The HVC Black Friday 2024 is an exclusive annual release crafted at the Fabrica de Tabacos HVC S.A. in Nicaragua, showcasing a carefully curated blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos dressed in a dark, oily Mexican San Andrés wrapper. What sets this year’s edition apart is the inclusion of filler leaf from Ometepe—the volcanic island in Lake Nicaragua—famed for imparting earthy depth and mineral-rich complexity to the tobacco.
From the first glance, the Black Friday 2024 makes an impression. The toothy San Andrés maduro wrapper is rustic yet elegant, with small veins, a dense pack, and a flawless cap and foot. Its oily sheen hints at the richness inside, and construction feels spot-on in the hand.
Lighting up delivers an immediate blast of red pepper, quickly dialing back to a smoother white pepper as the cigar settles in. Notes of cedar, oak, and walnut mingle with leather and earth, while semi-sweet chocolate and pure vanilla extract provide a dessert-like balance. A touch of clove and a subtle saltiness add intrigue, keeping the palate engaged.
The profile takes on a smoky, campfire-like woodiness, joined by semi-sweet coffee and mocha. The nuttiness deepens with walnut and pistachio, especially noticeable on the retrohale. Molasses and leather weave through, while black pepper resurges with strength. The middle section balances earthiness with evolving sweetness, adding layers of complexity.
The last portion of the cigar turns darker and more refined. Leather, oak, and strong coffee notes dominate, enhanced by dried fruit, citrus creaminess, and semi-sweet cocoa. A touch of floral essence and black tea rounds out the finish, keeping the flavor experience vibrant and dynamic until the nub.
The HVC Black Friday 2024 impresses with both construction and flavor. The draw is consistently flawless, producing creamy, voluminous smoke, while the razor-thin burn line stays sharp from start to finish. Complexity is the star here—bold yet balanced transitions, subtle shifts, and a crescendo of flavors that lean medium in strength but finish with a fuller edge.HVC once again proves why Black Friday remains a highly anticipated annual tradition. This 2024 edition is a rewarding, flavorful smoke that will appeal to those who enjoy rich complexity without overpowering strength.
Overall Score: 90.57 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 6.39 out of 10
This blind review (Cigar #25-D) was conducted by the Cigar Review Team comprising of: Sam Frishman, Tyler Ceola, JB Smith, Rob Brown, Rick Galletta,, Bret Curry, Mike Conklin, George Hillman, & J. Dwyane Corn
