AshMap
Overview
When Crowned Heads released Four Kicks in 2012, few could have predicted it would become the cigar that defined the brand's identity for over a decade. Named after a Kings of Leon track, this robusto was never meant to be a novelty — it was architect Mike Conder and Jon Huber's statement of intent: a medium-full blend engineered to deliver complexity and refinement at an approachable price point. Produced at Tabacalera La Alianza in Estelí, Four Kicks became the benchmark against which value-segment Nicaraguan cigars are still measured today.
What makes Four Kicks remarkable is not just its price, but its structural integrity and flavor architecture. The opening act announces itself with roasted cedar, toasted almonds, and creamy leather — a refined introduction that neither overwhelms nor apologizes. A gentle red pepper tingle on the retrohale keeps the palate engaged without aggression. As the cigar progresses into its second third, a more sophisticated character emerges: dark dried fruit (cherry and raisin), baking spice, and dark chocolate begin their interplay, while the creaminess from the opening gives way to a more structured cocoa presence. This is where complexity peaks, rewarding those who pay attention. The final third intensifies with espresso, charred oak, and mounting pepper, yet a lingering molasses sweetness prevents the cigar from becoming one-dimensional. The finish is long and woody, with a spiced aftertaste that lingers pleasantly.
Construction is where Four Kicks truly punches above its weight. The burn is remarkably even with minimal maintenance required, the draw is generously open without being loose, and the ash holds firm in light grey columns that persist well past an inch. This is not a cigar engineered in a laboratory and rushed to market — it is the product of careful tobacco selection, proper aging before rolling, and meticulous hand-rolling at a facility known for excellence. For fifteen years, Four Kicks has remained a year-round regular production line, a consistency that speaks to both its popularity and its accessibility. It is a cigar that rewards the seasoned aficionado with genuine complexity while remaining approachable enough for the newer smoker still learning their palate.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Jalapa and Estelí) and Honduran (Trojes) long-leaf |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — produced at Tabacalera La Alianza (SEVA/Jochy Blanco facility) |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto |
| Size | 5 x 50 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged prior to rolling; no extended post-production aging formally declared |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening presents a refined interplay of roasted cedar, toasted almonds, and creamy leather. A gentle red pepper tingle settles on the retrohale alongside subtle earthiness. The draw is immediately generous, producing a thick, ivory-toned smoke.
Second Third
The midpoint deepens considerably — dark dried fruit (dried cherry and raisin) emerges alongside baking spice and a dark chocolate undertone. Creaminess from the first third transitions into a more structured, slightly drier cocoa note. Complexity is at its peak here.
Final Third
The final third brings a satisfying ramp-up in strength and pepper, with espresso and charred oak becoming more prominent. The sweetness does not disappear entirely — a molasses-like quality lingers. Finishes long with a woody, spiced aftertaste.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — burn is even with minimal touch-ups required, draw is open but not loose, and the ash holds firm in light grey columns well past an inch. A benchmark for value-tier Nicaraguan construction quality.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Jamaican rum (Appleton Estate 21-Year or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva) — complements the dark fruit and spice without overwhelming the chocolate notes; alternatively, a wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller 12.
Wine
Tempranillo-based Rioja Reserva (López de Heredia Viña Tondonia) or a Malbec from Mendoza — the fruit-forward profile mirrors the cigar's dried cherry and plum character.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin dark roast pour-over (Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Guatemalan Huehuetenango) enhances the cocoa and dried fruit mid-palate interplay beautifully.
Who Should Smoke This?
Four Kicks is the thinking person's value cigar. Experienced smokers seeking consistent quality without pretension will find it indispensable — it offers enough complexity to justify serious attention, yet costs a fraction of what similarly constructed cigars command. Newer aficionados benefit from its clear flavor progression and manageable strength trajectory, making it an excellent bridge between entry-level smokes and more demanding blends. The 45–55 minute smoke window makes it ideal for weekday evenings or relaxed weekend sessions when time is limited but quality cannot be compromised. This is the cigar you reach for when you want substance without ceremony.
Bottom Line
Four Kicks remains the most important value-segment cigar of the last fifteen years — a masterclass in balancing accessibility with genuine complexity. If you haven't experienced Crowned Heads' flagship robusto, you're overlooking one of the finest everyday cigars in the market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Four Kicks a strong cigar?
Four Kicks carries a medium-full strength profile (4/5), making it moderately assertive without being overwhelming. The strength builds gradually through the smoke, ramping up noticeably in the final third with increased pepper and espresso notes. It's substantial enough to reward experienced smokers yet manageable for those still developing their tolerance.
What does Four Kicks taste like?
The flavor journey begins with roasted cedar, toasted almonds, and creamy leather, followed by a transition into dark dried fruit (cherry and raisin), baking spice, and dark chocolate in the midpoint. The final third deepens further with espresso, charred oak, and mounting pepper, while a lingering molasses sweetness prevents harshness. Red pepper tingles on the retrohale persist throughout.
How long does Four Kicks take to smoke?
A five-by-fifty robusto, Four Kicks typically smokes in 45–55 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a weekday evening session or a focused weekend smoke without significant time commitment.
What is the best pairing for Four Kicks?
Aged Jamaican rum (Appleton Estate 21-Year or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva) complements the dark fruit and spice beautifully, or try a wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller 12. For wine, a Tempranillo-based Rioja Reserva or Mendoza Malbec mirrors the cigar's fruit-forward profile. A dark roast pour-over coffee (Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Guatemalan Huehuetenango) enhances the cocoa and dried fruit interplay.
Is Four Kicks good for beginners?
Yes. While medium-full in strength, Four Kicks' clear flavor progression and excellent construction make it an approachable introduction to more complex blends. It teaches newer smokers what proper balance and refinement look like without demanding advanced palate skills.
Where can I buy Four Kicks?
Four Kicks is a year-round regular production line available through authorized cigar retailers and online merchants carrying Crowned Heads products.
What is the price of Four Kicks?
Four Kicks retails between $10–$13 per cigar, positioning it squarely in the everyday/value segment while offering construction and complexity typically found at much higher price points.
Is Four Kicks worth aging?
Crowned Heads does not formally declare extended post-production aging for Four Kicks, as the tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling. The cigar is designed to be enjoyed at its intended release state, though proper humidor storage will maintain its qualities over time.
What wrapper does Four Kicks use?
Four Kicks features an Ecuadorian Habano Colorado wrapper with a medium brown color and subtle reddish hue, offering a lightly toothy texture with natural sheen.
Where is Four Kicks made?
Four Kicks is hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at Tabacalera La Alianza (the SEVA/Jochy Blanco facility), known for meticulous construction quality and consistency.