Drew Estate Blackened M81

Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Connecticut River Valley Maduro
Filler: Nicaraguan Maduro and Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro
Size: Available in Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 52), Corona Doble (7 x 50)
Strength: Full-bodied

Flavor Profile

The Blackened M81 is a bold, unapologetic cigar that roars with intensity. It opens with a deep resonance of dark chocolate and espresso, building into a complex heart of earthy richness, peppered with notes of leather, black pepper, and a touch of molasses sweetness. The maduro-on-maduro construction amplifies its dark, chewy texture, offering a deeply satisfying mouthfeel and a lingering, smoky finish.

Story and Accolades

Born from a powerhouse collaboration between Drew Estate’s Jonathan Drew, Metallica’s James Hetfield, and BLACKENED Whiskey’s master distiller Rob Dietrich, the Blackened M81 is a project years in the making. It represents a love letter to the shared passion for bold cigars, heavy music, and fine spirits. The "M81" pays tribute to Hetfield’s birth year, 1963 ("M" for Metallica, "81" for 1981, the year Metallica formed).
Since its launch, the Blackened M81 has been celebrated for pushing the boundaries of maduro flavor, earning high praise from cigar aficionados for its unique triple-maduro blend and powerhouse character.

Pairing Recommendations

The Blackened M81 demands equally bold companions. It pairs exquisitely with a rich, peaty Islay Scotch, a heavy stout, or, naturally, a pour of BLACKENED American Whiskey. It also stands up beautifully alongside an aged rum or a deeply roasted coffee.