Drew Estate is easily one of the most prominent boutique cigar brands in the industry. Their revitalization of the cigar community has made a huge impact on the industry. Drew Estate has very dedicated and hardcore fans. Much like Drew Estate, Metallica has a very passionate fanbase. These two powerhouses, along with Blackened Whiskey, teamed up to create the Blackened M81 Cigar. This cigar is labeled as "Maduro To the Core" as the Filler, Binder, and Wrapper are all Maduro. Take a peek at the review below, and consider adding it to your repertoire.
The Blackened M81 has a very eye catching presentation. The main band is thin, only displaying the "Blackened" name logo in white lettering. The foot band is significantly larger, with "M81 MADURO TO THE CORE" in bronze lettering. The wrapper is a dark brown. It's very coarse and toothy, with a few veins. It's rough and dark, much like one of its inspirations: Metallica.
The Blackened M81 is excellently constructed. The Fillers are Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Green River One Sucker. The Binder is Connecticut Broadleaf, and the Wrapper is Mexican San Andreas. The cigar has a smooth draw, and produces a decent amount of smoke. The ash is gray, and gets to about the one inch mark before falling. It has an even burn, and the foot does not flake after ashing.
The flavor profile has consistent base notes, but the milder notes have a lot of variety. The cold draw may feature notes of cocoa and earth, and the first light features strong notes of earth, dark chocolate, and a mild nuttiness.
The first third may feature strong notes of dark chocolate and earth. These are accompanied by milder notes of honey, almond, black pepper, and red pepper. The retrohale on the first third may feature notes of black pepper, dark chocolate, and espresso.
The second third may feature notes of dark chocolate, and notes of espresso becoming more prominent, along with lingering notes of almond. Undertones of earth, cream, and cinnamon come and go, as well as a faint caramel taste. The retrohale may feature notes of black pepper, toast, and dark chocolate.
The final third starts with strong black pepper notes, that become a little subdued with notes of dark chocolate and almond. Mild red pepper, cinnamon, caramel, and oak notes linger on the palate. The retrohale on the final third may feature notes of black pepper and espresso.
The Blackened M81 finishes with notes of dark chocolate, black pepper, earth, and mild cream. The best way to describe this cigars flavor profile is a hot mocha with red pepper flakes.
The Blackened M81 is priced very well. A single stick can go for around $9.85, while a box of 20 can go for around $197.00. The value of this cigar is perfect. Honestly, the price could be $10-$11, and it would be well worth the construction and flavor profile.
This cigar is perfect for intermediate and veteran cigar smokers, due to its complex undertones and smooth draw. Newer cigar smokers can also enjoy it. While it is an all maduro cigar, the strength behind it isn't anything a new cigar smoker can't handle.
GC Rating: 95
Thanks to the Wooden Indian Tobacco Shop for sponsoring this review of the Drew Estate Blackened M81. if you'd like to try the Blackened M81, or anything else from the Drew Estate catalog, click the picture and use the coupon code for 10% off your order and free shipping.
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