The Alec Bradley Black Market Toro and the Room101 LTD Namakubi Tiburon are the focus of today’s reviews. Keep reading to see if these recently released stogies have what it takes to earn a spot in your humidor.

Alec Bradley Black Market Toro

Released during the 2011 IPCPR show, the Alec Bradley Black Market line brings an edgy concept to the cigar industry. While the Black Market moniker may conjure up feelings of illegality, cigar fans can enjoy this newer release without having the authorities breathing down their backs.

Measuring 6 x 50, the Alec Bradley Black Market Toro is just one of five sizes in the line. The other four include the 5 ¼ x 52 Robusto, 6 x 50 Toro, 6 x 60 Gordo, 6 1/8 x 54 Torpedo, and 7 x 50 Churchill. The filler contains a unique blend of Panamanian and Honduran Jamastran tobaccos. A Sumatra binder comes next, and an aged Nicaraguan Jalapa binder completes the composition. While the Black Market may have a name that suggests boldness, it’s actually said to be a smooth cigar with strength in the medium-bodied range.

The presentation of the Black Market Toro is one of the more unique ideas that I have seen. A large black and white band covers one half of the cigar with a style that appears as if it came right out of a shipping crate. Although I did not purchase a box for this review, pictures indicate that the company shipped these cigars in just that, mini crates. Even the way in which Black Market is stamped on the bands looks authentic. Beneath the band is a cigar with excellent construction. The dark, oily wrapper has minimal veins and no major imperfections to speak of. The cigar feels firm to the touch from head to foot. Right before lighting, the cold taste is reminiscent of fruit, but it’s a bit sour like citrus. As for the scent, it’s cedar all the way.

After lighting the Black Market Toro, the cigar burns relatively well. It’s not perfect, but there are no major issues to report. The draw is on the loose side and plenty of smoke is produced. The ash fails to remain connected and falls to the ground, which is disappointing. A few touch-ups are needed to correct the burn.