From Seed to Leaf: Visiting the Aladino Tobacco Farms

Wide view of tobacco fields at the Aladino farm in Honduras with mountains in the background

Standing in the fields, the first thing you notice is the quiet. Not the absence of sound, but a different kind of rhythm. The wind moves slowly through rows of tobacco leaves. Workers move deliberately between the plants, each one tending their section of the field with a quiet focus. There is no rushing here. No frantic pace. Just steady … Read More

Black Works Studio Announces Release of Boondock

Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is pleased to announce the release of BOONDOCK; hand crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua. BOONDOCK is a Limited Edition that will begin shipping to select retailers this week. “The Boondock is one of our most asked about Limited Releases from Black Works Studio. This will be the first full release since 2019, … Read More

What Is a 109 Cap?

Top-down view of a Crux Marblehead cigar showing the rounded 109 cap positioned over a glass of bourbon.

The Classic Shape That Feels Like a Belicoso — Without the Point If you’ve ever picked up a cigar and thought, “Is this a belicoso? It doesn’t look quite like one.” — you were probably holding a 109. At first glance, it does feel familiar. It has that slight taper toward the head. It’s not flat like a traditional parejo. … Read More

The Next Chapter for Smokers Abbey

Invest in Smokers Abbey Austin through Honeycomb Credit

Why We’re Launching a Community Investment Campaign Since we opened our doors in 2017, Smokers Abbey has been more than a cigar shop. From day one, our vision has been to create a space where people could find rest, connection, and conversation—over a thoughtfully curated cigar. We’ve always believed that cigars are more than a product—they’re a shared ritual, a … Read More

Smokers Abbey Austin Announces Community Investment Campaign Through Honeycomb Credit

Smokers Abbey Austin, the city’s boutique destination for small-batch cigars and intentional community, is excited to announce the launch of a community investment campaign through Honeycomb Credit. This campaign gives customers, supporters, and neighbors the opportunity to invest directly in the future of Smokers Abbey, starting at just $100. Unlike a donation, this is an interest-bearing investment with real returns. … Read More

New Month. New Moments.

Elevating the Everyday, One Cigar at a Time At Smokers Abbey, we believe that cigars aren’t just for celebration—they’re for grounding. For pausing. For connection. And at the start of a new month, we’re inviting you to lean into that rhythm. This season, we’re focused on elevating experiences. That doesn’t mean making everything bigger or louder. It means choosing more … Read More

Simple Moments, Lasting Gifts: A Father’s Day Reflection

Cocktail books layed out with a Mixy Old Fashioned cocktail mix and bar tools.

In a world where everything’s buzzing and moving and pushing for the next big thing, some of the best men I know are the ones who know how to be still. They’re the ones who taught us how to sit on a front porch with a glass of something good, how to build a fire just for the sake of … Read More

Let the Cigar Choose You: The Art of the Unplanned Smoke

Someone pulling a cigar out of the Blind Cigar Sampler

We spend so much of our lives planning—our calendars, our meals, even our cigars. And while preparation has its place, sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones that catch us by surprise. That’s what the Blind Cigar Sampler is all about. It’s not about chasing the perfect pairing or flavor profile. It’s about letting go of control, if only … Read More

Apostate Cigars Joining Oveja Negra Brands

Oveja Negra logo with Apostate logo

We are pleased to announce Apostate Cigars will be joining Oveja Negra Brands beginning June of this year. Oveja Negra Brands is made up of Black Label Trading Co. (BLTC), Black Works Studio (BLK WKS), and Emilio Cigars. Apostate will be the fourth brand under the Oveja Negra Brands distribution group. Oveja Negra Brands offers a unified sales and marketing … Read More

Super Deluxe | Black Label Trading Co.

The highly anticipated Super Deluxe by Black Label Trading Co. is making its long-awaited return! Originally released in 2020, this bold, rich, and complex cigar features Nicaraguan fillers and a San Andrés Maduro wrapper, delivering deep flavors of dark fruit, star anise, and subtle spice. Handcrafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra, this limited release will begin shipping to select retailers next week. Don’t miss out on one of BLTC’s most requested cigars!