Cigar Review: Leccia Tobacco Black 552

The first impression of Sam Leccia’s Black comes as soon as you remove the cellophane sleeve. A distinctive and full aroma fills the air. It’s smoky, outdoorsy, and it has a hint of pipe tobacco and campfire.

From the outset, it’s clear that this cigar is different. That’s no surprise, considering the range of tobaccos used in Black. The filler combines Nicaraguan and Dominican ligero, Brazilian Mata Fina, and a bit of fire-cured tobacco. Completing the international mix is an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and a Nicaraguan Rosado binder.

The flavors reflect the complex aroma with some added spicy components and sweetness. I found it to be medium in strength, with a fascinating twist. It nearly always felt as if it was going to jump up a notch but never did. The finish was also remarkable: very long and thick.

I’ve smoked three: one while at the IPCPR Trade Show and two at home. Construction, draw, and smoke production in each was excellent. The small Dominican factory producing the line knows its stuff.

Although the slightly fat robusto (a 52 ring gauge with the typical 5-inch length) is the only one of the four sizes I’ve tried, I can’t help but think it’s probably the best for this smoke. It runs around $8 per stick.

A lot of smokers will pick up a Black, and its White partner, because they’re familiar with Sam Leccia from his work with Oliva, where he generated a tremendous following with Nub (and later Cain). They should have no trouble finding these new cigars. They’re in catalogs, and it seemed as if nearly every retailer at IPCPR stopped to talk with Sam, who shared space with Toraño, which is distributing his smokes.

For those seeking something different, Black should be at the top of your list. Not just because it’s different, but because it’s good. In fact, this is a cigar that’s more enjoyable every time you smoke one. I rate it four stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–George E

photo credit: @SamLeccia