Crowned Heads Cigars

Crowned Heads Cigars, a name that resonates deeply within the cigar aficionado community, is more than just a brand; it's a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and creativity. Founded by Jon Huber and Mike Conder, this boutique brand has carved a unique niche in the cigar industry through its unwavering commitment to quality, balance, and innovation. Crowned Heads isn’t just making cigars, they’re crafting stories with every blend, fusing tradition with modern artistry.

If you're looking for cigars that break the mold while honoring the past, Crowned Heads is where your journey should start.

Origins and Founding Philosophy

The story of Crowned Heads Cigars begins in the early 2010s, a period of significant upheaval in the cigar industry. Jon Huber and Mike Conder, long-time employees of CAO International, faced an unexpected turn when a corporate merger in 2010 led to CAO's relocation. Unwilling to move and leave behind their creative vision, Huber and Conder embarked on a bold venture to preserve the soul of their craft.

In 2011, they launched Crowned Heads, a brand grounded in a simple philosophy: quality over quantity. Inspired by rock music and a rebellious spirit, Crowned Heads was created to stand apart from the industry norms. As Huber famously said, We are not here to do it like everyone else.

Commitment to Quality and Craftsmanship

Crowned Heads is defined by its relentless pursuit of quality. Every cigar is made with meticulous attention to detail, overseen by industry veterans. Partnering with top-tier factories like Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic and Tabacalera Pichardo in Nicaragua, Crowned Heads ensures each cigar meets its exacting standards.

This level of collaboration means every cigar is hand-rolled to perfection, reflecting their commitment to excellence.

The Art of Blending: Tradition Meets Innovation

Crowned Heads Cigars masterfully blends tradition with innovation, crafting unique and complex flavor profiles that cater to a wide range of palates. Each blend tells a story, making every smoke not just enjoyable but meaningful.

Four Kicks: The Inaugural Statement

• Profile: Medium-bodied
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
• Tobaccos: Nicaraguan
• Flavors: Pepper, cocoa, espresso, earth, leather
• Four Kicks was Crowned Heads' first release, a bold statement wrapped in tradition. Named after a song by Kings of Leon, this medium-bodied cigar delivers a balanced blend of pepper, cocoa, espresso, earth, and leather. Its debut cemented Crowned Heads' place in the cigar world, showing that they were here to push boundaries.

Headley Grange

• Profile: Medium-bodied
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
• Tobaccos: Nicaraguan
• Flavors: Wood, earth, sweetness
• Headley Grange is inspired by Led Zeppelin’s recording studio, aiming to capture the heavy, plodding beats of When The Levee Breaks. With its earthy Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, this cigar offers a smooth, sweet, and woody flavor profile. Named one of the 25 Best Cigars of The Year in 2012, it embodies the brand's commitment to both music and innovation.

Jericho Hill: A Tribute to Johnny Cash

• Profile: Full-bodied
• Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
• Tobaccos: Nicaraguan
• Flavors: Earth, cocoa, espresso, pepper
• Jericho Hill pays homage to Johnny Cash's Cocaine Blues, delivering a full-bodied smoke with a dark Mexican San Andres wrapper. The flavor mix of earth, cocoa, espresso, and pepper is as rich and deep as Cash’s legendary voice, making this one of Crowned Heads' most iconic cigars.

J.D. Howard Reserve: Honoring a Social Rebel

• Profile: Full-bodied
• Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca
• Tobaccos: Nicaraguan
• Flavors: Pepper, sweet cocoa
• J.D. Howard Reserve embodies the spirit of rebellion, named after Jesse James' alias. This full-bodied cigar offers a peppery kick balanced by sweet cocoa, reflecting the rugged yet refined nature of the notorious outlaw.

Mil Dias: The 1000-Day Journey

• Profile: Medium-full bodied
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
• Tobaccos: Costa Rican, Peruvian, Nicaraguan
• Flavors: Peppery spice, earth, espresso, cedar, creamy sweetness
• Mil Dias represents the care and artistry of Crowned Heads' process, named after the 1000-day journey from seed to cigar. With a blend of Costa Rican, Peruvian, and Nicaraguan fillers, Mil Dias is a richly complex smoke with layers of pepper, earth, espresso, and cedar.

Las Calaveras: A Tribute to the Dead

• Profile: Medium to full-bodied
• Wrapper: Varies by year
• Tobaccos: Nicaraguan
• Flavors: Varies by year
• Las Calaveras is an annual limited edition release, honoring the dead and blending innovation with tradition. Each year's blend brings a fresh profile of rich, evolving flavors, making it a sought-after release.

Recognition and Awards

Crowned Heads has earned a dedicated following and a slew of accolades, with numerous blends receiving 90+ ratings from Cigar Aficionado. Their ability to mix old-school craftsmanship with modern creativity has secured their reputation as one of the top boutique brands in the industry.

The Future of Crowned Heads Cigars

With each new release, Crowned Heads continues to blend tradition with modern artistry, staying true to its founding philosophy of forging its own path. The brand’s future looks bright, with more collaborations and bold blends on the horizon.

Crowned Heads Cigars stands as a beacon of excellence in the cigar industry, a brand built on the foundations of quality, creativity, and resilience. From their humble beginnings to their rise as a celebrated boutique brand, Jon Huber and Mike Conder have stayed true to their vision of marrying tradition with innovation. Whether you're enjoying the robust complexity of Jericho Hill, the balanced elegance of Four Kicks, or the rock-inspired history of Headley Grange, each Crowned Heads cigar offers a journey worth taking.

For those seeking a cigar brand that delivers time and again, Crowned Heads is a name that belongs in your humidor.