The King Street Emporium

Black Market

By Alec Bradley

Alec Bradley Black Market is one of the cigars that pushed the brand into wider recognition in the early 2010s. Released during a period when Alec Bradley was experimenting with bolder, less traditional profiles, Black Market stood out with its unusual banding, darker aesthetic, and willingness to showcase heavier tobaccos. It quickly became a staple in humidors across the country and helped solidify Alec Bradley as a company willing to take risks at a time when many brands were staying on familiar ground. The blend uses a Nicaraguan wrapper over a Honduran binder with filler from Panama and Honduras. The inclusion of Panamanian leaf is part of what made this cigar notable, since that region is rarely used in premium blends and adds a distinct character that set Black Market apart from its competitors. The cigar has remained a long running line in the Alec Bradley portfolio because it represents a turning point for the company, showing how creative sourcing and a willingness to break from tradition could earn a lasting place in the market.