Back in 2023, the Cigar Clowns released a cigar that they believed they had enough inventory for 2 years but it sold out in just 4 months. That’s how it goes in the cigar market, when you have a fine product and a loyal customer base. The Clowns made the decision to make sure everyone can have the opportunity to enjoy the King of Clowns and turned this blend into a regular production cigar in 2024.
The original limited release was expressed in a Torpedo vitola whereas the full production release is now expressed in a Corona Extra format. Like most cigars from the Clowns we don’t hget all the info as there is a level of secrecy the team keeps close to the chest. Here is what we do know.
The King of Clowns is hand crafted in an Undisclosed factory in the Dominican Republic. It is expressed in a (5.5 x 46) Corona Extra vitola with an MSRP of $13.00. The Clowns did tell me they are working with their suppliers to try to lower the price. These will be available at Smoke Inn at the end of April (this month).
We do have some info on the blend as described by the Cigar Clowns:
- Wrapper – San Andres
- Binder – Nicaraguan
- Filler – Undisclosed
For this review, I sampled two of the King of Clowns which I received from the crew for the purpose of revieing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The King of Clowns is cloaked in a slightly toothy, medium reddish-brown wrapper that has some noticeable veins and a touch of marbling along with a decent sheen. The cigar is nicely packed with just a little give along the barrel especially near the foot. A simple cap completes the construction.
A single black, gold and red band adorns the cigar simply declaring this as the Cigar Clowns with the group’s logo boldly presented in the center and the declaration it is hand made in the Dominican Republic.
Running the cigar across the nose i noted a slight baking spice note along the barrel conjoined with rich earthy barnyard notes of the foot.
I opened the cap with the “Baller” cutter by CigarMedics and then gave it some cold draw puffs that I found to be beautifully restricted. The draw offered notes of leather and earth and a gently growing cinnamon spice note especially on the lips and cheeks. There is also a touch of natural sweetness laying in the background.
Using my Xikar fan flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and was greeted with a vibrant cinnamon essence on the first puffs. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Right off the first puff the palate is graced with a vibrant cinnamon note
- Tangy fruit notes quickly join the profile
- The smoke is thick and chewy on this one
- Salt and Pepper ash forms on top of medium thick wavy char line
- Dry leather and cedar notes round out the first inch of burn
- Continuing through the first third, I am starting to detect a touch of cubanesque notes in the profile
- The ash fell in a nice chunk revealing a decent burn cone
- Beautiful oiling above the char line
- The early fruit starts to get a little sweeter deeper in the first third with a hint of dark chocolate enticing the palate
- Creamy coffee notes add to the pleasure moving into the second third
- Rich fruity aromas waft off the foot
- Tantalizing spice notes join the mix near midway point
- Mild minty notes develop moving through second third with a continued creamy essence
- Savory spice develops moving into final third
- Ash is holding strong after the first drop
- Cedar nuances enter deep in final third
- Rich spice takes it to the end
- Medium plus in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 Minutes down to the nub
Final Analysis
From the very first draw of the King of Clowns, the palate is enveloped in a lively cinnamon essence, imparting a vibrant start to the experience. Soon, tangy fruit undertones intertwine, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The smoke exudes a dense, almost chewy quality, enveloping the senses. Within the initial inch, dry leather and cedar notes emerge, contributing to a nuanced complexity. Progressing into the first third, subtle hints reminiscent of Cuban cigars begin to emerge, adding depth to the profile. As the journey unfolds, the early fruit notes gradually evolve into a sweeter profile, accompanied by enticing undertones of dark chocolate. Transitioning into the second third, creamy coffee notes emerge, further enhancing the sensory delight. Aromatic fruity scents emanate from the foot, enticing the senses with each draw. Midway through, tantalizing spice accents join the medley of flavors, adding a tantalizing complexity. Mild minty nuances develop as the cigar progresses, while maintaining a creamy essence throughout. Moving into the final third, savory spice notes intensify, leading towards a satisfying climax. Deep into the final stretch, cedar nuances emerge, intertwining with the lingering richness of spice. Ultimately, it’s the robust spice that carries the experience to its fulfilling conclusion, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. This is one of the best cigars so far in 2024 that I have enjoyed, and it certainly is a box buy in my view. I rate this a solid 97.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Jag in Burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Excellent Oiling above the Char Line; (+1) Extremely Complex, well Balanced and Consistent across Multiple Samples; (+1) Long Ash; (+1) Box Buy
