Black Star Line Mr. Fahrenheit Corona

“I’m burnin’ through the sky, yeah
200 degrees, that’s why they call me Mister Fahrenheit”

—”Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

Ladies and gentlemen, I am embarking on a comprehensive exploration of one of the most recent small-batch cigar releases, brought to you by one of the most sizzling boutique brands in the industry today. I present to you the Mr. Fahrenheit, a creation by Black Star Line Cigars.

As I delved into the background of this cigar for our review, I couldn’t help but smile when I learned where the name “Mr. Fahrenheit” comes from. Yep, it’s a nod to the legendary Queen song, but it’s actually got even more heart and soul behind it. The mastermind behind Black Star Line Cigars, Aric Bey, is not just a cigar aficionado, but also a retired Chicago firefighter and a Queen fan. He decided to merge these two passions, and the result is Mr. Fahrenheit. What’s even cooler is that this cigar isn’t just about great smokes; it’s also about giving back. Aric Bey and his team are putting a chunk of the proceeds towards the Ignite the Spirit charity to help the families of firefighters. How awesome is that?

The Mr. Fahrenheit made its debut at the “NFG23″ event hosted by Underground Cigar Shop in Fort Worth, Texas. Initially, it hit the market as a 5″ x 50 robusto, and was limited to just 1,000 cigars. However, today we’re checking out the second vitola in the lineup—the shaggy foot 6” x 46 corona gorda (though it’s dubbed a corona by BSL) that was released at the 2023 PCA trade show. It’s available in 20-count boxes, and was introduced alongside their Rosewood 1923 line this past July in Las Vegas.

Mr. Fahrenheit Corona Breakdown

Appearance

The stark contrast of the dark coffee-colored wrapper and “fire engine red and white” color scheme of the cigar band really makes the cigar stand out. I tend to dislike cigar bands that are cut out in relief, as most tend to lift and “wing out” at their edges. However, the Mr. Fahrenheit’s relief is minimal, and no lifting is occurring. The shaggy foot isn’t very shaggy, and I appreciate that. It’s as if they surgically removed the wrapper from a cleanly rolled and trimmed parejo; and I have found that this type of shaggy foot not only lights more evenly, it also doesn’t drop little lit bits of burning tobacco as you’re lighting up.

As I progress to the tobacco itself, I find the Connecticut Broadleaf is thick and durable, with an overall matte appearance. There is a nice gritty/oily texture to the leaf that I really enjoy in a Broadleaf cigar. The seams are clearly visible, but they are tight to the stick. The roll itself has some lumps and bumps, and the veins of the leaf are prominent but not distracting. It would fall into the rustic category for me, and that isn’t a negative. It’s a weighty stick for a corona gorda, and the roll is firm yet pliable between my fingers.

Smelling the shaggy foot, I am hit with a big cocoa note, as well as a nice barnyard aroma behind it. There is also an ever so light black pepper that tickles my nose. Moving to the wrapper, a more dusty barnyard aroma is present, with light, dry leather and a more prominent black pepper. I am taken aback, as a menthol note that I wasn’t expecting is lingering lightly in the background.

Cleanly clipping the head of the Mr. Fahrenheit cigar, I find an excellent draw that delivers cold notes of dry cocoa powder, parched rawhide leather, and a light spice.

Smoking Experience

I was not expecting so much flavor to come from this unwrapped foot. Medium-to-full-bodied notes of tangy leather, floral coffee, and molasses cookie kick the door open, and a red pepper flake on the retrohale gives a spicy finish to this corona gorda. The draw is an excellent 8/10 in resistance, as thick, chewy smoke easily fills my mouth with each puff. I mentioned in the appearance section of the review how I normally don’t have any trouble with this style of shaggy foot. Well, I was wrong. A bit of burning exposed binder falls directly on my shirt with the second puff I take, causing me to have to slap my chest to prevent it from burning through my shirt. Mr. Fahrenheit’s burn is quickly making its way to the wrapper, and I am interested to see how this changes the smoking experience.

Now solidly into the Mr. Fahrenheit cigar, a dry cocoa swirls with the leather. It is deepening the flavor of the leather, giving a black strap molasses note to the profile. If you aren’t familiar with this flavor, don’t think sugary sweet, think more acidic sweet and salty. The red pepper flake has lightened, but is still present on the retrohale. A dry cinnamon stick is also making an appearance as an underlying component. Flavor is medium-full, body is medium-full, and strength is medium. Meanwhile, the ash is loose but not flaky, and is falling in quarter-inch chunks.

Reaching the halfway point of the Mr. Fahrenheit, there has been a shift in the profile of the cigar. The molasses has subsided, and the cocoa is no longer present. A medium-roast coffee that has a roasted nuttiness and floral character is now the primary flavor. The leather is still present, but it is much drier and now in the background. Red pepper still zings on the retrohale, and is now lingering on my tongue in between puffs. I have to point out that the room note from this stick is extremely pleasant. I am getting cinnamon and a mix of holiday baking spices as I set the corona gorda down to type this. My wife has even commented on how nice it smells, which doesn’t happen often. Flavor, body and strength are all holding steady, and no changes in the draw or the burn are occurring.

Approaching the band, the cigar abruptly goes out, and I have to re-light. I didn’t notice a soft spot or anything that would indicate why this happened. The notes are turning more dry and peppery. Leather is the dominant flavor again, with a bitter coffee grounds note. Red pepper is still ever present on the retro and my tongue, as well as a black pepper note that is building in the background. The band removes cleanly, and the flavor and body remain the same, with strength ticking up to a medium-plus.

Closing out the Mr. Fahrenheit by Black Star Line Cigars, I find that the leather has tapered significantly, and the coffee grounds and pepper are the only remaining attributes. It is a nice close to the experience, and other than the re-light, I never needed to touch up the burn or adjust my smoking style.

Would I Smoke This Cigar Again?

Yes, sir! I really enjoy what Black Star Line Cigars is doing. Boutique cigar brands tend to be a little generic in their blending, but Aric is proving with Mr. Fahrenheit that he is not resting on his laurels or settling for “good enough.” He’s pushing Black Star Line’s limits, and I personally like the direction. Mr. Fahrenheit is new yet familiar at the same time, and I see myself enjoying many more in the future.

• Mr. Fahrenheit from Black Star Line currently sits at a “100% Smokable” rating on Dojoverse, being ranked in the top 30 percent of cigars on the all-time leaderboard.

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