The Drew Estate Blackened S84 Shade to Black Toro had an average flavor profile that matches up with the experience with the Robusto last year. Smoking the cigar now did show the construction paper note not being present, but that didn't improve the cigar as a whole. Still a pretty average Connecticut shade offering that I wouldn't see myself returning to.
I love the Drew Estate Blackened S84 Shade to Black Robusto. This is a great Connecticut release, and one with a fantastic price too. Great flavors with a nice strength and body level. You really can’t ask for more from a Connecticut of this nature. It’s not intended to be super elegant like some Connecticut releases, but just really good at a great price.
Celebrity backed brands like this are rarely something that I get excited about. Most of the time, the celebrity doesn't know a damn thing about what a good cigar/product at hand is. I can confidently say that the Blackened by Drew Estate M81 Robusto isn't in that scenario at all. Deliciously bold with earthiness, yet balanced with softer flavors. Nicely done.
BLACKENED Cigars “M81” by Drew Estate is a passion project that brings together three immensely talented and vastly experienced cigar enthusiasts—Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate; James Hetfield, Metallica co-founder, singer and guitarist; and Rob Dietrich, the Master Distiller and Blender of BLACKENED American Whiskey.