Whiskey and Metallica? Yeah-yuh

Cigar Reviewed: Drew Estate Blackened M81

Smoked at: Fireman's Park Lindenhurst NY

It's 58° in January and nothing better than going to the park for a cigar. I'm in my usual place in my usual spot. So I never thought something by Drew Estate wouldn't be anything other than campy. This cigar made by James Hetfield, Metallica co-founder, singer and guitarist; and Rob Dietrich, the Master Distiller and Blender of BLACKENED American Whiskey is something that seems like this should have been around forever. It's Maduro on Maduro on Maduro. The prelight draw is dark chocolate and toast. Lighting it was quick and easy. It burned perfectly all the way thru. The draw was easy, and the smoke was heavy and billowing. The first third was espresso and earthy giving over to the second third which was a chocolate leathery explosion. Anyone who played baseball and chewed on the hanging stings of your glove will know this flavor. After halfway I decided to take a swig of my Scarabus Scotch. It muted the experience of the Cigar and decided to put it back in my bag. The final 3rd was nutty earthy chocolate and espresso. I really don't want this cigar to end as it is one of the best cigars I've had this year. And I'm not just saying that as it is January 2nd 2023 and it's my first cigar of 2023. This cigar will definitely be making its way into my humidor. Sat here wondering what this year will bring for me listening to (of course) Metallica. As the great James Hetfield says YEAH-YUH.