Cigar Geeks - Drew Estate Blackened M81 Corona

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Drew Estate Blackened M81 Corona
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: nirab

90
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member 05Venturer (Kent). The cigar provided for this round is the Drew Estate Blackened M81 Corona.

Blackened M81 Cigars by Drew Estate are the product of three passionate smokers combining forces creating a specialized and memorable blend. What makes Blackened so special is that every leaf in it is a Maduro. From filler to wrapper, it's Maduro all the way down!

Blackened M81 creation began with a friendship. That between James Hetfield, lead singer of Metallica, and Rob Dietrich, the master distiller behind BLACKENED American Whiskey. The two often smoke cigars together and discussed what they'd like to see in a good smoke. Turning to Jonathan Drew, the trio began to develop Blackened M81. Using impressively bold Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro tobacco for its filler. Held together by a livewire Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf Maduro binder. It's finished with an oily and decadent Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper. Ideal for those with bold palates.

Drew Estate Blackened M81 Corona

Brand:: Drew Estate
Name:: Blackened M81 Corona
Length:: 5
Ring Gauge:: 43
Country of Origin:: Nicaragua
Filler:: Nicaragua
Pennsylvania
Binder:: Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper:: Mexico
Color:: Maduro
Strength:: Medium-Full
Shape:: Petit Corona
Notes:: https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/enter-cigar-man-metallica-s-james-hetfield-and-drew-estate-create-blackened-cigar

This cigar was enjoyed with Athletic Brewing NA Irish Red

Pre-Light: 10 Points of 10 Possible

Wrapper is a bit oily, not much, but enough. Minimal veins, nothing pronounced, but very toothy, kind a rough, yet smooth. A high quality wrapper. The cap is well applied and stayed intact after a v-cut. Cigar is packed nice, with just a little give. Barnyard aroma off the foot.

Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible

The burn was solid from beginning to end, staying even all the way through. The ash held in solid 1" chunks. The ash was a nice white, with some black striping and dotting. The burn rate was nice n' slow. No re-lights were required. The smoke volume was on the light side, but nothing to complain about.

Construction: 28 Points of 30 Possible

The draw was on the tight side, which contributed to the light smoke volume, but it was still enjoyable. The wrapper was darn near perfect, nothing wrong with any of it. The cap was well applied, stayed intact for the entire smoke. An almost perfectly constructed cigar...almost!

Flavor and Aroma: 39 Points of 45 Possible

The cigar started of with a big blast of spicy pepper, bitter cocoa and had a meatiness to the finish, like charred steak. After an inch or so, the pepper dropped dramatically, allowing the tobacco to shine, with the cocoa and charred meat notes hanging around in the back of the flavor profile. The last third finished about the same as it started, but the pepper was not nearly as strong. The aftertaste was on the enjoyable side of bitter, and yet, was still very smooth. The retrohale was also very nice. Overall, not complex, but not boring either. A very balanced cigar.

Summary

I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar! I don't smoke a lot of strong cigars, but when I do, I want something like this. It was a pleasant cigar to smoke outside, with a tasty beverage and some super nice Texas spring weather...yea, we get that here sometimes! In my opinion, Drew Estate hit a homerun with this blend, with the perfect balance of flavor and strength. Thanks to my brother Kent for including me in this GC. It made for a fantastic Sunday evening!