Four Kicks was the first line released by Crowned Heads after the company founders left their former employers. Refusing to be part of a corporate merger that saw family losing their jobs as CAO was moved from Nashville, TN to Richmond, VA; Jon Huber found inspiration in a song from Kings of Leon. With lyrics of, “You with your switch blade posse / Iʼll get my guns from the South / Weʼll take to the yard like a cockfight / Four kicks whoʼs strutting now?” a first release was born.
The company continues with the release of Four Kicks Maduro as they continue to turn their back on the corporate machine and make their own rules.
Cigar: Four Kicks Maduro
Wrapper: Connecticut Habano Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 46
Size: Corona Gorda
The Look: The Four Kicks Maduro comes packaged in a matte box that reminds of clay tiles. Inside, the twenty-four cigars feature the same binder and fillers as the original release with the exception of the Connecticut Habano Maduro wrapper which is both oily and veiny. The black, white and gold band has a familiar feel not only in the shape which matches the original release, but also the color scheme of another cigar brand. In the hand the cigar has a gritty feel, average weight and no soft spots.
The Notes: Once I clipped the cap and took in the cold draw there was something familiar although faint. I sat a good 10 minutes trying to figure it out when it dawned on me. Ginger Snaps with some of the crumbs on the bottom of a cheez-its box and I can actually envision you rolling your eyes as you read that. The aroma off the foot of the cigar is a subtle cedar.
Once the cigar is toasted the first note that I get is flourless chocolate cake. I assure you I am trying my best to not sound like Mr. Jonathan with these crazy flavors but these are my interpretations. As the cigar progresses that note slides into the background and there is a subtle ginger, leather and nutmeg. The retrohale from the Four Kicks has a touch of cinnamon and a burst of pepper.
In second third of the cigar, things become a little more traditional. There are notes of earth which serve as the primary base note but there is also nuances of graham, licorice and a touch of coffee on the finish, specifically the sweetness of Miami style, Cuban coffee. The retrohale sees the graham and licorice become more dominant with a spicy prolonged finish.
The last third of the Four Kicks Maduro coffee notes become the dominant flavor, although the sweet Cuban coffee becomes a strong slightly bitter Espresso. There is still some earth and licorice present while the retrohale enhances both components on the lengthy leathery finish.
The Finish: With the story being told that the binder and fillers remaining the same, this cigar answers the question of how much does a wrapper change the profile of a cigar. In this case it adds extra depth and an abundance of new notes that didn’t exist on the original release. It’s a great release from Crowned Heads and one that we will be smoking on a regular basis.
Score: 91
Price: $8.99 / $193.99
Four Kicks Maduro
Four Kicks Maduro Foot
Four Kicks Maduro Burn
