Four years after the introduction of the acclaimed Four Kicks cigar by Crowned Heads Cigar Co., Jon Huber has partnered with Famous Smoke Shop and created a Famous exclusive, the Four Kicks Black Belt Buckle. Just like the original Four Kicks, the Black Belt Buckle is reference to the Kings of Leon’s song specifically the lyric:
Huff men don’t take no nonsense
He’s here to rectify
He’s got his black belt buckle
And the red mans fire in his eyes
This is a slightly different cigar than the original Four Kicks in the sense that it sports a dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. The remainder of the blend is the same as the original with Nicaraguan fillers and binder. This cigar is a collaboration between Jon Huber and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo.
Crowned Heads Four Kicks Black Belt Buckle
The Four Kicks Black Belt Buckle originally was available in one vitola, a Corona Gorda, which is the one I am reviewing and received from Famous Smoke. Since its introduction 2 additional vitolas were added to the line up. So now there are three sizes to please the consumer:
- Corona Gorda (5 5/8″ x 46) @$7.95 msrp
- Sublime (6″ x 54 Toro) @$8.95 msrp
- Robusto (5″ x 50) @$8.45 msrp
In the words of Jim Charnley, Famous Smoke Shop Sr. Project manager:
The success of the Corona Gorda has definitely proven that Jon and Ernesto were on to something, I see the Black Belt Buckle Sublime and Robusto taking the brand to the next level of consumer awareness
Examining the Black Belt Buckle, you first notice the dark brown slightly marbled wrapper. The seams were tight and the cap well applied. Of course I would expect nothing less from Jon and Ernesto. The Black Belt Buckle is adorned with two bands. The primary band is the standard Four Kicks band and the secondary band denotes this as the Black Belt Buckle variant.
Crowned Heads Four Kicks Black Belt Buckle
The nose picks up sweet hay on the foot and black tea along the barrel.
Crowned Heads Four Kicks Black Belt Buckle
Once the head is cut, the cold draw was satisfactorily restricted presenting a hint of red pepper on tongue. I fired it up with a single flame torch lighter and was welcomed with a medium pepper burst of full smoke. The pepper lastly briefly as the smoke turns into a creamy, lightly spiced, milk chocolate laden delight.
Crowned Heads Four Kicks Black Belt Buckle
The Black Belt Buckle will not make the Best Ash gallery as the light grey ash holds on for short periods. There was a mild wave in the burn that eventually catches up on its own.
A vanilla bean joins the party along with a spicy vegetal aroma which moves into the flavor profile.
Approaching the final third, the nose starts to pick up a peppermint aroma. The smoke is full and rich with flavor at this point. Chocolate enters again blending well with the peppermint almost like a peppermint patty, but I know that is a slight stretch, yet that is what came to mind.
Crowned Heads Four Kicks Black Belt Buckle
The final third fills out with sweetness and a whisper of spice.
Overall the Crowned Heads Four Kicks Black Belt Buckle Corona Gorda is certainly a welcome addition to the Four Kicks line. It had complexity and delivered consistent burn and smoke quality throughout the burn. I would like to thank Famous Smoke for the samples. If you want to pick these up you can order them from Famous Smoke here.
Crowned Heads Four Kicks Black Belt Buckle