Description

One of Black Label Trading Co.’s original core lines, Benediction, is coming back as a store exclusive for Smokers Abbey. The line was part of the company’s portfolio when it debuted in 2013, but was put on hiatus in 2019. Now, the blend and packaging have both been modified as it heads to a retailer that has been a long-time supporter of the brand. The updated blend is a Nicaraguan puro that uses a habano wrapper. “We stayed true to the original blend in body, strength and wrapper but added a touch more spice and complexity,” said James Brown, creator of BLTC and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra, in a press release. It is produced at Fabrica Oveja Negra, the company’s factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Benediction will be offered in two vitolas: Benediction Robusto (4 1/2 x 50) — $10 (Box of 20, $200) Benediction Lonsdale (6 1/2 x 42) — $11 (Box of 20, $220) The initial production run is being limited to 150 boxes of each vitola for each of the three stores, though the company has plans to make this an annual release. The packaging’s artwork has also gotten an update, which Brown said he created to reflect the aesthetics of the shops and which combine perfectly with BLTC’s design style.