiasts often seek out.
"This cigar is spice-forward with layers of complexity and a long finish. The profile is what you would expect from our Hawaiian exclusives; rich, dark, and earthy with a complex blend of spices on the retrohale," Brown said.
The construction of the Hawaii Hornet reflects careful attention to the tobacco selection. The cigar features a distinctive tri-wrapper approach, incorporating Ecuador Maduro, Candela, and Connecticut wrappers. This combination creates visual interest while contributing to the smoke's flavor profile. Beneath the wrapper sits an Ecuador Habano binder, which holds together a filler blend of Nicaraguan tobacco.
Nicaragua has earned a reputation as one of the world's premier tobacco-growing regions, particularly in Esteli, where the Hawaii Hornet is produced. The volcanic soil and climate conditions there produce tobacco with robust flavor characteristics, which aligns with the bold profile Brown describes.
The cigar comes in a single vitola: a robusto measuring 5 inches by 50 ring gauge. This format has long been popular among cigar smokers for its balanced proportions and reasonable smoking time. Each box contains 10 cigars, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $11.50 per stick.
For those looking to try the Hawaii Hornet, availability is limited to R. Field Wine Co. in Honolulu. This exclusive distribution strategy creates a unique connection between the product and the place it celebrates. Hawaii's cigar community has its own distinct preferences and traditions, and Black Works Studio has tailored this release specifically for that market.
The partnership between Black Works Studio and Fabrica Oveja Negra has yielded several notable cigars over the years. Fabrica Oveja Negra, which translates to "Black Sheep Factory," has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovation in blending. The facility's location in Esteli places it at the heart of Nicaragua's cigar industry, with access to premium tobacco and skilled cigar rollers.
Brown's description of the Hawaii Hornet's flavor profile gives potential smokers a roadmap of what to expect. The rich, dark, and earthy base notes provide a foundation, while the spice complexity adds dimension to the experience. The retrohale—when smoke is gently exhaled through the nose—reveals additional spice notes that might not be as prominent when smoking in the traditional manner.
This attention to the complete sensory experience reflects a broader trend in premium cigar making, where blenders think carefully about how different elements reveal themselves at different points in the smoke. The spice-forward character Brown mentions suggests the cigar will appeal to those who enjoy fuller-bodied smokes with distinct flavor profiles rather than subtle, nuanced blends.
The Hawaiian exclusive series from Black Works Studio represents a recognition that different markets have different tastes. Hawaii's geographic isolation and unique cultural mix have created a cigar community with its own identity. By creating cigars specifically for this market, Black Works Studio acknowledges these differences while building a deeper connection with local enthusiasts.
The use of three different wrapper tobaccos in the Hawaii Hornet is relatively uncommon in cigar production. Most cigars use a single wrapper leaf, chosen for its appearance and contribution to flavor. The tri-wrapper approach adds visual complexity and potentially creates a more varied smoking experience as the proportion of each wrapper changes throughout the cigar.
Ecuador has become increasingly important as a source for wrapper tobacco, with both the Maduro and Connecticut varieties used in the Hawaii Hornet coming from that country. The Ecuador Habano binder further emphasizes the role Ecuadorian tobacco plays in this blend. The country's high-altitude growing regions and cloud cover create conditions that produce tobacco with desirable characteristics for wrappers and binders.
For cigar retailers and enthusiasts in Hawaii, the Hawaii Hornet represents another exclusive offering that sets their market apart. Limited regional releases have become increasingly popular in the cigar industry, creating collectible items and giving local shops something unique to offer their customers.
The $11.50 price point positions the Hawaii Hornet in the premium category without reaching into ultra-premium territory. At this price, the cigar targets serious enthusiasts who appreciate quality tobacco and careful blending but doesn't price itself out of reach for regular enjoyment.
Black Works Studio's approach with the Hawaii Hornet demonstrates how cigar companies can create products that speak to specific communities while maintaining their broader brand identity. The bold, intense profile Brown describes aligns with the overall Black Works Studio aesthetic while incorporating elements that resonate with Hawaiian smokers.
As the cigar becomes available at R. Field Wine Co., it will join other Hawaiian exclusives in giving local enthusiasts something they can't find elsewhere. This exclusivity, combined with the distinctive tri-wrapper construction and the robust flavor profile Brown outlines, positions the Hawaii Hornet as a noteworthy addition to the Hawaiian cigar scene.
The release continues the relationship between Black Works Studio and the Hawaiian market, building on previous exclusives and deepening the brand's presence in the islands. For those who can access it, the Hawaii Hornet offers a chance to experience a cigar designed specifically for their market, crafted with high-quality Nicaraguan tobacco and blended to deliver the bold, complex smoking experience that defines both Black Works Studio and Hawaii's cigar culture.
