Drew Estate, a prominent name in the cigar world, is making waves once again by expanding the reach of several of its highly acclaimed cigars, including the much-celebrated Blackened Cigars “M81 Maduro.” Created in collaboration with Metallica’s frontman James Hetfield and Blackened American Whiskey’s master distiller Rob Dietrich, these cigars are gaining international attention.
Blackened M81 Maduro: A Heavy Metal Smoke
Originally launched in November 2022, the Blackened M81 Maduro quickly garnered critical acclaim in the cigar community, scoring 90 points or higher in Cigar Insider’s vertical brand tasting. Notably, the corona size earned the prestigious title of No. 7 Cigar of the Year in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list, achieving an impressive 95-point score.
A cigar that embodies the bold, intense spirit of heavy metal music, the Blackened M81 Maduro is wrapped in a dark and flavorful maduro leaf, delivering a rich smoking experience. Hetfield, a long-time cigar enthusiast, was heavily involved in the creation process, aiming to craft a cigar that mirrored the depth and complexity of his music. “These expressions are more than just cigars for us,” Hetfield says. “It is a celebration of passion and a tribute to the craftsmen who strive for excellence in their lives.” This passion translates into every puff, making it a must-try for both cigar lovers and Metallica fans.
The Blackened S84 Shade To Black: A Milder Evolution
Following the success of the original Maduro line, Drew Estate introduced a milder counterpart earlier this year: the Blackened S84 Shade To Black. This new release hit the U.S. market in May and was recently showcased at the Intertabac trade show in Germany. With a focus on providing a smoother, more nuanced smoke, the S84 Shade To Black offers cigar enthusiasts a different yet equally remarkable experience. As the Blackened brand grows, this milder version is sure to capture the interest of those seeking variety within the same brand family.
Global Expansion: A Logical Move for Metallica’s Global Reach
With Metallica’s worldwide fanbase and current world tour in full swing, expanding the Blackened cigar line internationally is a natural progression. Metallica, which has performed on every continent, including Antarctica, continues to draw massive global crowds. This weekend, they will perform in Mexico City, highlighting their enduring global appeal.
For Drew Estate, tapping into Metallicaβs international reach allows the Blackened brand to thrive beyond the United States, creating new opportunities for cigar smokers worldwide to enjoy these distinctive blends.
Liga Privada Unico Series Papas Bravas: Another International Offering
In addition to the expansion of the Blackened cigars, Drew Estate is also launching the Liga Privada Unico Series Papas Bravas internationally. This dark, bold cigar is crafted using a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and a filler blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos. Available in robusto and toro sizes, the Papas Bravas is designed exclusively for markets outside the U.S., making it another unique offering for Drew Estateβs international fanbase.
Undercrown 10 Flying Pig: Celebrating a Decade of Excellence
To commemorate 10 years of its popular Undercrown brand, Drew Estate has released the Undercrown 10 Flying Pig, an international exclusive that has cigar aficionados buzzing. The cigar, with its distinctive short and pudgy shape, measures just shy of four inches (3 15/16 inches) but boasts a hefty 60 ring gauge in a perfecto form. Wrapped in a rich Mexican San AndrΓ©s Negro wrapper, it features a Connecticut broadleaf binder and a blend of Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan fillers. This anniversary release celebrates a decade of Undercrown excellence while offering a unique smoking experience for international consumers.
