Jul 8, 2026
10 Years of Bishops Blend
Black Label Trading Company is marking a major milestone as one of its most anticipated annual releases returns to retailers this week. The 2026 edition of Bishops Blend commemorates the cigar's tenth anniversary with a blend that builds upon the original while introducing new complexity for longtime fans.
Handcrafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Estelí, Nicaragua, Bishops Blend has become one of Black Label Trading Co.'s signature limited releases since its debut in 2016. Over the past decade, it has earned a reputation for its bold profile, dark character, and limited availability, making it one of the company's most sought-after cigars each year.
To celebrate the anniversary, creator James Brown has given the blend a significant upgrade. This year's release features a striking double-wrapper presentation that combines the original Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper with Connecticut Broadleaf. The Broadleaf influence doesn't stop there—it also appears in the filler blend, adding even more richness and depth to an already full-bodied cigar.
According to Brown, the goal was to honor everything smokers have come to expect from Bishops Blend while elevating the smoking experience.
"It's been ten years since we introduced Bishops Blend, and it has grown into one of our most sought-after releases. To celebrate this milestone, this year's edition features a double-wrapper presentation, pairing the original Ecuadorian Maduro with Connecticut Broadleaf. The addition of Broadleaf in both the filler and wrapper further enhances the cigar's rich, elegant, and complex character, taking it to an entirely new level. Smokers can expect the same bold profile that has defined Bishops Blend, highlighted by notes of anise, pepper, raisins, and a lingering sweet earthiness on the finish."
The 2026 Bishops Blend is composed of:
Wrapper: Ecuador Maduro & Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Ecuador Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan tobaccos with Connecticut and Pennsylvania Broadleaf
The cigar will be available in three sizes:
Corona Larga (6¼ x 46) — Box of 20 | MSRP: $13.50
Robusto (5 x 48) — Box of 20 | MSRP: $13.00
Lancero (7 x 42) — Box of 12 | MSRP: $14.00
Final Thoughts
Few annual releases generate as much anticipation among Black Label Trading Company fans as Bishops Blend. Reaching the ten-year mark is an impressive accomplishment for any limited release, and rather than simply reproducing the original, James Brown has chosen to evolve the blend with the addition of Connecticut Broadleaf. If previous editions are any indication, this anniversary release is unlikely to stay on retailer shelves for long.