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Blackened Cigars are a bold collaboration between three distinctive forces: Metallica's frontman James Hetfield, renowned master blender Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate, and BLACKENED American Whiskey master distiller Rob Dietrich. Blending the worlds of music, whiskey, and premium tobacco, Blackened Cigars offer a unique and powerful smoking experience designed for aficionados and newcomers alike.
Origins and Concept
The Blackened brand was first known for its whiskey—a bold spirit developed with a sonic enhancement process, where Metallica’s music is played to the barrels during aging, said to intensify the interaction between the whiskey and wood. The same rebellious spirit of innovation and collaboration inspired the creation of Blackened Cigars.
James Hetfield, a longtime cigar enthusiast, partnered with Jonathan Drew to develop a line that reflects both his musical legacy and his passion for tobacco. With Dietrich’s whiskey-making expertise, the trio sought to bring a full sensory experience to the world of cigars.
The first release was the M81. It is an all-Maduro cigar, featuring a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, a Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf tobaccos. This composition results in a dark, oily cigar with a firm construction and a slightly toothy texture. The draw is consistently praised for its slight resistance, contributing to a satisfying smoking experience.
The flavour journey of the Blackened M81 is dynamic and robust - During the first third you will taste cocoa, cedar, black pepper and a hint of fruit, which develops into a mocha taste with increased pepper intensity and finishing with a strong coffee flavour.
After the success of the Blackened M81 Maduro, Drew Estate released the S84 Shade to Black. The M81 was all about darkness and intensity—a full-throttle Maduro blend featuring bold Pennsylvania Broadleaf and Mexican San Andrés tobacco. In contrast, the S84 stands for something slightly lighter, yet no less sophisticated. The “Shade to Black” concept captures the essence of moving from a lighter Connecticut Shade wrapper into the deep flavours that follow, almost like descending into shadow.
"S84" is a nod to 1984, the year Metallica released Ride the Lightning—a fitting reference as this cigar electrifies the palate with its carefully layered flavour journey.
It's a dynamic cigar, designed to evolve as it burns—just like a well-structured metal ballad.
During the first third you will taste toasted almonds, cedar and cream, moving onto the second third you will taste hints of black pepper and coffee starting to build, finishing in the final third with an earthy cocoa and charred wood finish that certainly lingers.
Blackened Cigars are more than just a celebrity product - they’re a genuine celebration of craftsmanship and collaboration. With limited releases and careful attention to detail, each cigar reflects the passion of its creators and offers smokers a unique bridge between music, spirits, and premium tobacco.
Whether you're a Metallica fan, a whiskey lover, or a cigar connoisseur, Blackened Cigars are a must-try—offering a rich, rebellious smoke with serious attitude.
Written by Oliver Partington
