AshMap
Overview
The Four Kicks Corona is a study in compression—a blend that, in larger formats, unfolds like a slow novel, here reads like a tightly wound short story with no wasted sentences. Crowned Heads’ 2012 debut, inspired by a Tom Petty lyric and the indomitable spirit of New Orleans, has always been about rhythm and soul, but this 5.5 x 46 vitola distills that character into a focused, almost urgent experience. From the first cold draw, there’s a promise of density: the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, silky and Colorado-toned, offers a faint sweetness of dried fig and a whisper of white pepper, while the foot hints at cedar and a nutty, almost marzipan-like richness. Light it, and the opening salvo is a study in balance—rich cedar, toasted almond, and a bright, tart dried cherry that snaps on the retrohale like a chord struck cleanly. The texture is creamy from the outset, a velvet medium that carries a mild white pepper tingle on the finish, inviting and assured. There’s no shyness here; the corona format forces the blend to speak immediately, and it does so with a clarity that larger ring gauges often muddle.
As the ash holds its first dense, grey-white pillar, the second third shifts with a deliberate, almost cinematic transition. The cherry sweetness recedes, not vanishing but integrating into a deeper, more savory profile. Earthy leather emerges as the backbone, wrapped in dark caramel that coats the palate with a gentle, sticky richness. Roasted coffee bean joins the chorus, its bitterness tempered by a persistent nuttiness that recalls the opening almond but now deepened into something closer to walnut or hazelnut. A whisper of cocoa powder dusts the retrohale, and the pepper, once bright, now smolders as a warm, background heat. This is the heart of the cigar, where the Jalapa and Estelí fillers reveal their harmony—the former’s floral, softer notes playing against the latter’s strength, all under the Habano wrapper’s authoritative but never domineering hand. The burn remains razor-sharp, a testament to the rolling at Tabacalera William Ventura, and the draw, though slightly firm, offers just the right resistance to make each puff deliberate.
The final third is where the Four Kicks Corona earns its medium-full badge. The strength climbs with purpose, not aggression, as espresso intensifies to a near-dark roast bitterness, joined by dried herbs—think thyme and a touch of oregano—that add an almost savory complexity. Dark chocolate emerges, not sweet but bittersweet, a counterpoint to the leather and earth that now dominate with a firm, satisfying grip. There’s no harshness, no acrid turn; instead, the finish stretches long, leaving a lingering spice on the lips that begs for another draw even as the cigar nears its end. The ash holds past the one-inch mark, a dense, compact pillar that speaks to impeccable construction. This is a 45-to-55-minute journey that feels both complete and fleeting—a cigar that demands attention not because it’s complex for complexity’s sake, but because every note is so precisely placed that missing one would be a shame. In the pantheon of boutique releases from the 2010s, Four Kicks remains a cornerstone, and this corona is its most articulate voice.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Jalapa and Estelí blend) |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua (produced at Tabacalera William Ventura / HATSA facility under Crowned Heads) |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.5 x 46 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobacco aged prior to rolling; no extended post-roll box aging formally noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The corona opens with rich cedar, toasted almond, and a bright pop of dried cherry on the retrohale. There is a creamy texture from the outset with mild white pepper on the finish — very inviting and well-balanced from the first draw.
Second Third
The center third transitions into earthy leather, dark caramel, and roasted coffee bean. The sweetness mellows and integrates beautifully, with a persistent nuttiness and a whisper of cocoa powder developing on the palate.
Final Third
The final third brings the strength up a notch with intensifying espresso, dried herbs, and a subtle dark chocolate bitterness. Leather and earth dominate without harshness, and the finish is long and satisfying with lingering spice on the lips.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — burn line is razor-sharp with minimal touch-ups required, draw is slightly firm but well within ideal resistance for a corona vitola, and ash holds firmly in dense grey-white pillars past the one-inch mark.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Bourbon with moderate sweetness and oak — Elijah Craig Small Batch or Buffalo Trace are ideal; the caramel and vanilla notes mirror the cigar's mid-palate sweetness
Wine
Garnacha or Côtes du Rhône with dark berry fruit and earthy backbone — a Château Rayas-style wine would be exceptional
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast single-origin Colombian pour-over or a lightly sweetened cortado to echo the almond and roasted coffee notes
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a seasoned smoker—someone who’s been through the gamut of limited editions and hyped releases, who owns a humidor full of rare Cubans and boutique oddities, but who still remembers the quiet thrill of a perfectly constructed everyday cigar. It’s a Tuesday evening, late autumn, and they’ve just finished a long day of work that left them mentally drained but not defeated. They pour two fingers of Elijah Craig Small Batch, settle into a worn leather chair on the porch, and reach for something that won’t demand a two-hour commitment but will still reward their full attention. They’ve smoked the Four Kicks Toro before and enjoyed it, but tonight they want the intensity, the focus that only a corona can deliver. This cigar will give them that—a concentrated arc of flavor that unfolds with purpose, a reminder that strength and finesse can coexist, and a final note of spice that lingers as they watch the smoke curl into the cool air. It’s for the smoker who knows that sometimes the best sessions are the shortest ones, and that a $12 cigar can be as memorable as a $30 one if the blend and format are in perfect sync.
Bottom Line
The Four Kicks Corona is a masterclass in format-driven blending, delivering a concentrated, dynamic flavor arc that punches well above its price point. It’s a must-smoke for anyone who appreciates the precision of a well-executed corona and the soul of a boutique classic.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Four Kicks cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Four Kicks Corona by Crowned Heads a strong cigar?
Yes, it’s rated Medium-Full (4/5). You’ll feel a noticeable nicotine kick, especially in the final third, but it builds gradually rather than hitting you all at once. The strength is balanced by the creamy texture and sweetness in the first half, so it’s approachable for experienced smokers but might be intense for novices.
What does Four Kicks Corona by Crowned Heads taste like?
The flavor progression moves from rich cedar, toasted almond, and dried cherry in the first third, to earthy leather, dark caramel, and roasted coffee bean in the second, and finishes with intensified espresso, dried herbs, and bittersweet dark chocolate. There’s a persistent nuttiness and a whisper of cocoa throughout, with white pepper on the retrohale early on and lingering spice on the lips at the end.
How long does Four Kicks Corona by Crowned Heads take to smoke?
Expect a 45-to-55-minute smoke. The 5.5 x 46 corona vitola burns at a moderate pace, and the slightly firm draw helps regulate the burn, so you get a concentrated experience without it feeling rushed or drawn out.
What is the best pairing for Four Kicks Corona by Crowned Heads?
A bourbon like Elijah Craig Small Batch or Buffalo Trace is ideal—the moderate sweetness and oak notes mirror the cigar’s caramel and vanilla mid-palate, while the proof cuts through the creamy texture. For wine, a Garnacha or Côtes du Rhône with dark berry fruit and an earthy backbone complements the leather and coffee notes. If you’re skipping alcohol, a medium-roast single-origin Colombian pour-over echoes the almond and roasted coffee character.
Is Four Kicks Corona by Crowned Heads good for beginners?
Not really. At Medium-Full strength and $10–$13 per cigar, it’s better suited to smokers with some experience who can handle nicotine and appreciate nuanced flavor shifts. Beginners might find the pepper and strength overwhelming; they’d be better off starting with a milder corona or a Connecticut-shade wrapper before stepping up to this.
Where can I buy Four Kicks Corona by Crowned Heads?
You can find it at most premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Look for authorized Crowned Heads dealers—sites like Famous Smoke Shop, Cigars International, or your local lounge with a well-stocked humidor. Since it’s a core line, it’s widely available, but the corona vitola might sell out faster than larger sizes, so check availability.
What is the price of Four Kicks Corona by Crowned Heads?
The Four Kicks Corona typically retails for $10–$13 per cigar, making it an excellent value in the everyday premium tier. Prices may vary slightly by retailer and state taxes, but it consistently lands in that sub-$15 sweet spot.
Is Four Kicks Corona by Crowned Heads worth aging?
While the tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, there’s no formal post-roll box aging noted, so it’s designed to be smoked relatively fresh. That said, the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan fillers have enough structure to benefit from 6–12 months of rest in your humidor, which could mellow the pepper and integrate the flavors further. Beyond that, you might lose some of the bright, vibrant notes that make this corona shine, so don’t over-age it.
What wrapper does Four Kicks Corona by Crowned Heads use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade, which gives it a medium-dark tan to reddish-brown color and a subtle silky texture. This wrapper contributes a creamy mouthfeel, a touch of sweetness, and a mild white pepper spice that complements the Nicaraguan binder and fillers without overpowering them.
Where is Four Kicks Corona by Crowned Heads made?
It’s hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the Tabacalera William Ventura / HATSA facility, under the Crowned Heads brand. The blend was developed in collaboration with Pepin Garcia-trained rollers, which explains the impeccable construction and the balanced, characterful profile that’s become a hallmark of the Four Kicks line.