Cigar Dojo and Black Star Line Cigars announced their first joint venture: the limited-edition Yasuke cigar. This collaboration marries Cigar Dojo’s Japanese-inspired ethos with Black Star Line’s rich heritage as a black-owned cigar company, paying homage to a remarkable historical figure.
Yasuke, the cigar’s namesake, is believed to be the first black samurai, serving the Japanese daimyō Oda Nobunaga from 1581 to 1582.
His extraordinary journey from Africa to feudal Japan embodies the spirit of cultural exchange and barrier-breaking that this collaboration represents.
“Partnering with Black Star Line Cigars allowed us to explore a fascinating intersection of cultures,” said Eric Guttormson, owner of Cigar Dojo. “Yasuke’s story is a testament to the universal language of respect and skill, transcending racial and cultural boundaries. We wanted to capture that essence in this cigar.”
Aric Bey, founder of Black Star Line Cigars and former Chicago firefighter, added, “This collaboration with The Dojo is more than just creating a great cigar. It’s about telling a story that resonates with our commitment to diversity and excellence in the cigar industry. Yasuke’s legacy as the first black samurai perfectly encapsulates our mission.”
The Yasuke is crafted at the renowned Aganorsa Leaf factory in Nicaragua, utilizing a unique blend that diverges from the factory’s typical offerings. This includes Aganorsa’s newest and most prized seed varietal—Corojo 2012—which has been incorporated not only as the wrapper, but the binder as well. Additionally, the cigar departs from Aganorsa’s strict adherence to the use of all-Nicaraguan filler, being one of the only cigars to come out of the factory with Mexican San Andrés leaf within the core recipe. Rounding out the blend, the Mexican filler is joined with Nicaraguan leaves from the Jalapa and Estelí growing regions.
This recipe brings out a commanding, stick-to-your-ribs flavor profile, featuring savory notes of pulled pork, sweet hickory, toasted almonds, and nutmeg, complemented by a gentle sweetness on the lips. The Yasuke offers a medium-plus body with medium-full to full flavor intensity.
The BSL Yasuke is presented in a 6″ x 52 toro format, adorned with a skillfully rolled pigtail cap that evokes imagery of a samurai’s chonmage (topknot) hairstyle. The project has been limited to just 300 bundles of 10 cigars, which will be offered exclusively through retail partner Smoke Inn Cigars, becoming available on October 4th, 2024, at 12pm (Eastern).
Black Star Line Yasuke
- Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo 2012
- Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo 2012
- Filler: Nicaragua (Jalapa | Estelí) | Mexico (San Andrés)
- Factory: Aganorsa Leaf (Nicaragua)
- Production: Limited Edition (3,000 cigars)
- Packaging: 10-ct Bundles
- Vitola: 6″ x 52 Toro
- Price: $125 ($12.50/cigar) MSRP
- Release: October 4, 2024
- Retailer: Smoke Inn Cigars
