AshMap
Las Calaveras — Heritage & History
Las Calaveras emerged in 2014 as a collaboration between Crowned Heads and the Eiroa family, produced at the Raices Cubanas factory in Danlí, Honduras. The brand’s name, Spanish for 'The Skulls,' nods to the Mexican Day of the Dead, and its original release was a single, limited-edition cigar that sold out quickly, establishing a cult following. Unlike many boutique brands that rotate factories, Las Calaveras has remained anchored to the Eiroa family’s Honduran operations, with later editions also rolled at Tabacalera Villa Cuba in Estelí, Nicaragua. The line’s annual 'EL' (Edición Limitada) releases—such as the 2020 Robusto and 2023 Toro—have become collector’s items, each year showcasing a different blend and vitola. What distinguishes Las Calaveras is its annual, one-and-done format: no core line, only limited runs, which fuels anticipation and rewards those who track down each year’s offering.
Blending Philosophy
Las Calaveras blends with a focus on Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos, often using a Honduran Corojo or Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over aged fillers. The Eiroa family’s approach emphasizes natural fermentation and minimal intervention, letting the leaf’s character shine. Each annual EL is a new experiment—for instance, the 2021 Belicoso leans into a darker, more peppery profile, while the 2022 Lonsdale showcases a softer, more nuanced side. Construction is meticulous, with a firm draw and even burn, a hallmark of the Raices Cubanas factory. The brand avoids heavy infusion or flavoring, relying instead on the interplay of soil, seed, and aging. This results in cigars that are medium to medium-full in strength, with a consistent core of earth and spice, but each vintage offers a distinct twist, keeping collectors engaged.
Flavor Profile
Across the Las Calaveras range, smokers can expect a core of earth and leather, often accented by white pepper on the retrohale. The Natural Torpedo, with its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, is the mildest, offering cedar and a hint of dried fruit. In contrast, the Maduro Robusto, wrapped in Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, delivers dark cocoa and a deeper, sweeter earthiness. The EL releases vary: the 2020 Toro is known for its balance of dark cocoa and baking spice, while the 2021 Churchill brings a more pronounced pepper and oak profile. The 2023 Robusto, with a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, adds a subtle espresso note. Strength ranges from medium to medium-full, with the maduro and EL lines generally fuller, but never harsh. A consistent thread is a creamy texture that carries the flavors through the final third.
Best for Beginners
For a newcomer, the Natural Torpedo is the ideal entry point. At medium strength and a $14–$18 price point, it’s approachable without being timid. Expect cedar, a touch of leather, and a mild white pepper that fades into a creamy finish. The torpedo shape concentrates the smoke, but the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper keeps it smooth. Plan for a 60–75 minute smoke, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Las Calaveras Cigar Lineup
Explore 12 Las Calaveras cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:
- Gran Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
- LC EL 2020 Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- LC EL 2020 Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- LC EL 2020 Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- LC EL 2021 Belicoso — Belicoso, Medium-Full · $18–$22 per cigar
- LC EL 2021 Churchill — Churchill, Medium-Full · $18–$22 per cigar
- LC EL 2022 Corona — Corona, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- LC EL 2022 Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Medium-Full · $16–$20 per cigar
- LC EL 2023 Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- LC EL 2023 Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $15–$20 per cigar
- Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
- Natural Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Las Calaveras cigars made?
Las Calaveras cigars are primarily produced at the Raices Cubanas factory in Danlí, Honduras, under the Eiroa family (formerly CLE Cigar Co.). Some editions, such as those under the Crowned Heads banner, are rolled at Tabacalera Villa Cuba in Estelí, Nicaragua.
What is Las Calaveras known for?
Las Calaveras is known for its annual limited-edition releases (EL), each with a unique blend and vitola, such as the 2020 Robusto and 2023 Toro. The brand’s Day of the Dead-inspired branding and the Eiroa family’s Honduran craftsmanship have made it a collector’s favorite.
Are Las Calaveras cigars strong?
Most Las Calaveras cigars are medium to medium-full in strength. The Natural Torpedo is medium, while the Maduro Robusto and EL lines (e.g., 2021 Churchill) lean toward the fuller end of that range.
What is the best Las Calaveras cigar for beginners?
The Natural Torpedo is the best choice for beginners due to its medium strength and approachable flavor profile—cedar, leather, and a touch of white pepper. It’s also priced at $14–$18, making it a reasonable entry point.
How much do Las Calaveras cigars cost?
Prices range from $12–$16 for the Gran Toro, $14–$18 for most EL releases (e.g., 2020 Robusto, 2022 Corona), and up to $18–$22 for the 2021 Belicoso and Churchill.
What wrapper does Las Calaveras use?
Las Calaveras uses a variety of wrappers, including Honduran Corojo, Ecuadorian Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, Ecuadorian Habano, Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, Mexican San Andrés Maduro, and Ecuadorian Connecticut.
Are Las Calaveras cigars Cuban?
No, Las Calaveras cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Honduras (at Raices Cubanas, Danlí) and Nicaragua (Tabacalera Villa Cuba, Estelí), using non-Cuban tobaccos.
Where can I buy Las Calaveras cigars?
Las Calaveras cigars are available at select brick-and-mortar retailers and online cigar shops that carry limited-edition boutique brands. Because they are released in limited quantities, check with authorized Crowned Heads dealers or specialty online stores for current availability.