AshMap
Overview
Crowned Heads arrived on the premium cigar scene in 2011 with a clear mission: to create thoughtfully blended, limited-production smokes that honored the traditions of Cuban cigar-making without being shackled by them. The following year, the brand released Four Kicks — a line that would swiftly become its flagship and prove that a new boutique factory could compete with the establishment on blend complexity and construction quality. The Four Kicks Toro, a 6 x 52 vitola, is widely regarded as the line’s definitive expression. It is the format where the collaborative vision of Jon Huber and Mike Conder — both seasoned veterans of the industry — achieves its most satisfying balance of flavor, strength, and structure.
Produced at Tabacalera Pichardo (NACSA) in Estelí, Nicaragua, the Four Kicks Toro layers an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper of Colorado grade over a Nicaraguan binder from Jalapa and a filler blend that unites Estelí and Jalapa tobaccos with Dominican ligero. This is not a cigar that shouts; it speaks in measured, confident tones. The opening third greets the smoker with a refined bouquet of roasted espresso, toasted cedar, and a whisper of cream, while a gentle white pepper and cinnamon dance across the retrohale. The second third deepens into dark chocolate, dried cherry, and a leathery grip that builds in authority; the creaminess from the start evolves into roasted cashew and almond, and the pepper integrates rather than fades. By the final third, the profile darkens into rich earth, charred oak, black coffee, and a lingering molasses sweetness — a finish that rewards patience without ever tipping into aggression.
Construction is exemplary. The draw offers ideal resistance, the burn is razor-even, and the ash holds firm past an inch. Smoke production is generous and creamy, enhancing every nuance of the blend. At a price point between $12 and $16 per cigar, the Four Kicks Toro punches well above its tier in complexity and refinement. It is a cigar that demands your full attention yet remains accessible enough for a weekday reward — a rare balance that speaks to the mastery of its makers. For smokers who have overlooked this line in favor of trendier Nicaraguan puros, a reacquaintance is strongly advised.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Estelí and Jalapa) and Dominican ligero |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — produced at Tabacalera Pichardo (NACSA) |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos reported to undergo a minimum aging period before rolling; no extended vintage aging publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers a refined bouquet of roasted espresso, toasted cedar, and a hint of cream. There is a gentle spice on the retrohale — white pepper and a whisper of cinnamon — that keeps the palate engaged without overwhelming. A subtle earthiness roots the experience from the first draw.
Second Third
The mid-section opens up considerably, introducing dark chocolate, dried cherry, and a leather underpinning that grows more assertive. The creaminess from the first third transitions into a nuttier quality — roasted cashew or almond — while the pepper spice mellows and integrates beautifully. Body and complexity are at their peak here.
Final Third
The final third deepens with notes of dark cocoa, rich earth, and a pleasant charred oak character. A touch of black coffee and a lingering molasses sweetness emerge on the finish. The strength builds modestly but never crosses into aggressive territory, closing with a long, satisfying finish.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary from Tabacalera Pichardo — the draw is ideal, offering just enough resistance, and the burn is razor-even with a dense, firm ash that holds well past an inch. Smoke production is generous and creamy.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum (Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva) or a wheated bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46 — the sweetness in each spirit mirrors the cigar's chocolate and dried fruit notes beautifully
Wine
A medium-bodied Tempranillo — Rioja Reserva or a Ribera del Duero — whose earthy red fruit and leather character align naturally with the cigar's mid-section complexity
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin pour-over coffee with Colombian or Ethiopian beans, medium roast, to amplify the espresso and chocolate through the smoke
Who Should Smoke This?
The Four Kicks Toro is for the experienced smoker who values nuance over brute force — someone who appreciates a medium-full cigar that builds complexity across three distinct acts. It suits enthusiasts seeking a 75–90 minute session for a relaxed afternoon or early evening, and it rewards focused attention without demanding a special occasion. Moderate smokers will find the strength manageable, though beginners may need a few milder sticks under their belt before tackling this profile. If you appreciate layered notes of espresso, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and leather — and you respect construction that borders on flawless — this cigar belongs in your rotation.
Bottom Line
The Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro is a benchmark of the boutique cigar movement — a flawlessly constructed, medium-full smoke that delivers remarkable complexity at a price that feels almost generous. It is the cigar that put Crowned Heads on the map, and it remains the sweet spot of the entire line.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Four Kicks cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro a strong cigar?
The Four Kicks Toro is rated medium-full, earning a 4 out of 5 on the strength scale. It builds modestly through the smoke, offering a satisfying crescendo of body and flavor without ever crossing into aggressive territory. It is robust enough for seasoned smokers yet approachable for those with some experience under their belts.
What does Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro taste like?
The flavor profile evolves through three distinct stages. The first third delivers roasted espresso, toasted cedar, cream, and a gentle white pepper with a hint of cinnamon. The second third introduces dark chocolate, dried cherry, leather, and roasted nuts. The final third deepens into dark cocoa, rich earth, charred oak, black coffee, and a lingering molasses sweetness.
How long does Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 75 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace. The Toro vitola (6 x 52) offers a generous session suited for a relaxed afternoon or an early evening unwind.
What is the best pairing for Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro?
An aged rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, or a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46, mirrors the cigar's chocolate and dried fruit notes beautifully. For wine, a medium-bodied Tempranillo — Rioja Reserva or Ribera del Duero — aligns with the cigar's earthy red fruit and leather. Non-alcoholically, a single-origin pour-over coffee (Colombian or Ethiopian, medium roast) amplifies the espresso and chocolate throughout the smoke.
Is Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro good for beginners?
While not recommended for novice smokers due to its medium-full strength and layered complexity, it is an excellent next step for those who have graduated from milder smokes. The cigar rewards attention and a developed palate, but its flawless construction and moderate price make it a worthy goal for advancing enthusiasts.
Where can I buy Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro?
Four Kicks Toro is a regular production cigar widely available at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists and authorized online retailers. Standard packaging is boxes of 24. We recommend purchasing from reputable vendors who store cigars at proper humidity to ensure optimal condition.
What is the price of Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro?
The retail price ranges from $12 to $16 per cigar, placing it in the premium tier. Given its blend complexity, construction quality, and regular production status, it offers exceptional value relative to similarly rated smokes.
Is Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro worth aging?
The tobaccos undergo a minimum aging period before rolling, and the blend is well-balanced upon release. While extended vintage aging is not publicly disclosed for this line, a year or two of humidor rest may soften the pepper and further integrate the flavors. However, the cigar drinks beautifully fresh and does not require aging to be enjoyed at its peak.
What wrapper does Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro use?
The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Habano leaf graded at Colorado color — a medium brown, silky wrapper with a subtle sheen and minimal veining. This wrapper contributes notes of cedar, espresso, and a gentle spice that underpins the entire blend.
Where is Crowned Heads Four Kicks Toro made?
The Four Kicks Toro is hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at Tabacalera Pichardo (NACSA). This factory is renowned for its meticulous construction standards and is the same facility where Crowned Heads produces several of its core lines.