Emilio Cigars is a bit of an odd one out in the cigar industry. The brand is completely handled by James and Angela Brown of Black Label/Oveja Negra when it comes to the blending, branding and the distribution, but the brand is owned by L.J. Zucca. Private labels aren’t uncommon, but that the owner of a brand doesn’t have any input at all is quite unique.

For the third time in existence, the seasonal Emilio Grimalkin Seasonal Edition is back. The 2023 version is a 5×50 Robusto with a barberpole appearance with Ecuadorian Maduro and Corojo leaves. The binder and filler are all Nicaraguan. The third release is a follow-up to the 2019 2nd release.

“To celebrate one of my favourite times of year, Grimalkin seasonal is back,” said James Brown of Black Label Trading Co/Fábrica Oveja Negra, in a press release. “We changed things up a bit this time around. The blend of filler tobacco has stayed the same, but we did a dual wrapper, closed foot and a rabito cap. The Grimalkin has rich, intense flavours of dark fruit, herbal cedar notes and mild baking spice on the layered, complex finish.”