Ten years ago, four former CAO employees started a little boutique brand known as Crowned Heads. With their roots in Nashville and lead by front man Jon Huber, the company pulls a lot of inspiration from the large music seen around them. Four Kicks and Four Kicks Maduro both derive their name from Nashville band Kings of Leon. (If you like them check out Quiet Oaks, also from Nashville.) While Crowned Heads had kept to a single blend for their core products we now have a variation with the Four Kicks Maduro.

The cigar is a dark chocolaty brown with a fair amount of oil and veins, but nothing that makes the cigar unappealing. The smell is earthy and leathery but light. From the cold draw I notice the taste of pepper, citrus and a sweetness that balances the other flavors.

In the first half the cigar is spicy and creamy. It smokes very smooth and easy giving off plenty of light weighted smoke. The burn is sharp and the ash holds for easily 1/4″ before breaking it free.

The second half brought a bit of earthiness to the table along with a slight increase in the pepper spice flavor but still remained a smooth smoking cigar. Smoke production was still large and there were no burn issues for the entirety of the cigar.

For a “younger” company Crowned Heads have been able to release several stand out cigars and the Four Kicks Maduro is another one. With a flavor profile that should suit anyones palate, solid construction and a more than reasonable price point, this cigar should be a go to when you’re having trouble deciding what to smoke. When you see them at the shop be sure to grab a handful or two.

Wrapper – Connecticut Habano Maduro

Binder – Nicaraguan

Filler – Nicaraguan

Price: $8.00 – $10.00 a stick depending on vitola.

Website: Crownedheads.com

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 pints