Drew Estate has announced the nationwide availability of the “S84 Shade to Black,” a follow-up to the successful collaboration with BLACKENED Whiskey, this time introducing a Connecticut Shade wrapper into the mix. This new offering, developed in collaboration with Rob Dietrich of BLACKENED Whiskey and Metallica's James Hetfield, alongside Drew Estate's own Jonathan Drew, aims to bring a unique blend to aficionados, featuring a Connecticut Ecuador wrapper leaf with a Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf Maduro binder and fillers of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro.
The “S84 Shade to Black” is described as a journey of nuances, combining the smoothness of the Connecticut Shade wrapper with the rich depth of maduro binder and fillers. It's a project that represents a fusion of passions and a nod to craftsmanship, according to Metallica's Hetfield, who views the cigar as more than just a product, but a celebration of excellence.
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.
James Hetfield of Metallica
Rob Dietrich and Jonathan Drew both highlight the innovative spirit of the collaboration, with Dietrich pointing to the cigar as a milestone in the industry for balancing taste and complexity, and Drew expressing excitement over the new addition to the BLACKENED line-up. The cigar is presented as a rich yet smooth experience, aimed at Connecticut Shade smokers seeking depth in their cigars.
“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!”
Rob Dietrich, Master Distiller and Blender of BLACKENED Whiskey
Available in the same sizes as its predecessor, the “M81 Maduro,” the “S84 Shade to Black” is presented in 20-count boxes with prices ranging from $195 to $220 per box, depending on the size. This expansion to all U.S. retailers marks a significant step from its initial limited availability, offering a new experience for Drew Estate and BLACKENED Whiskey fans alike.
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.
Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate