AshMap
Overview
The Crowned Heads Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona represents a masterclass in restrained ambition. When Jon Huber and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo introduced the Capa Especial line in 2013 as a limited annual release, they made a decisive choice: replace the core line's Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper with an Ecuadorian Habano Rosado leaf. This single modification unlocks a cigar of surprising depth and refinement, one that justifies the devotion Crowned Heads commands among serious aficionados.
The corona vitola—at 5.5 by 46—proves to be the ideal format for the Rosado wrapper's nuanced character. The opening unfolds with creamy cedar and roasted almond sweetness, accented by a measured red pepper tingle on the retrohale. As the smoke progresses into the second third, the profile darkens and complexifies: espresso and bittersweet cocoa emerge, balanced against dried fig and refined leather earthiness. The wrapper's inherent sweetness doesn't fade; rather, it integrates into a sophisticated mid-palate architecture. The final third concentrates its strengths, delivering dark roasted coffee and charred oak with a lingering spice, all anchored by an undercurrent of molasses that prevents harshness and extends a long, satisfying finish.
Construction throughout is exemplary. The draw maintains an ideal equilibrium—open enough to encourage proper smoke production, yet with sufficient resistance to support even combustion. The burn line holds remarkably true, and the ash throws firm and dense, holding well past an inch before releasing cleanly. At 45 to 55 minutes, this cigar occupies a sweet spot: substantial enough to reward focused attention, yet brief enough for a mid-afternoon interlude or post-dinner session. The Crowned Heads Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona punches decisively above its price point, a reminder that premium cigars need not demand premium time commitments to deliver premium experiences.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano Rosado — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan Estelí and Jalapa long-fillers, aged a minimum of two years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — produced at Tabacalera Plasencia |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.5 x 46 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $9–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling; Capa Especial line introduced in 2013 as a limited annual release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The corona opens with a generous burst of creamy cedar and sweet roasted almond, underscored by a mild red pepper tingle on the retrohale. A subtle dark honey sweetness threads through, complemented by notes of milk chocolate and toasted bread.
Second Third
The profile deepens considerably — dark espresso and bittersweet cocoa come forward, balanced by dried fig and a refined leather earthiness. The Rosado wrapper's inherent sweetness remains present but now integrates into a more complex, layered mid-palate.
Final Third
The final third delivers a concentrated ramp-up in strength with notes of dark roasted coffee, charred oak, and a lingering spice that builds on the retrohale. A sweet molasses undercurrent prevents the finish from turning harsh, leaving the palate with a long, satisfying close.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — the draw is open yet with just enough resistance to support proper combustion, and the burn line holds remarkably even throughout, throwing a dense, firm ash that holds well past an inch before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Kentucky Bourbon — Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Four Roses Single Barrel — whose vanilla and caramel notes harmonize beautifully with the wrapper's natural sweetness
Wine
A fruit-forward Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma — its jammy dark fruit and spice are sympathetic companions to the Capa Especial's cocoa and dried fig character
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over — the coffee's floral brightness and berry sweetness echo and complement the cigar's honey and almond notes
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar suits intermediate to advanced smokers seeking a bridge between medium and full-bodied profiles—those curious about deeper, more complex tobacco expressions without committing to an extended smoking session. The corona vitola is equally at home in the hands of experienced aficionados who appreciate how a smaller format can showcase wrapper nuance, and it serves as an exceptional gateway for 'medium body' enthusiasts ready to explore fuller-bodied territory without abrupt intensity. Ideal for a focused mid-afternoon break or a leisurely 50-minute post-dinner ritual, this is a cigar for the discerning smoker who values substance over sheer scale.
Bottom Line
The Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona is Crowned Heads firing on all cylinders—a refined, complexly layered smoke that delivers sophisticated tobacco character and exemplary construction at a price that feels like a steal. This is the cigar that reminds you why limited annual releases matter.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Four Kicks Capa Especial cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona a strong cigar?
Yes, at a medium-full strength (4/5), this corona delivers considerable body and nicotine without becoming oppressive. It builds steadily from the first third through the final third, making it ideal for smokers comfortable with fuller profiles but not requiring extreme intensity.
What does the Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona taste like?
The opening offers creamy cedar, roasted almond, and subtle dark honey with milk chocolate and toasted bread notes. The mid-palate evolves into espresso, bittersweet cocoa, dried fig, and leather. The final third concentrates into dark roasted coffee, charred oak, and spice, anchored by molasses sweetness.
How long does the Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona take to smoke?
At 5.5 by 46, expect a 45 to 55-minute smoke—ideal for a focused mid-afternoon break or post-dinner session without the time commitment of larger formats.
What is the best pairing for the Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona?
Aged Kentucky bourbon such as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Four Roses Single Barrel pairs beautifully with the wrapper's vanilla and caramel sweetness. A fruit-forward Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley offers jammy dark fruit and spice sympathetic to the cigar's cocoa and fig character. For non-alcoholic pairing, a single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over echoes the honey and almond notes.
Is the Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona good for beginners?
Not ideal for newcomers to cigar smoking, due to its medium-full strength profile. However, it serves as an excellent transitional cigar for intermediate smokers ready to explore fuller-bodied blends—many describe it as the gateway cigar that converted them to medium-full territory.
Where can I buy the Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona?
As a premium limited annual release from Crowned Heads, availability is restricted. It is typically found at established premium cigar retailers and specialty shops. Direct verification with retailers is recommended due to its limited production run.
What is the price of the Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona?
The Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona retails between $9 and $13 per cigar, positioning it as an exceptional value in the premium category.
Is the Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling, arriving at retail in well-developed condition. While further aging is a matter of personal preference, the cigar is excellent fresh and does not require additional cellaring to deliver its intended profile.
What wrapper does the Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona use?
The Capa Especial line is distinguished by its Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper in a Colorado shade, which imparts greater complexity and sweetness compared to the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper used on the core Four Kicks line.
Where is the Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona made?
This cigar is produced in Estelí, Nicaragua at Tabacalera Plasencia under the direction of Crowned Heads' Jon Huber and master blender Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, using Nicaraguan Jalapa binder and aged Nicaraguan Estelí and Jalapa long-fillers.