Jericho Hill — Heritage & History
Jericho Hill is a brand produced by Crowned Heads, a boutique cigar company founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2011 by Jon Huber and Mike Conder — both former executives at CAO. The brand is named after a historic site in the American West, evoking themes of rugged endurance and bold character. It debuted in 2013 as part of Crowned Heads' expansion into fuller-bodied offerings, quickly gaining a reputation for its assertive blends and striking, no-nonsense packaging. The cigars are almost exclusively made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez and other notable factories such as Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA) and the Oliva factory. While exact production details for some vitolas are not publicly confirmed, the brand's consistent quality has made it a staple among experienced smokers seeking a bold, Nicaraguan-focused profile. Jericho Hill sits within Crowned Heads' 'Four Kicks' lineage as a distinct, full-strength sibling line. Its significance lies in demonstrating how a small-batch brand can achieve cult status through uncompromising blending and a clear, unapologetic identity.
Blending Philosophy
Jericho Hill’s blending philosophy centers on showcasing the raw power and depth of Nicaraguan tobacco, often layered with unique wrappers like Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro, Nicaraguan Habano Rosado, and Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro. The brand seeks to offer a 'wreck-angular' smoking experience — one that is intense, complex, and unapologetically full-flavored. Rather than aiming for subtlety, Jericho Hill prioritizes boldness, with each vitola designed to emphasize different facets of the blend’s core components: rich earth, dark cocoa, pepper, and leather. The use of varied wrapper origins across vitolas suggests an experimental approach to finding the ideal balance of strength and flavor. There is no single blend formula; instead, each size and wrapper type is treated as a unique expression of the same bold ethos. This approach distinguishes Jericho Hill as a brand for the seasoned smoker seeking depth without compromise.
Flavor Profile
Across its range, Jericho Hill cigars deliver a signature profile defined by bold Nicaraguan earthiness, dark roasted coffee, cocoa nibs, and black pepper. The Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper imparts a slightly sweet, woody character with hints of dark fruit, while the Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro adds notes of molasses, leather, and espresso. The Nicaraguan Habano Rosado (San Andrés-cured) vitolas contribute a distinct dried fruit and cedar complexity. The Natural Toro leans toward toasty nuts and mild creaminess, while the Maduro Robusto offers a denser, more savory experience. Strength is predominantly full, with medium-full options like the Petit Corona and Corona providing a more accessible entry point without sacrificing depth. Retrohaling often reveals cinnamon, nutmeg, and a subtle, floral high note. The overall character is direct, powerful, and consistently Nicaraguan-forward, with the wrapper playing a defining role in the final profile.
Best for Beginners
For someone new to premium cigars, the Jericho Hill Petit Corona (Medium-Full, $8–$12) is an ideal starting point. Its shorter length keeps smoking time to around 30–40 minutes, while the medium-full strength offers a manageable introduction to the brand's bold character. It delivers classic earthy, cocoa notes without overwhelming intensity, making it a gentle but authentic gateway to Jericho Hill’s house style.
Jericho Hill Cigar Lineup
Explore 12 Jericho Hill cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:
- Belicoso — Belicoso, Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- Churchill — Churchill, Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- Corona — Corona, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
- Gran Toro — Toro, Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- Lancero — Lancero, Full · $18–$22 per cigar
- Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Full · $12–$16 per cigar
- Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Full · $12–$16 per cigar
- Natural Toro — Toro, Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium-Full · $8–$12 per cigar
- Robusto — Robusto, Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- Toro — Toro, Full · $18–$24 per cigar
- Torpedo — Torpedo, Full · $15–$19 per cigar
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Jericho Hill cigars made?
Jericho Hill cigars are primarily made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at multiple factories including Tabacalera AJ Fernandez, TABSA (Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A.), the Oliva factory, and Tabacalera William Ventura. Production locations may vary by vitola and batch.
What is Jericho Hill known for?
Jericho Hill is known for offering a bold, full-strength smoking experience with deep Nicaraguan earth, black pepper, and cocoa flavors. It is a Crowned Heads brand that has gained a cult following among experienced cigar enthusiasts for its assertive character and distinctive wrapper variations.
Are Jericho Hill cigars strong?
Yes, most Jericho Hill cigars are classified as Full strength. The Corona and Petit Corona are Medium-Full, making them slightly more approachable. Overall, the brand is built for smokers who appreciate a powerful, intensity-driven profile.
What is the best Jericho Hill cigar for beginners?
The Jericho Hill Petit Corona (Medium-Full) is the best entry point due to its shorter smoke time, lower price point ($8–$12), and slightly milder strength relative to the rest of the line. It still delivers the brand's signature earthy and cocoa notes without overwhelming the palate.
How much do Jericho Hill cigars cost?
Jericho Hill cigars range from approximately $8 to $24 per cigar, depending on the vitola. The Petit Corona is the most affordable ($8–$12), while the Toro and Lancero sit at the higher end ($18–$24 and $18–$22, respectively).
What wrapper does Jericho Hill use?
Jericho Hill uses a variety of wrappers across its vitolas, including Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro, Ecuadorian Habano (Stalk-Cut, Sun-Grown), Nicaraguan Habano Rosado (San Andrés-cured), Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro, Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, and Nicaraguan Habano Colorado. No single wrapper defines the entire line.
Are Jericho Hill cigars Cuban?
No, Jericho Hill cigars are not Cuban. They are produced in Nicaragua using Nicaraguan, Ecuadorian, and Pennsylvania tobaccos. They are an American boutique brand under Crowned Heads, based in Tennessee.
Where can I buy Jericho Hill cigars?
Jericho Hill cigars are available at select premium cigar retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar shops. Online retailers such as Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, and Small Batch Cigar often carry them. Availability can vary by vitola and season.