"Though this cigar was darker noted, there was enough sweetness to balance the profile pretty well. The transitions were smooth and sensible, and there was a decent amount of complexity. I could see myself picking up a handful of these to rotate in. Overall an enjoyable smoking experience." -Chris M. (Chris)
"Simply put, this cigar was absolutely fantastic and the smoking experience overall was top notch! From start to finish it performed like a champion with a perfect draw, a perfect burn and superb smoke output. Its flavors were simple yet delicious and well balanced, never over the top or unpleasant while the smoke was undeniably smooth from the first puff to the last. Even though it didn't feature a ton of transitions it certainly didn't need to as the flavors alone were well enough to make the experience for me. The possibilities are endless with regards to pairing options for such an incredible stick and I can't wait for the reveal so I can explore each and every one of them. This cigar will make its way into my normal smoking rotation without a doubt!" -Noah S. (Noah)
"I can say with complete transparency that this cigar was a solid performer overall and that the flavors were very enjoyable. I love leather, baking spices, and nutmeg flavors in a cigar but with a bit more punch. I was hoping for more cocoa or chocolate flavors or perhaps some coffee notes. I'd definitely try this cigar again and could perhaps enjoy this with a morning coffee. A great overall smoking experience. " -Kevin J. (maninblack77)
"This was a solid cigar overall. The initial flavors were very good. My only complaint about this cigar is the final portion changed significantly from the first two portions, and the flavors became more muddied. As it stands, I would gladly smoke another of these again, and would happily recommend to a friend to give a try." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Drew Estate launches "S84 Shade to Black," a Connecticut Shade collaboration with BLACKENED Whiskey and Metallica's James Hetfield, now available nationwide.
"I just love a good perfecto! Not only do they feel right in my hand, they look dapper and honestly remind me of the cigars you would see in classic cartoons. They also happen to be my favorite vitola so when I reached in the humidor and pulled this one out I was more than excited! Thankfully the experience lived up to my expectations. Aside from a couple of touchups needed to correct a wonky burn, my biggest gripe by far was the tight draw that hindered smoke output and muted the flavors throughout the first third. Thankfully a little chomping on the cap loosened everything up and the final two thirds of this smoke was absolutely superb! Not only were the flavors right in my wheel house, they were well balanced and perfectly complex while the smoke itself was nothing but smooth from start to finish. I can only imagine that a better draw would have improved the first third experience and would make an already great cigar just that much better. I can't wait to test this assumption and will undoubtedly be seeking out this stick once it is revealed." -Noah S. (Noah)
"Something about this cigar blend was a superstar for me. I often found myself smoking too fast because I was enjoying the blend so much. Leather was the star backbone of the blend from the first puff until the last. There was some great complexity first, with cedar sweetness and a slight white pepper on the retro. Then, some hazelnut and subtle baking spice notes as the blend progressed. I would smoke this again and look forward to discovering what it was." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
"Getting a new experience like how this cigar began, can obviously be good or bad and in this case, it was great. At first, I was a bit bummed that it shifted to a traditional profile, but that was a perfect way to transition to something I love for the end. Between the tingle, coffee, and smoky heat, this was quite a treat." -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
"Overall this was a good cigar, although it did start off better than it finished for me. The chocolatey sweetness at the beginning would have been phemonimal if it was present the whole way through. All in all, the flavors that were present were good. The shape of the cigar is neat, and while medium-full, it is still not crazy strong, though it should not be enjoyed on an empty stomach." -Kevin A. (Kevin A.)
"Overall this was a good cigar. It started out with some wood/earthy flavors then transitioned into more creamy and floral notes and then transitioned again with coffee, and some spice to wrap it all up. It definitely keep my interest going from s medium, to a medium plus and then ending with a mild-medium. Would like to smoke more." -Mickey T. (irratebass)
