CA Report: Top New Cigars (May 27, 2024)
Featured cigar releases from Drew Estate, Plasencia, & My Father—All Reviewed!
As May draws to a close, I can’t help but feel a little giddy. So much summer lies ahead. So many new cigars to try. Out of the dozens or so that have landed on my desk, there are three that really stand out this week. Up first is a Metallica-themed sequel to Drew Estate’s massive hit, Blackened. After which, Plasencia celebrates the Year of the Dragon in the best way possible. And finally…a Mexican twist on an OG legend from My Father.
Check out my quick reviews and see why this trifecta should be on your must-smoke cigar list!
What new sticks are you smokin’? Let us know on our social media channel links below.
Blackened S84 ‘Shade to Black’ by Drew Estate
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: U.S. Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua Maduro & Pennysylvania Broadleaf Maduro
Ok, to be fair, this really isn’t news to most of you. But on the chance that you just got back from working a stint in Antarctica or something, it’s always worth another mention. 2023’s biggest cigar hit was arguably Blackened by Drew Estate. Their partnership with Metallica and Blackened Whiskey produced a formidably potent blend that earned raving headlines. Now they’re back with a second cut, ready to climb the charts again. ‘Shade to Black’ smokes smoother—thanks to an Ecuador Connecticut wrapper—yet honors the spicy roots that made the original stand out. Expect notes of cedar, warm spices, earth, coffee, and a finish of baking chocolate. A true cigar power ballad if there ever was one!
Plasencia Year of the Dragon 2024
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
In a sea of Chinese New Year-themed cigar releases, it’s kinda hard to stand out. Unless you’re Plasencia. With a pedigree of uber-luxury class blends, it comes as no surprise that their limited edition, Plasencia Year of the Dragon is at the top of our required smoking list. Not much is known about the blend. What we do know: every leaf inside it is Nicaraguan, and finely aged. With flavor as sweet as this, I’d almost guess it was a Corojo, but I’ll leave the rest of the speculation to your taste buds. Light one up and you’re rewarded with flavors of earth, spices, coffee, and a touch of floral and molasses. If that sounds like your sort of thing, I’d act quick. Plasencia’s LE’s always sell out fast.
Fonseca Edition MX
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
When we think of OG cigar greatness, one name always comes to mind: My Father. Another name would be Quesada. Fonseca’s blend was the stuff of cigar legends. And that’s why when it changed hands to the Garcia family, we knew it would be handled with care. What we didn’t expect was Fonseca getting a sister. They’re calling it Fonseca Edition MX. And as you probably have guessed, MX stands for Mexico. Think earthy, hearty notes of dark chocolate and Nicaraguan spices reined in by a medium-bodied San Andres wrapper. It’s like a smoother, sweeter version of the Fonseca we’ve all come to love. Some sequels ruin the original, but not this time.