The Drew Estate Blackened S84 is the latest addition to the highly acclaimed collaboration between Drew Estate and James Hetfield of Metallica. Following the success of the Blackened M81 line, the S84 introduces a new, distinctive profile to the series. With its eye-catching name and even bolder flavor, the S84 is designed to be a celebration of strength, balance, and craftsmanship, appealing to cigar lovers who crave rich complexity and a memorable smoking experience.
In this blog, we’ll break down what makes the Blackened S84 unique, exploring its flavor profile, key characteristics, and how it stands out from other cigars in the Drew Estate lineup.
Blackened S84: Dark, Bold, and Layered
At first glance, the Blackened S84 commands attention with its dark, oily Broadleaf wrapper, which gives the cigar a robust and slightly rugged appearance. Like the M81 series, the S84 aims to create a bold experience, but this cigar brings its own unique twist by blending powerful tobacco with balanced undertones, resulting in a complex smoke that evolves with each puff.
Flavor Profile:
- Initial Notes: The S84 opens with an immediate burst of earthiness and black pepper, a signature of the Broadleaf wrapper. The flavor is intense from the get-go, with rich undertones of dark chocolate and espresso emerging as the cigar warms up. The peppery spice coats the palate, setting the stage for a bold, engaging smoke.
- Middle of the Smoke: As the cigar progresses, the intensity begins to mellow slightly, revealing smoother notes of leather, wood, and a hint of black cherry sweetness. The mid-smoke experience is rich and well-balanced, with the pepper fading to the background as creamier, more decadent flavors take the lead.
- Finish: The final third brings a harmonious blend of dark cocoa, charred oak, and a lingering sweetness that recalls molasses or toasted caramel. The finish is smooth and complex, with the spice returning just enough to keep things interesting, providing a long, satisfying end to the smoke.
Best Pairings: The boldness of the Blackened S84 pairs wonderfully with a high-proof bourbon, dark rum, or a smoky scotch. Its richness and layered profile also complement an espresso or a bold cup of coffee, as well as a stout beer, which enhances the earthy, chocolatey notes of the cigar.
What Makes the Blackened S84 Special?
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Broadleaf Wrapper: The use of a dark, rich Broadleaf wrapper is one of the standout features of the S84. This wrapper not only provides the cigar with its signature boldness but also adds depth and complexity to the overall profile. The Broadleaf’s natural sweetness balances the cigar’s spicier elements, creating a dynamic smoking experience.
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Strength and Balance: While the S84 is undoubtedly a bold, full-bodied cigar, it’s not overwhelming. The balance between the initial spice and the later creamy, sweet notes makes it a cigar that can be enjoyed by seasoned smokers who appreciate strength, as well as those who prefer more complexity and subtle transitions in their smoke.
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Evolution of Flavor: One of the key characteristics of the S84 is how it evolves as you smoke it. The initial pepper and spice slowly give way to smoother, sweeter flavors, ensuring that each stage of the cigar offers something new and engaging. This makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a cigar that keeps them on their toes.
Comparisons to the Blackened M81
While the Blackened M81 and S84 share the same rebellious spirit and bold approach to flavor, they differ in a few significant ways:
- Wrapper: The M81 uses a San Andrés Maduro wrapper, offering a more intense, earthy sweetness, whereas the S84 features a Broadleaf wrapper, which provides a richer, more robust flavor with a slightly drier, woodier finish.
- Flavor Profile: The M81 leans more heavily into dark chocolate, coffee, and pepper, with a focus on earthy undertones. The S84, on the other hand, introduces more layers of leather, molasses, and black cherry, making it a more dynamic, evolving smoke.
- Strength: Both cigars are full-bodied, but the S84 has a slightly smoother finish due to its balance of sweet and spicy notes, making it a more approachable option for smokers who want a bold experience without the overpowering intensity of the M81.
Final Thoughts
The Drew Estate Blackened S84 is an exciting addition to the Blackened series, offering a bold yet balanced smoking experience. With its dark Broadleaf wrapper and evolving flavor profile, the S84 is perfect for cigar lovers who crave a rich, complex smoke that takes them on a journey from start to finish.
Whether you’re a fan of the M81 or just exploring the Drew Estate portfolio, the Blackened S84 delivers a bold experience that lives up to the reputation of both Drew Estate and Metallica. So light up an S84, pair it with your favorite whiskey or coffee, and enjoy the ride.