The latest release to come out of Crowned Heads this year is the Coroneta, which is actually comprised of two different blends from two different factories, both under the ‘Coroneta’ heading. Confused? Don’t be; it actually makes sense to showcase some of your best factory partners in a new release.
- Coroneta Habano is produced at Nicaraguan American Cigars, S.A (NACSA) in Esteli, Nicaragua,
- Coroneta Maduro is made at Casa Carrillo in Santiago, Dominican Republic
Crowned Heads co-founder, Jon Huber commented:
“The concept of simultaneously introducing one brand in two expressions from two different houses is something entirely first-time for us. The Habano version from NACSA was actually final and production ready back in the Spring of 2022, but we decided to hold it back. Ultimately, we felt so strongly about the Coroneta brand that we tapped the ‘Godfather of Boutique Cigars,’ aka Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, to partner with us on developing the maduro version. I think the Coroneta brand achieves what we excel at, which is, seamlessly blending tradition and history with premium modernity. “
Today’s review will focus on the Coroneta Maduro which has a blend described by the company as:
- Wrapper – Mexican San Andres
- Binder – Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Filler – Nicaragua (Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa)
The Crowned Heads Coroneta Maduro is expressed in a 3 different vitolas, each packaged in 20-count boxes:
- Earl (5″ x 52) – MSRP $12.95
- Duke (5 1/2″ x 54) – MSRP $13.95
- Baron (6″ x 56) – MSRP $14.95
The vitola names were derived from the various crowns of British heraldry worn by the lower ranks of nobility in the 16th century. The Coroneta bands are adorned with the same strawberry leaf that was featured on those crowns.
For this review, I sampled 2 of the Coroneta Maduro Earls that I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Crowned Heads Coroneta Maduro is cloaked in a dark reddish-brown wrapper with a high glossy sheen. I did not detect any soft spots in the roll but there were some bumps along the barrel. The wrapper has some marbling throughout and a few noticeable veins. A triple cap finishes the construction.
Three bands adorn the cigar. The primary band uses red, bronze, and white colors and displays a strawberry leaf in the center and the name Coroneta on the left. Just below, a thin black and gold secondary band declares this as the Maduro. A final footer band is applied that declares this as a Crowned Heads Product.
Running the cigar along the nose I picked up sweet floral notes along the barrel while the foot offered a light nutty essence and some earthy notes.
Slicing the cap straight across the shoulder I gave it some cold draw puffs that graced the palate with earthy and pepper with a hint of cream all delivered through a properly restricted draw.
Using my single flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and draw in the similar earth and pepper notes to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Pepper and earth start the journey
- Light grey ash forms on top of medium thick wavy char line
- Sweet nutty aroma wafts off the foot
- Rich dark chocolate notes enter deep in the first third
- Ash fell in a solid chunk revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Walnut essence joins the mix midway with a bit of creaminess
- Slight off burn develops that required a touch up
- Peppery spice continues to tantalize the nasals on the retrohale
- Dark Chocolate continues
- Mild berry like note enters in the final third
- Medium to full in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Analysis
The Crowned Heads Coroneta Maduro Earl sets off the journey with notes of pepper and earth. A sweet, nutty aroma rises gracefully from the foot of the cigar early in the burn. As the smoke unfolds, deep and rich notes of dark chocolate emerge prominently in the first third, delighting the senses.
Midway through, the flavor profile evolves with the addition of walnut essence. and a touch of creamy texture to the mix. Meanwhile, the peppery spice continues to tantalize on the retrohale, adding a lively contrast to the lingering dark chocolate notes that persist throughout.
Further into the journey, a mild hint of berry-like sweetness delicately enters the scene, adding a nuanced layer to the overall complexity. Each puff reveals new dimensions, showcasing the cigar’s evolving character. I say this is worth grabbing a fiver of. I rate this one a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Flat but centered burn cone; (-1) Off Burn; (-1) Touch Up Required;
