TX Duo Review - DE Blackened Shade ~ Viaje Summerfest 2012

[Çnote]

@Capn_Jackson I tried. I really did.

Blackened is a Drew Estates release in partnership with Metallica. Maybe Jackson can say something nice about it, i can't. It's a very cigar-y cigar that I'm sure has fans. I did write 'banana bread' down as a positive tone, if that's anything.

I lit this up on a lark, but I have more so Jackson will get one soon.

We tried to do a more recent Summerfest a few months ago with mixed results. I think we'll both enjoy this. It's mild and subtle as you'd expect from a older cigar. The first few minutes is much more interesting than you'd expect from filler tobacco, zesty lemonade and traces of moss. Dichotomy.

Getting the binder and wrapper in play, this is extremely mellow with a trace of biscotti. The pastry slowly builds into more of a ginger bread profile with a touch of earl grey tea. It coasts into Thai tea. 

I really wasn't expecting much, but will probably smoke another sooner than I thought. Strong 90

[Hoosh]

The S84 doesn’t make much sense to me, other than offering a toned down version of the M81. Remember that scene from American Beauty where Col. Fitts is talking to Ricky? “Don’t placate me like I’m your mother, boy.”

If your going to eat meat, eat meat. 

[Capn_Jackson]

Shade to Black/Summerfest (@Çnote told me that he switched after starting the Shade, so I thought I’d give them both a go as well).

So, I’m a big Metallica fan, and wanted to give Papa Hett a chance. I didn’t enjoy the Blackened at all, when I smoked it last year. One-note throughout. This Shade version…. It has some creamy notes for sure, and some spice, but everything is washed over by a palate-coating pseudo-fruitiness that really confuses me. I’m not sure what it’s trying to be. After awhile, ash and tar. I didn’t smoke it past halfway.

Now…On to the Viaje Summerfest (2012?)

Shaggy foot on this beast of a stick. I’ll be smoking for two and a half hours, I’m sure.

Lighting up a Summerfest feels odd on this cool day, but the weather is perfect, for me. 63 and sunny. Cold draw is cashew crème and coffee. Some barnyard. Light-up is very nutty. Some biscotti and sweet spices. 

Going on, the first third brings hazelnut and cocoa, mildly like Nutella spread on bread. Excellent opening, rich and smooth. As the burn gets past the shag and to the wrapper, potent mushroom funk joins the mix. Usually on a shaggy foot cigar, I get lots of flaky ash before getting to that wrapper. Not here. Good construction so far. The flavor is explosive, yet refined. Mix of mushroom and nuts throughout the opening third, along with some nutmeg and cocoa. Great tobacco here.

Second third moves into a buttery almond paste, with mild poblano cream hanging around the edges. Some buttered popcorn here and there, and a twinge of wild honeysuckle. Strength is under medium, to me. Great creamy mouthfeel, and plentiful smoke.

The last third is blissful barnyard, some dark praline, and holiday bread. A little like fruitcake, with amaretto cream poured over. Hints of waffles and maple syrup at the band, and leather tack at the nub. Excellent stick, thanks again, Cody!

Not going to rate the Shade to Black.

92 for the Viaje!