Drew Estate has announced its second Blackened cigar, the Blackened S84 Shade to Black. The cigar is the second collaboration between Metallica’s James Hetfield, Sweet Amber Distilling’s Rob Dietrich, and Drew Estate, following up the Blackened M81. The S84 Shades to Black adds a Connecticut Shade offering into the Blackened portfolio. The announcement was made on the March 14, 2024 edition of Drew Estate’s Freestyle Live show.
S84 Shade to Black was originally released as an unbanded Freestyle Live Mystery cigar in January as part of its sixth Freestyle Mystery Pack. The S84 pays homage to Metallica’s second album, Ride the Lightning. Shade to Black is an ode to the song Fade to Black. The “S” references the (Ecuadorian) Connecticut Shade wrapper used.
In addition to the Shade wrapper, the S84 Shade to Black uses a Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf Maduro binder. The fillers are a combination of Nicaraguan Maduro and Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro leaves. Presented in 20-count boxes, the Blackened S84 Shade to Black” by Drew Estate is available in the same sizes as M81: Robusto Toro, Corona Doble, and Corona (5 x 43).
In a press release James Hetfield said, “‘Shade to Black’ is more than just a cigar for us, it’s a celebration of passion and a tribute to the craftsman who strives for excellence in their lives.”
Rob Dietrich, Master Distiller and Blender of BLACKENED Whiskey, added, “This collaboration of artistry just keeps kicking the door in on innovation! The ‘S84 Shade to Black’ is a powerhouse of a cigar, and there are times where vision and reality not only coexist, but thrive to excel and change the very landscape of an industry. This is that kind of cigar! It is a flavorful tango of the palate, balancing the easy taste of the Connecticut Shade wrapper with the rich maduro of the binder and filler. I couldn’t be more honored to work with such like-minded creators, and I think once the world has tasted this epic cigar, people will agree that there is a dynamic new player in the Blackened Drew Estate line-up!”
Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate said, “I just walked inside our humidor here at headquarters and viewed the new white Blackened box sitting alongside the original black Maduro. All I can say is ‘WOW!!’ It’s so in your face, I love it. The new S84 Shade to Black is a must-try for any Connecticut Shade smoker. It’s like a deep, dark, rich Connecticut that’s smooth as silky velvet, plush with triple plushness. Rob Dietrich, Blackened’s Master Distiller, has been one of my best friends for almost 15 years. He brought Hetfield into the mix and I brought Willy and the DE brand team. This project is dope. We’re having fun with it.”
The S84 Shade to Black is expected to be showcased at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. The PCA Trade Show opens March 23, 2024. Following the trade show, the line will ship nationally to all Drew Estate retailers (The M81 was only made available to Drew Diplomat retailers).
Blend and Origin
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Shade
Binder: Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf Maduro
Filler:Nicaraguan Maduro and Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Vitolas Offered
Corona: 5 x 43
Robusto: 5 x 50
Toro:6 x 52
Corona Doble:7 x 50
Photo Credits: Drew Estate
A previous version of this story had this cigar as S84 Shades of Black. We apologize for this error.
