AshMap
Overview
The Jericho Hill Corona represents a quiet triumph in Crowned Heads’ storied portfolio—a cigar that eschews bombast for an earnest, terroir-driven expression of Nicaraguan tobacco. Launched in 2014 as a collaboration with master blender Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo Jr. and produced at his EPC Cigar Co. factory in Estelí, Jericho Hill was conceived as a tribute to the rugged, sun-scorched landscape of its namesake, a ghost town in the American West. Yet its soul is unmistakably Nicaraguan: the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, cloaked in a medium-brown Colorado capa with a light sheen and subtle tooth, encloses a core of aged Jalapa and Estelí long-fillers that have rested for a minimum of two years. The result is a medium-full cigar that speaks with clarity and restraint, never leaning on excess strength to make its point.
From the first light, the Corona vitola—a trim 5.5 x 46—demonstrates why a narrower ring gauge can be the ideal vessel for a nuanced blend. The opening notes of roasted cedar, dry cocoa, and a peppery retrohale are anchored by a loamy earthiness that feels almost sunbaked, a signature of Jalapa-forward compositions. As the cigar progresses, the profile deepens into a more layered affair: dark caramel sweetness, toasted almond, and a whisper of espresso cream emerge, punctuated by a bright, dried-cherry note that cuts through the darker undertones. The pepper recedes into the background, allowing the blend’s inherent complexity to unfold without aggression.
In its final third, Jericho Hill builds purposefully toward a crescendo of leather, charred oak, and dark chocolate, with a graphite-like minerality that lingers on the finish. The construction, predictably impeccable from the EPC factory, delivers a slightly firm draw that produces voluminous smoke and a razor-even burn line, holding a salt-and-pepper ash for over an inch. This is not a cigar that demands your undivided attention for hours—it completes its arc in 45 to 55 minutes—but it rewards the smoker who brings patience and curiosity. Within the Crowned Heads lineup, Jericho Hill has long been overshadowed by the more vocal Four Kicks and Headley Grange. Serious aficionados, however, recognize it as a sleeper: an honest, unpretentious smoke that captures the raw character of Nicaraguan terroir with uncommon precision. The Corona is its finest expression—focused, articulate, and utterly confident.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-filler blend (Jalapa and Estelí primings, aged minimum 2 years) |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.5 x 46 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Filler tobaccos aged approximately 2 years; blend rested post-rolling |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers a confident burst of roasted cedar, dry cocoa, and a subtle peppery tingle on the retrohale. Earthy underpinnings of loamy soil and dried tobacco leaf provide an immediately grounded, rustic quality characteristic of Jalapa-forward Nicaraguan blends.
Second Third
The midpoint transitions into a richer, more complex phase featuring dark caramel sweetness, toasted almond, and a hint of espresso cream. The pepper integrates rather than dominates, and a dried cherry nuance emerges lending brightness against the darker tones.
Final Third
The final third builds in body and intensity, delivering leather, charred oak, and dark chocolate with a long, satisfying finish. Spice returns on the retrohale, and the blend finishes with a mineral, almost graphite-like note that lingers elegantly.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is characteristically tight and well-executed from EPC's factory — draw is slightly firm but ideal, producing voluminous smoke; the burn line is generally razor-even with a firm, salt-and-pepper ash that holds 1–1.5 inches without issue.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18-Year) or a high-rye bourbon such as Four Roses Single Barrel — the caramel and spice notes mirror the blend beautifully
Wine
A Tempranillo-based Rioja Reserva or a Malbec from Mendoza — the dark fruit and earthy minerality align well with the cigar's second and final thirds
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Nicaraguan pour-over coffee, lightly roasted — Jinotega or Matagalpa origins are ideal complements to the roasted cedar and cocoa notes
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is for the smoker who values clarity of flavor over brute force—someone who appreciates a medium-full profile that builds gracefully rather than overwhelms. Experienced aficionados will recognize the artistry in the aged Jalapa and Estelí filler, while ambitious intermediate smokers will find it an excellent study in balance and terroir. The 45–55 minute smoke time makes it ideal for a contemplative afternoon break or a relaxed evening session; it is complex enough to reward focused attention but never demands a multi-hour commitment. If you seek a no-nonsense, premium Nicaraguan cigar that delivers honest character at a fair price, this is your smoke.
Bottom Line
The Jericho Hill Corona is the sleeper hit of the Crowned Heads lineup—a focused, terroir-driven Nicaraguan that delivers roasted cedar, dark caramel, and a graphite finish with pinpoint precision. At $10–$14, it offers an understated, medium-full experience that serious smokers will return to again and again.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Jericho Hill cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jericho Hill Corona a strong cigar?
It is rated medium-full (4/5). The strength builds gradually through the final third but never becomes overpowering, making it approachable for experienced smokers while still offering enough backbone to satisfy those seeking a substantive nicotine kick.
What does Jericho Hill Corona taste like?
Expect a flavor profile of roasted cedar, dry cocoa, and earthy loam in the first third, transitioning to dark caramel, toasted almond, and espresso cream with a dried cherry brightness in the second third. The final third introduces leather, charred oak, dark chocolate, and a distinctive graphite-like minerality.
How long does Jericho Hill Corona take to smoke?
The smoke time is approximately 45 to 55 minutes, thanks to the 5.5 x 46 Corona vitola. The tight, well-executed draw and even burn contribute to a consistent pace.
What is the best pairing for Jericho Hill Corona?
Aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 18-Year or a high-rye bourbon like Four Roses Single Barrel complements the caramel and spice notes. For wine, a Tempranillo-based Rioja Reserva or a Mendoza Malbec aligns with the dark fruit and earthy minerality. A single-origin Nicaraguan pour-over coffee (Jinotega or Matagalpa) is an excellent non-alcoholic pairing.
Is Jericho Hill Corona good for beginners?
It is best suited for intermediate to experienced smokers due to its medium-full strength and layered complexity. Beginners may appreciate the balanced flavor profile but should approach it with some nicotine tolerance, especially in the final third.
Where can I buy Jericho Hill Corona?
Jericho Hill is a limited-production boutique line from Crowned Heads. It is available at select premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Given its limited runs, availability may vary by season and region.
What is the price of Jericho Hill Corona?
The price range is $10–$14 per cigar, positioning it at a premium but accessible price point for a hand-rolled, limited-production Nicaraguan blend with aged filler tobaccos.
Is Jericho Hill Corona worth aging?
Yes. The filler tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years, and the blend rests post-rolling. Additional aging of 1–3 years can further integrate the flavors and soften the pepper, though the cigar is enjoyable from the moment of purchase.
What wrapper does Jericho Hill Corona use?
It features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade—medium brown, lightly oily, and subtly toothy. The wrapper contributes notes of roasted cedar, cocoa, and a peppery tingle on the retrohale.
Where is Jericho Hill Corona made?
The cigar is hand-rolled at the EPC Cigar Co. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, under the supervision of master blender Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo Jr. It is a collaboration between Crowned Heads and Pérez-Carrillo.