Back in 2012, Crowned Heads released for the first time a stronger version of the Four Kicks lined called Mule Kick. That release was limited to 5,000 boxes and it would disappear until 2017 when Jon Huber and Company would release the Mule Kick once again this time in 2,000 boxes.
This year the cigar sees a change and according to Job Huber, “We could’ve easily re-released the oriiginal release Mule Kick blend again; however, we wanted to take it to another level. When we added the Connecticut (Habano) wrapper to the blend, we collectively agreed that it just truly added another dimension of structure, flavor, and intensity that surpassed the original release.”
Today we review the 2018 Mule Kick which is limited to just 3,000 boxes of 10.
Cigar Review: Four Kicks Mule Kick Limited Edition 2018
Wrapper: Connecticut Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5 7/8″
Gauge: 52
Size: Toro
The Look: Packaged in 10 count black boxes, the Crowned Heads Four Kicks Mule Kick Limited Edition 2018 features a reddish-brown Habano wrapper grown in Connecticut. It’s oily, with a few noticeable veins but its rolled to perfection. The cigar is balanced in the hand with no voids of tobacco and a well packed foot that looks like a Samoa cookie. Think I am crazy, check out the pictures at the bottom of the review.
The Notes: Wow. That’s the first thing that comes to mind with the cold draw of the cigar which has hints of molasses, honey and rye. The rye is dominant and it has me wanting some Bulleit to pair with this cigar, but alas I am at work and can’t do that. The aroma off the foot of the cigar matches that of the cold draw, however honey is more dominant. Once the cigar is lit, the first note is raisin sweetness.
Moving into the first third, the cigar has a wonderful sweetness to it, with some light bitterness creating a complex canvas. There is raisins and cocoa, on the sweet side, with coffee bean and leather on the bitter side. The first third of the cigar seems the front end of the cigar showcase the raisins and cocoa, while the finish has a touch of leather. The retrohale of the cigar adds subtle rye component to the mix.
The second third of the cigar sees some dark chocolate notes develop which are secondary to a rich creamy espresso that serves as the dominant profile. In the background, the cigar has some raisin notes along with a touch of mocha. The retrohale has a touch of pepper and the slightest wisp of licorice present as well.
As the cigar concludes I don’t want to put it down. There is a touch of caramel sweetness, but what makes the cigar really shine is the notes of steak, that has been slightly seared creating a black & blue effect. The retrohale has some mocha as well, and the finish of the cigar has a subtle leather component as well.
The Finish: If I had to sum up this cigar in a word it would be complex. If you wanted a second word, rich. I was thoroughly impressed with the Four Kicks Mule Kick 2018 from the second I smelled the foot, and I bought the rest of the box after I smoked a half-inch. It’s a flavor bomb of epic proportions and one of the best Crowned Head releases to date.
Score: 93
Price: $10.99 / $98.99
Four Kicks Mule Kick 2018
Four Kicks Mule Kick 2018 Foot
Four Kicks Mule Kick 2018 Burn
