Smoking Underground returns with a discussion of the Drew Estates Blackened M81 Maduro and its collaboration with James Hetfield of Metallica. Devin and Gary explore palate evolution and how it affects smokers' tastes and preferences. They also pair the cigar with Redwood Empire Lost Monarch blend of Scotch whisky, examining the flavors and complexity.[00:01:04] Palatevolution.[00:05:00] Cigar band design.[00:09:16] Cigar Humidity and Maturity.[00:13:39] Cigar smoking trends.[00:19:18] Cigars and appetite.[00:20:58] Cigar flavor evolution.[00:24:55] Cigar palate evolution.[00:29:32] Cigar palate evolution.[00:35:00] Lightening up a dark cigar.[00:36:52] Cigar smoking tips.[00:41:00] Cigar smoking for beginners.[00:45:11] Winding down after a stressful day.[00:51:02] End of day cigar.[00:52:59] Maduro cigars and complexity.[00:56:32] Cigar pricing and quality.[01:00:28] Supporting the podcast.## Palatevolution and cigar pairing.Palatevolution is a term used to describe the changes in one's taste preferences over time. This can be influenced by various factors such as age, diet, and exposure to different flavors. In the context of cigar smoking, palatevolution can also be influenced by the types of cigars smoked and the pairing of cigars with different drinks.In the Smoking Underground podcast episode titled "Palatevolution," the hosts discuss how their palates have evolved over time and how this affects their cigar preferences. They also talk about the importance of pairing cigars with the right drink to enhance the smoking experience.The hosts start by introducing the cigar they are smoking, the Drew Estates Blackened M81 Maduro. They describe the cigar as dark and deep, with a skin-like texture on the tobacco wrap. They also mention the different components of the cigar, such as the San Andreas rapper and the Nicaragua, Pennsylvania filler.The hosts then discuss the drink they are pairing with the cigar, the Redwood Empire Lost Monarch blend of Scotch Whisky. They describe the taste as smooth but with a slight hook on the sides of the tongue, and a subtle caramel flavor. They chose this drink because they wanted something semi-sweet to pair with the dark cigar.The hosts then delve into the topic of palatevolution and how it affects their cigar preferences. They talk about how their taste for different flavors has changed over time and how this has influenced their cigar choices. They also mention how pairing cigars with different drinks can enhance the smoking experience and bring out different flavors in the cigar.Overall, the Smoking Underground podcast episode on Palatevolution and cigar pairing highlights the importance of understanding one's taste preferences and how they can change over time. It also emphasizes the importance of pairing cigars with the right drink to enhance the smoking experience and bring out the best flavors in the cigar.## Matured cigar needs smooth pairing.One key takeaway from the podcast is the idea that a matured cigar needs a smooth pairing. The hosts discuss their experience with the Blackened cigar, which they initially did not enjoy. However, after letting it sit in a humidor with a Boveda pack for a month or two, they found that it had mellowed out and become more enjoyable. This highlights the importance of proper storage and aging for cigars to reach their full potential. Moreover, the hosts stress the importance of pairing the Blackened cigar with a smooth drink that has a hint of flavor. They note that a harsh or biting drink can distract from the complexity of the cigar's flavors. They also suggest that pairing the cigar with a drink that has a little bit of flavor can bring out the distinct difference and add to...