Four Kicks — Heritage & History

Four Kicks began as a collaboration between Crowned Heads' Jon Huber and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr., launched in 2011. The name comes from a line in the Elvis Costello song 'Pump It Up,' reflecting Huber's irreverent approach to an industry often steeped in tradition. The original blend, the Natural Toro, was produced at Tabacalera William Ventura (TWVC) in Estelí, Nicaragua, and quickly became a benchmark for accessible medium-bodied smoking. The line expanded to include the Maduro Robusto, which uses a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, and the Lancero, a format that showcases the blend's precision. Four Kicks distinguished itself by offering a range of vitolas—from Petit Corona to Churchill—at a price point that undercut many boutique competitors, making it a staple for daily smokers. The brand's success helped establish Crowned Heads as a major player in the boutique cigar movement, and it remains a reference point for Nicaraguan-forward blends with an approachable character.

Blending Philosophy

Four Kicks is built on a simple but deliberate approach: let the tobacco speak without overwhelming the palate. The core line uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan fillers, a combination that yields a balanced, medium-full profile. The Maduro Robusto swaps in a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, adding a darker, earthier dimension while maintaining the blend's signature smoothness. The Lancero and Lonsdale formats are where the blend's nuance really shows—the smaller ring gauges amplify the cedar and white pepper notes, proving the tobacco's quality. Crowned Heads and Perez-Carrillo opted for a multi-factory production strategy, with some vitolas rolled at NACSA and others at TABSA, both under the Garcia family's supervision. This allows each size to be tailored to its factory's strengths, ensuring consistent construction across the lineup.

Flavor Profile

Across the Four Kicks range, smokers can expect a core of cedar and leather, with a distinct white pepper finish that lingers on the retrohale. The Natural Toro opens with dried fruit sweetness and a touch of dark cocoa, settling into a creamy mid-section with hints of toasted nuts. The Maduro Robusto shifts the profile toward earthier territory, with notes of espresso, dark chocolate, and a subtle molasses sweetness from the Broadleaf wrapper. The Lancero, with its smaller ring gauge, amplifies the spice and delivers a sharper, more focused pepper note, while the Corona and Petit Corona offer a quicker, more concentrated experience. Strength varies from medium in the Natural Toro to medium-full in most other vitolas, but the blend never tips into harshness, maintaining a smooth, balanced character throughout.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Natural Toro is the ideal entry point. At medium strength and around $11–$14, it's approachable without being timid. Expect cedar, light leather, and a subtle white pepper finish that won't overwhelm. The Toro format gives a comfortable 60–75 minute smoke, letting you ease into the brand's character without a long commitment. It's the blend that started Four Kicks, and it remains the most balanced expression of their style.

Four Kicks Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Four Kicks cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Belicoso — Belicoso, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Churchill — Churchill, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Corona — Corona, Medium-Full · $10–$13 per cigar
  • Gran Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Lancero — Lancero, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Natural Toro — Toro, Medium · $11–$14 per cigar
  • Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium-Full · $8–$11 per cigar
  • Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Four Kicks cigars made?

Four Kicks cigars are produced in Estelí, Nicaragua, across several factories. The original Natural Toro was made at Tabacalera William Ventura (TWVC), while other vitolas have been rolled at NACSA, TABSA, and Tabacalera Pichardo—all under the Garcia family's supervision at My Father Cigars. Some limited runs have also come from Joya de Nicaragua and El Titán de Bronze. This multi-factory approach allows Crowned Heads to match each size to the facility best suited for it.

What is Four Kicks known for?

Four Kicks is known for being the blend that put Crowned Heads on the map, launching in 2011 as a collaboration with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. It's celebrated for offering a range of vitolas—from Petit Corona to Churchill—at accessible prices, and for its consistent medium-full profile that balances Nicaraguan strength with approachable flavor. The Maduro Robusto and Lancero are particularly praised for showcasing the blend's versatility.

Are Four Kicks cigars strong?

Most Four Kicks vitolas are medium-full in strength, meaning they have a noticeable nicotine kick but are not overpowering. The Natural Toro is the exception, rated as medium, making it a smoother, more approachable option. The Maduro Robusto and Churchill lean toward the fuller end of the medium-full spectrum, while the Corona and Petit Corona offer a quicker, slightly more concentrated experience.

What is the best Four Kicks cigar for beginners?

The Natural Toro is the best choice for beginners. It's the mildest in the lineup at medium strength, and its $11–$14 price point is reasonable for exploring the brand. The flavors are classic—cedar, leather, and a touch of white pepper—without any harsh edges. The Toro size gives a comfortable smoke time of about an hour, making it an easy introduction to Four Kicks.

How much do Four Kicks cigars cost?

Four Kicks cigars range from $8 to $16 per cigar, depending on the vitola. The Petit Corona is the most affordable at $8–$11, while the Corona, Gran Toro, Robusto, and Natural Toro fall in the $9–$14 range. Larger formats like the Belicoso, Churchill, Lancero, Lonsdale, Maduro Robusto, Toro, and Torpedo are priced between $12 and $16.

What wrapper does Four Kicks use?

Four Kicks uses a variety of wrappers across its lineup. The core line features Ecuadorian Habano, while some vitolas use Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown or Rosado. The Maduro Robusto uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, and the Natural Toro uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut. This variety allows each size to have its own character while staying true to the brand's Nicaraguan core.

Are Four Kicks cigars Cuban?

No, Four Kicks cigars are not Cuban. They are made entirely in Estelí, Nicaragua, at factories like Tabacalera William Ventura, NACSA, and TABSA. The tobacco is Nicaraguan, with wrappers from Ecuador and Connecticut. While they share some characteristics with Cuban blends—like a focus on balance and complexity—they are a distinctly Nicaraguan product.

Where can I buy Four Kicks cigars?

Four Kicks cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar cigar shops and online retailers that carry boutique brands. Because they're a mid-tier premium cigar, you'll find them at most specialty tobacconists. Online, sites like Cigar Page, Atlantic Cigar, and Corona Cigar Co. often stock the full lineup. For the best selection, check Crowned Heads' official website for a list of authorized retailers.