AshMap
Overview
The Four Kicks Natural Toro is a quiet monument in the landscape of accessible premium cigars. A collaborative effort between Crowned Heads and the celebrated NACSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, the line debuted in 2013 and has since become a benchmark for what a thoughtfully composed, everyday cigar can be. The Natural wrapper variant—the flagship expression—wears an Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf in a golden honey-tan shade, its surface silkier and more refined than the toothier wrappers common at this tier. This is not a cigar that shouts for attention; it earns it through restraint, balance, and an unwavering commitment to construction precision. The story of Four Kicks is one of purposeful simplicity. Crowned Heads and NACSA chose aged Nicaraguan long-fillers from Jalapa and Estelí—primings that bring structure and depth—and married them to a binder and wrapper that prioritize creaminess and approachability. The result is a smoke that unfolds with the quiet confidence of a well-worn leather armchair: familiar, comfortable, yet rewarding upon close examination. From the first light, the cigar announces itself with creamy cashew and toasted bread, a gentle cedar backbone, and a white pepper tingle on the retrohale that is surprisingly refined for a medium-bodied blend. As the burn progresses, the second third introduces roasted almond, hay, and a light caramel sweetness, while leather and mild earth add dimension without disrupting the fundamentally smooth character. The final third tightens with more pronounced cedar and a mild espresso bitterness, the spice modestly increasing on the retrohale as the creaminess integrates with dry wood and a lingering nut finish. It remains composed, never harsh—a testament to the quality of the aged tobaccos and the skill of the rollers at NACSA. The burn and draw are exemplary: effortless resistance, a nearly laser-straight burn line, and dense, light-grey ash that holds firm for over an inch before dropping cleanly. In a market saturated with blends that chase strength or novelty, Four Kicks Natural stands as a reminder that sophistication often wears a modest face. Its price point—$11 to $14 per cigar—places it firmly in the everyday tier, yet the smoking experience rivals many offerings at double the cost. This is a cigar for the smoker who values consistency, nuance, and the quiet pleasure of a well-made thing. It is not a barn-burner, and that is precisely its genius.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-fillers (Jalapa and Estelí primings, aged) |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua (produced at NACSA factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $11–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no extended post-production aging noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with creamy cashew and toasted bread, backed by a gentle cedar note and white pepper on the retrohale. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper lends a characteristic creaminess that dominates early, balanced by a subtle floral quality.
Second Third
Transitions into richer territory — roasted almond, hay, and a light caramel sweetness emerge. Leather and mild earth begin threading through, adding dimension without overwhelming the fundamentally smooth character.
Final Third
The finish tightens with more pronounced cedar and a mild espresso bitterness. Spice picks up modestly on the retrohale, and the creaminess integrates with dry wood and a lingering nut finish. Remains composed and never harsh.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — the draw is effortless with ideal resistance, burn line is nearly laser-straight, and ash holds firm in dense, light grey columns for an inch or more before dropping cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Single malt Scotch from the Speyside region (Glenfiddich 15 or Balvenie DoubleWood) — the malt sweetness mirrors the cigar's creaminess; alternatively a light Tennessee whiskey like Gentleman Jack
Wine
White Burgundy (Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet) — the buttery chardonnay character echoes the cigar's creamy, toasted notes; a lightly oaked domestic Chardonnay works as a more accessible option
Non-Alcoholic
Single-origin Ethiopian pour-over coffee (Yirgacheffe) — the floral and citrus brightness in the coffee contrasts beautifully with the cigar's creaminess and cedar
Who Should Smoke This?
The Four Kicks Natural Toro is for the smoker who values nuance over brawn. It suits the newer aficionado seeking a refined introduction to premium cigars—approachable in strength and flavor, yet complex enough to educate the palate. Seasoned smokers will appreciate its balance and construction, making it an ideal companion for a relaxed afternoon or post-lunch session. With a smoking time of 90 to 100 minutes, it demands no rush; it is for the quiet hour of conversation, the solitary book, or the moment of pause between obligations. Anyone who has dismissed Connecticut-wrapped cigars as one-dimensional should revisit this blend—it rewards attention with surprising depth and a finish that lingers without fatigue.
Bottom Line
The Four Kicks Natural Toro is a masterclass in accessible luxury—a cigar that delivers sophisticated flavor, flawless construction, and genuine character at a price that invites daily enjoyment. If you overlook it because of its approachable strength or modest tier, you are making a mistake.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Four Kicks cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Four Kicks Natural Toro a strong cigar?
No. It is classified as Medium strength (3/5). The blend prioritizes creaminess, balance, and nuance over power, making it approachable for a wide range of smokers without sacrificing complexity.
What does Four Kicks Natural Toro taste like?
The profile opens with creamy cashew and toasted bread, accented by gentle cedar and white pepper. Midway, roasted almond, hay, and light caramel emerge, supported by mild leather and earth. The finish tightens with cedar, espresso bitterness, and a lingering nuttiness—always smooth, never harsh.
How long does Four Kicks Natural Toro take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 90 to 100 minutes, depending on your pace. The 6 x 52 Toro vitola burns evenly and slowly, offering a leisurely session ideal for a relaxed afternoon or post-meal pause.
What is the best pairing for Four Kicks Natural Toro?
A Speyside single malt Scotch (such as Glenfiddich 15 or Balvenie DoubleWood) mirrors the cigar’s creaminess with malt sweetness. For wine, a buttery White Burgundy or lightly oaked domestic Chardonnay echoes its toasted notes. Non-alcoholically, a single-origin Ethiopian pour-over coffee—Yirgacheffe—provides floral and citrus contrast that lifts the cigar’s cedar and nut character.
Is Four Kicks Natural Toro good for beginners?
Yes. Its medium strength, smooth profile, and flawless construction make it an excellent choice for newer aficionados. It offers enough complexity to educate the palate without overwhelming, and the approachable price point reduces the barrier to entry for premium experiences.
Where can I buy Four Kicks Natural Toro?
Four Kicks Natural Toro is widely available at premium online retailers (such as Famous Smoke Shop, Cigar Page, and Atlantic Cigar) and in brick-and-mortar tobacconists. Check Crowned Heads’ official website for an authorized retailer list near you.
What is the price of Four Kicks Natural Toro?
The Four Kicks Natural Toro retails for $11 to $14 per cigar, placing it in the everyday luxury tier. This price reflects its high-quality aged tobaccos and premium construction at an accessible cost.
Is Four Kicks Natural Toro worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, and no extended post-production aging is noted by the manufacturer. While the blend is ready to smoke upon purchase, a few months of rest in a stable humidor may further marry the flavors. Significant aging beyond a year is unlikely to yield transformative results, as the profile is already well-integrated.
What wrapper does Four Kicks Natural Toro use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper in the Natural shade. The wrapper color is a golden honey-tan, slightly silky in texture with minimal tooth, and it provides the signature creaminess that defines the blend.
Where is Four Kicks Natural Toro made?
It is hand-rolled at the NACSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua—the same facility known for producing many acclaimed Nicaraguan puros. The use of local binders and aged fillers from Jalapa and Estelí underscores its authentic Nicaraguan origin.