Black Works Studio is James Brown’s second brand and launched back in 2015. The original NBK (Natural Born Killer) was amongst the debut releases of the new brand. In 2019, they announced the addition of the Lizard King to the NBK family.
The Lizard King is a box-pressed barber pole cigar and is described as an amped-up version of the original NBK. They are sold in 20-count boxes and are made at James Brown’s Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Visually, the Lizard King is a “modern” barber pole, which means that the contrast of the two wrapper leaves is not as evident as in a classic barber pole. You could almost overlook the fact that it is a barber pole. Another difference is that the wrappers don’t overlap evenly. The lighter leaf underneath is more of an accentuation.
Both wrappers appear quite smooth with some tooth to them. Construction is good, finished with a closed foot.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 50 x 1127 mm (5″)
- Wrapper: Ecuador Maduro & Rojiso
- Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $10.5 – € 11.5
Black Works Studio NBK Lizard King: the cold draw brings notes of coffee and earth to the palate. Once lit, the cigar opens with the coffee and wood.
Further into the first third, the coffee note is clearly the main flavor, supported by wood and earth. There is also a citrus note perceptible at times. Black pepper is present in the retro-hale. Strength is medium (3/5).
Coffee continues to dominate. The supporting notes of wood and earth are now joined by cocoa. The citrus note has vanished, and the black pepper is now also present on the palate. Strength increases slightly (3.5/5).
The supporting flavors of wood, earth, cocoa, and pepper increase in intensity in this last third, but they still can’t overtake the omnipresent coffee note. Strength has settled into being medium-bodied (3/5).
Overall, the Black Works Studio NBK Lizard King is a balanced yet flavorful smoke. The profile is complex and increases in intensity, which the well-dosed strength level supports even further. While it may lack a bit in evolution, it is still more than a worthwhile smoke.