The Blackened M81 Corona Doble stands out as a 7x50 parejo shaped stogie packing full-bodied madness. Born from Drew Estate's collaboration with Metallica's James Hetfield, this box-pressed beast comes dressed in oily Mexican San Andrés wrapper. At $209 for 20 sticks, it's positioned as an occasional treat rather than daily driver.
Initial draws hit with black pepper spice that tingles the tongue, accompanied by earthy leather notes. The Connecticut Broadleaf binder starts imparting subtle sweetness - think molasses dripping on burnt oak.
Nicaraguan fillers take center stage, blending espresso bitterness with 70% dark chocolate intensity. Smoke texture thickens noticeably, leaving oily residue on the lips. Watch the burn line - tends to canoe if puffed faster than 45-second intervals.
Pennsylvania Broadleaf emerges with mineral-heavy finish resembling granite dust. Retrohale reveals faint whiskey barrel sweetness (nod to the BLACKENED American Whiskey collaboration). Strength builds aggressively - not recommended for empty stomach sessions.
The triple cap holds firm despite aggressive V-cut. Foot lights evenly with single torch touch. Ash maintains solid 1.5" segments before dropping. Watch for wrapper veins - thicker oil content sometimes causes uneven combustion in final third.
