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Crowned Heads Cigars: Tradition, Storytelling, and the Bold New Broadway Line

The boutique cigar world is filled with daring upstarts, but few have carved a name as quickly—or as creatively—as Crowned Heads. Born in Nashville in 2011, this brand fuses music, artistry, and tobacco into smokes that tell a story as much as they deliver flavor. From the rock-inspired Four Kicks to the soulful Jericho Hill, Crowned Heads has built a reputation on cigars that are as memorable as the bands and legends they honour. And now, with the launch of the Broadway line, they’re showing the world what happens when tradition meets reinvention.

Key Takeaways 📝

✨ Crowned Heads Cigars was founded in Nashville in 2011 by Jon Huber and Mike Conder, ex-CAO executives.✨ Known for boutique craftsmanship and storytelling blends like Four Kicks, Headley Grange, Jericho Hill, and Las Calaveras.✨ Collaborates with masters like Pepin Garcia (My Father Cigars) in Nicaragua and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo (Tabacalera La Alianza) in the Dominican Republic.✨ The new Broadway line features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper with Nicaraguan tobaccos and a bold rebranding push.✨ Crowned Heads has become one of the most respected boutique cigar makers in North America, earning multiple 90+ ratings.

The Origins of Crowned Heads Cigars

Nashville Roots and Boutique Beginnings 🎸

Founded in 2011 by Jon Huber and Mike Conder, both former executives of the legendary CAO brand, Crowned Heads started as a rebellion against corporate sameness. Inspired by the phrase “Crowned Heads of Europe” from The Wizard of Oz, the name reflects both a nod to tradition and a wink at independence. For Huber and Conder, the goal was never to be the biggest—it was to be authentic, handcrafting cigars that lived and breathed personality.

A Philosophy of Craftsmanship 🌿

Crowned Heads was built on the belief that tobacco lives, breathes, and speaks. Each blend is more than just a recipe—it’s a conversation between leaf and smoker. Their boutique ethos rejects mass-market shortcuts in favour of small-batch attention to detail. From their earliest releases, the mission was clear: cigars should be consistent, creative, and above all, crafted with heart.

Partnerships with Masters of the Leaf

Nicaragua and the Garcia Family 🇳🇮

One of Crowned Heads’ most vital partnerships is with José “Pepin” Garcia and the famed My Father Cigars factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Here, blends like Las Calaveras and Four Kicks Mule Kick come to life. Known for their precision and bold flavor, the Garcias bring depth and strength to the Crowned Heads portfolio, often using Nicaraguan Jalapa binders and rich fillers from Estelí, Ometepe, and Jalapa.

Dominican Influence with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo 🇩🇴

Across the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. of Tabacalera La Alianza has also left his fingerprints on Crowned Heads cigars. With his legacy of complexity and balance, he has worked on blends like La Imperiosa and Court Reserve XVIII. The collaboration underscores Crowned Heads’ philosophy: to work with the best, wherever they are, ensuring every cigar carries both authenticity and artistry.

Storytelling in Every Blend

Four Kicks and Rock ’n’ Roll Inspiration 🎶

The debut release, Four Kicks, took its name from a song by Kings of Leon, another Nashville native. Medium-bodied and balanced, the cigar was a statement of independence: bold, youthful, and unapologetically different. Its flavor profile—cedar, spice, and a touch of cream—quickly earned it a loyal following among boutique smokers.

Headley Grange and the Zeppelin Connection 🥁

Inspired by the thunderous kick-drum from Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks,” Headley Grange was blended to mimic the sound in taste. With rich notes of leather, earth, and cocoa, this cigar became one of Crowned Heads’ signatures—powerful yet harmonious, a true rock anthem in smoke form.

Jericho Hill and the Spirit of Johnny Cash 🤠

Paying tribute to Johnny Cash’s “Cocaine Blues,” the Jericho Hill is a dark, box-pressed cigar with a rugged Nicaraguan core. Its bold pepper, espresso, and earthy sweetness embody Cash’s outlaw character. A cigar with swagger, it’s become a cult classic for smokers who like intensity with soul.

Annual Limited Editions and Cult Classics 🔥

Every year, fans eagerly await the release of Las Calaveras, a tribute to the Mexican Día de los Muertos. Add in hits like Mule Kick, Court Reserve XVIII, and Tennessee Waltz, and it’s clear that Crowned Heads thrives on keeping enthusiasts engaged with stories as compelling as the smokes themselves.

Pro Tip 💡: Best First-Time Crowned Heads to Try

If you’re new to Crowned Heads cigars, start with:🔥 Four Kicks — approachable medium-bodied with notes of cedar and spice.🔥 Mil Días — smooth, creamy, and easy for newer palates.🔥 Jericho Hill — if you’re ready for something bolder, this box-pressed gem offers pepper and espresso.

Think of it as a guided playlist—you don’t have to start with the most challenging stick.

The 2025 Broadway Line and Brand Refresh

What Makes Broadway Special 🎭

The newest star is Broadway, released in 2025. Wrapped in a dark Connecticut Broadleaf, it’s backed by a Nicaraguan Jalapa binder and fillers from Estelí, Jalapa, and Ometepe. Medium-to-full-bodied, Broadway delivers dessert-like sweetness layered with spice—perfect for fans who want richness without overwhelming strength.

Nashville’s Lower Broadway Connection 🎸

Named after Nashville’s famous music district, the Broadway line pays homage to the neon-lit honky-tonks and raw energy that make Music City legendary. It’s a cigar that doesn’t just nod to place—it smokes like a soundtrack.

A Bold New Look 🪄

Crowned Heads also introduced a new “hero logo” and a streamlined secondary band system to unify their lineup, from Mil Días to La Imperiosa. The rebrand makes recognition easier while preserving the individuality of each blend.

Also New for 2025: Crowned Heads Juárez Expansions

Crowned Heads hasn’t slowed down in 2025, unveiling two bold additions to their Juárez lineup. Known for its “working-class” character, Juárez continues to push boundaries with limited-edition formats that showcase depth, strength, and rustic charm.

Juárez Shotz (2025)

Compact and unapologetically bold, the Juárez Shotz packs a full-flavored punch into a shorter format. Wrapped in Mexican San Andrés Maduro, with an Ecuadorian binder and a mix of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers, this little powerhouse delivers dark chocolate, cracked pepper, oak, and a creamy undertone that surprises for its size. It’s proof that small cigars can carry serious character.

Juárez Bulldozer LE 2025

The Bulldozer LE 2025 is a box-pressed, pigtail-topped 5½ × 58 release that leans into the bolder side of the Juárez identity. Using the same Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper and a hearty core of Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Mexican tobaccos, this limited-edition cigar amplifies the Juárez profile with extra body and lingering intensity. Designed for smokers who want a robust, long-lasting session, the Bulldozer adds muscle to the family.

Pairing Spotlight: Jericho Hill and Bold Spirits 🥃🍷☕

If one cigar begs for a perfect pairing, it’s the Jericho Hill. With its box-pressed Nicaraguan character and notes of espresso, pepper, and dark sweetness, this smoke thrives alongside drinks that can match its intensity:

🥃 Bourbon — Try a high-rye bourbon like Bulleit or Four Roses Single Barrel, where the spice complements the cigar’s peppery edges.🥃 Peated Scotch — A smoky Islay whisky like Lagavulin 16 echoes the cigar’s darker, earthy tones.🍷 Red Wine — A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec cuts through the richness and enhances the cocoa notes.☕ Espresso — For a non-alcoholic option, a straight espresso or Americano is perfect, echoing the cigar’s core flavors without overshadowing them.

This is the kind of smoke that begs for company—whether it’s a glass, a cup, or a record spinning Johnny Cash in the background.

What the Critics Say 📜

Here’s how some of the industry’s top voices describe Crowned Heads:

These aren’t just cigars—they’re conversation pieces backed by serious acclaim.

Crowned Heads’ Place in the Boutique Cigar World

Awards and Recognition 🏆

In a little over a decade, Crowned Heads has become one of the most respected boutique cigar brands in North America. Named Company of the Year 2018 by Halfwheel, the brand’s blends routinely score 90+ ratings from critics. Releases like Four Kicks, Mule Kick, and Las Calaveras often sell out quickly, cementing their cult status among aficionados.

Why Enthusiasts Love Crowned Heads ❤️

For many smokers, Crowned Heads strikes the sweet spot between artistry and authenticity. Their cigars:🔥 Tell a story—each line tied to music, culture, or history.🔥 Deliver craftsmanship—handmade at legendary factories in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.🔥 Stay fresh—rotating limited editions keep collectors and fans engaged year after year.

This combination of creativity and consistency explains why Crowned Heads stands apart in a crowded boutique field.

Final Thoughts 🌟

From Nashville roots to international acclaim, Crowned Heads continues to shape the boutique cigar world with cigars that mean something. Whether you’re lighting up the classic Four Kicks, the soulful Jericho Hill, or the bold new Broadway line, each draw feels less like smoking a cigar and more like participating in a story. For aficionados searching for cigars that combine heart, craft, and a touch of rebellion, Crowned Heads remains a name worth remembering.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Here are some quick answers to help you explore the world of Crowned Heads cigars even further.

What makes Crowned Heads different from other cigar brands?

Crowned Heads stands out for its storytelling-driven blends, boutique philosophy, and collaborations with master blenders like Pepin Garcia and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. Each cigar has a cultural or musical inspiration, creating a deeper connection beyond flavor alone.

Which Crowned Heads cigars are best for beginners?

Four Kicks is a great entry point thanks to its balanced medium body, while Mil Días offers smooth, approachable flavors. These are perfect for new smokers curious about boutique cigars.

Where are Crowned Heads cigars made?

Production happens at world-class factories: My Father Cigars and NACSA in Nicaragua, and Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic. This ensures a broad spectrum of flavor profiles across the brand’s portfolio.

What is the new Broadway cigar line all about?

Released in 2025, Broadway features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Nicaraguan Jalapa binder, and fillers from Estelí, Ometepe, and Jalapa. Medium-to-full-bodied with dessert-like sweetness, it was inspired by Nashville’s Lower Broadway music district.

Are Crowned Heads cigars limited edition or regular production?

Both. Classics like Four Kicks and Jericho Hill are regular production, while lines like Las Calaveras are annual limited editions that often become collectors’ favourites.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to keep the conversation burning.