C A Nunber 7 Cigar for 2024 Blackened M81

Cigar Aficionado selected the Blackened M 81 by Drew Estates as it’s number 7 cigar for 2024. I am especially glad to say that this one has been on my radar since June of 2023. I have smoked the M81 Maduro in a Corona Double size of 7 inches by 50 ring-gauge as well as I have also enjoyed the S 84 Shade to Black 5 inch by 50 ring-gauge Robusto. In fact, I just pulled another one of the Robusto out of my humidor that I plan to light up later today. It was the M81 that was honored as number 7 by CA.

Gotta love the story on this one. It was created by three rather unique individuals. The cigar blending expertise comes from Jonathan Drew, one of the Drew Brothers who make many fine cigars, including the My Father line of good smokes. The second creator is Rob Dietrich, a master distiller, and the blender of Blackened American Whiskey. The third creator is James Hetfield, the drummer for the band Metallica. I am not sure what role he played but I understand the M81 designation on the Corona Double is in recognition of the fact that Metallica was formed as a bank in 1981! Together, these three set out of create a special cigar to be paired with a special new whiskey. I am not sure which was the chicken and which was the egg, but it really does not matter because their end results were excellent on both counts.

I found both cigars to be very good as they stand on their own. The Maduro was a medium to full flavor I found to be very enjoyable. The nose was earthy, sort of barnyard but definitely in a pleasant way. It scored 95 points in the Cigar Aficionado’s test smoke.

The Robusto was a bit milder but till packed plenty of flavor on it’s own.

The Maduro had a Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf and had an oily Mexican San Andres binder. The filler was Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro.

Although I rarely pour a glass of whiskey in the middle of the afternoon, I could not resist have a go of the combination at around 3 o’clock one sunny afternoon and enjoyed the experience. After coating my mouth with the whiskey, I noted a bit of molasses and deep chocolate in the flavor of the smoke. Can’t wait to try the next one.

While I would never suggest you should take up whiskey drinking, especially in the afternoon hours, if you already enjoy an occasional glass of such a beverage, then you might want to give the pair a shot and see what you think.