Competition / The 32 / Group B — Boutique Power / Blackened S84 Shade to Black
Group B Eliminated in Group Stage Eliminated in Group Stage

Blackened S84 Shade to Black

Blackened

Product Information

Manufacturer
Blackened
Country of Origin
Nicaragua
Wrapper
Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder
Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler
Pennsylvania Broadleaf and Nicaraguan
Factory
Drew Estate
Strength
Medium-Full
Vitola / Size
Robusto (5" x 50)
MSRP
Competition Record
0-3
Result
Eliminated in Group Stage
Final Placement
Eliminated in Group Stage
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Competition Performance

Blackened S84 Shade to Black completed group play with an 0-3 record in a highly competitive division. Despite the results, the cigar offered a distinctive profile and showcased the innovation behind the Blackened brand.

Competition Matchups

M9 group stage Loss
M11 group stage Loss
M12 group stage Loss
verified

Ashology™ Assessment

Official evaluation across six categories — maximum Ashology™ Score 30 / 30.

Construction
star star star star star_half (Outstanding)
Draw
star star star star star_half (Outstanding)
Burn
star star star star star_half (Outstanding)
Flavor Complexity
star star star star star_half (Outstanding)
Balance
star star star star star_half (Outstanding)
Finish
star star star star star_half (Outstanding)
Ashology™ Score
27.0 / 30
Premium
Overall Classification
Official Tournament Grade
Competition Achievement
2026 Official Tournament Selection
Ashology™ Highlights
  • star Excellent construction
  • star Smooth draw
  • star Consistent burn
  • star Balanced flavor profile
  • star Dependable performance
  • star Official tournament quality
Editorial Assessment

Blackened S84 Shade to Black earned its place in the Official Field of 32 by delivering a balanced and enjoyable smoking experience. Its reliable construction and approachable profile added depth to one of the tournament's most competitive groups.

cognition

Ashology™ Smoking Experience

Cold Draw
Sweet hay, cedar, pepper and mild cocoa.
First Third
Creamy cedar, light pepper and toasted grain establish a smooth beginning.
Second Third
Coffee, earth and roasted nuts add weight while the smoke maintains a softer texture.
Final Third
Pepper and charred wood intensify, creating a stronger finish than the wrapper suggests.
Construction
Easy draw and generous smoke with occasional burn waviness.
Finish
Creamy initially, becoming spicier and drier.
Ashology Assessment
An intriguing contrast between a lighter exterior and a darker interior profile.
gavel

Final Verdict

The Blackened S84 Shade to Black presented an interesting combination of creaminess and underlying strength. Its originality was evident, although its balance was less consistent than the Group B leaders.

info

Tasting notes reflect the cigar and vitola evaluated during the 2026 Cigar of the Year competition. Flavor, strength and burn performance may vary based on storage conditions, age, vitola and individual palate. Tobacco products are intended only for adults of legal smoking age.

Related Cigars — Group B