Metallica’s James Hetfield Expands Cigar Line With Drew Estate
Metallica frontman James Hetfield is known for his powerful music, and his first cigar was full in body. Now, he’s releasing a follow up, and like a ballad this one is going to be far more easygoing than the opening act.
Blackened “S84 Shade To Black” by Drew Estate, cloaked in Connecticut shade, is ready to ship. The Nicaraguan-made cigar, formed in partnership between Hetfield, Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate and Rob Dietrich of Blackened Whiskey, comes in white boxes that draw a stark contrast to the original Blackened cigar, Blackened Cigars “M81.” That cigar launched in 2022, and one of its first tastings was the Las Vegas Big Smoke. The corona size went on to score 95 points and be named No. 7 Cigar of 2023 by Cigar Aficionado.
Metallica fans will find the brand name a familiar take on a Metallica classic, and the number an important one in the band’s history. One of Metallica’s most popular songs is “Fade to Black,” a haunting melody about the pain of loss that begins soft and melodic and ends furious and hard. It appears on the 1984 album Ride the Lightning.
“ ‘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,” said Hetfield, who appeared on the cover of the March/April 2023 issue of Cigar Aficionado.
“It’s like a deep, dark, rich, Connecticut that’s smooth as silky velvet, plush with triple plushness,” said Drew.
The “Shade to Black” cigar is made with a blend that has some similarities to the first release, so under that shade wrapper is plenty of maduro tobacco. The binder is Connecticut broadleaf, and there is also Nicaraguan tobacco in the filler blend along with some Pennsylvania broadleaf.
The cigar comes in boxes of 20 in the same size lineup as “M81,” with prices ranging from $9.15 to $10.35 per cigar. The Robusto measures 5 by 50, with a suggested retail price of $9.45; Toro is 6 by 52, $9.85; Corona Doble is 7 by 50 and sells for $10.35 and the Corona is 5 by 43, selling for $9.15. Unlike the original, which was only available to Drew Diplomat retailers, this new brand is being offered on a nationwide basis.
Look for a blind, vertical brand tasting in an upcoming Cigar Insider.
Read Next: Viva La Vida Brand Marks Five Years With Anniversary Cigar
