AshMap
Overview
Since its debut in 2014, Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads has carved a singular place in the premium cigar landscape. Named after a Johnny Cash song and carrying outlaw-inflected Americana branding, this Torpedo is no mere novelty—it is a serious, full-bodied Maduro that commands attention from first light to final inch. Produced in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the estimable Tabacalera William Ventura (TWVC), the blend layers a toothy, deep black-brown Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder from Jalapa and a dual-origin filler from Estelí and Jalapa. The result is a cigar that telegraphs its intentions immediately: this is not a subtle smoke. Yet for all its power—rated a firm 4 out of 5 for strength—Jericho Hill achieves a rare complexity, balancing roasted espresso, dark chocolate, and charred oak at the outset with a backbone of sweet earth and a whisper of black pepper. That early volley evolves gracefully into a second third marked by barnyard leather, dried fig, and creamy mocha, softened further by a cinnamon-cedar mid-palate and the deepening richness of bittersweet Baker’s chocolate. Retrohale rewards the disciplined smoker with tar-like sweetness and hints of dark cherry, while the final third crescendos with roasted coffee grounds, charred leather, and a lingering molasses sweetness that refuses to turn harsh. Construction matches the ambition: the draw is open and generous, delivering voluminous smoke with a firm, cool character. The burn line may wander slightly out of the gate but self-corrects reliably, and the ash holds in tight, light-gray columns to an inch and a half. Jericho Hill’s production is deliberately limited, its annual runs lending an air of collectibility to a cigar that already punches well above its price tier. At fifteen to nineteen dollars per stick, it competes with—and often bests—the Liga Privada and Tatuaje heavyweights that define full-bodied Maduro smoking. What sets it apart is a sweet earthiness that tempers the pepper-driven aggression of its peers, making it one of the most underrated full-bodied blends available. Aficionados who appreciate Connecticut Broadleaf’s classic richness will find in Jericho Hill a nuanced, non-linear evolution that rewards a ninety- to one-hundred-minute session of undivided attention. This is a cigar for the purist who demands depth without one-dimensionality, and for the collector who recognizes that limited production need not mean limited ambition.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Estelí and Jalapa blend) |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — produced at Tabacalera William Ventura (TWVC) |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.5 x 52 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $15–$19 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no formal post-roll aging program publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw offers dark molasses, raisin, and unsweetened cocoa. The light-up delivers a commanding wave of roasted espresso, dark chocolate, and charred oak with an underpinning of sweet earth. Body is immediately full, and a subtle black pepper note emerges at the back of the palate.
Second Third
The transition brings barnyard leather, dried fig, and a creamy mocha note that softens the pepper. A cinnamon-cedar spice layers in mid-palate, and the cocoa deepens toward bittersweet Baker's chocolate. Retrohale reveals rich, almost tar-like sweetness with hints of dark cherry.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with roasted coffee grounds, charred leather, and a lingering molasses sweetness that refuses to turn harsh. Earthy minerals and a peppery finish crescendo without bitterness if the smoke is managed at a relaxed pace. The finish is long, dry, and deeply satisfying.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is excellent for the price point — the draw is open but not loose, delivering generous smoke output with a firm, cool smoke. The burn line is slightly uneven out of the gate but self-corrects within the first inch; ash holds in tight, dense columns of light gray to one and a half inches.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged bourbon with high rye content — Bulleit 10-Year, Four Roses Single Barrel, or a blended Scotch like Balvenie DoubleWood 12
Wine
Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley or Lodi) or a bold Paso Robles Petite Sirah — the fruit-forward dark berry notes mirror the cigar's fig and dark cherry character
Non-Alcoholic
Cold brew concentrate black, or a dark roast French press — the roasted bitterness harmonizes with the espresso backbone of the tobacco
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is for the experienced smoker who craves a full-bodied Maduro with layered complexity—not just brute strength. Jericho Hill rewards those who have developed a palate for roasted espresso, dark chocolate, and sweet earth, and who appreciate how a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper can evolve from charred oak to creamy mocha to long, dry finish. It demands a dedicated session of ninety minutes or more: a weekend afternoon, a post-dinner contemplative smoke, or any occasion where rushing is not an option. Beginners should approach with caution—the nicotine and flavor intensity are formidable—but intermediate smokers ready to graduate from milder blends will find a masterclass in balance. If you love Liga Privada or Tatuaje’s heavier offerings but crave more sweet earthiness and less raw pepper, this is your smoke.
Bottom Line
Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads is a quintessential full-bodied Maduro that punches far above its price point, offering rare complexity and an evolution that rewards deliberate smoking. One of the most underrated blends in its tier, it stands as a masterclass in how Connecticut Broadleaf over a Nicaraguan core can achieve depth without one-dimensionality.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Jericho Hill cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo a strong cigar?
Yes. Rated 4 out of 5 for strength, it is a full-bodied cigar with significant nicotine presence. The blend’s Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper and Nicaraguan filler core deliver a commanding, robust experience that seasoned smokers will appreciate, but it may overwhelm those unaccustomed to high-strength cigars.
What does Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo taste like?
The flavor profile evolves from roasted espresso, dark chocolate, and charred oak with sweet earth and black pepper in the first third. The second third introduces barnyard leather, dried fig, creamy mocha, and cinnamon-cedar spice, with cocoa deepening to bittersweet Baker’s chocolate. The final third intensifies with roasted coffee grounds, charred leather, lingering molasses sweetness, earthy minerals, and a peppery finish.
How long does Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo take to smoke?
Plan for 90 to 100 minutes. The 6.5 x 52 Torpedo vitola, combined with its dense construction and generous smoke output, requires a relaxed, unhurried session to fully appreciate its flavor evolution without bitterness or overheating.
What is the best pairing for Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo?
Spirit-wise, it pairs superbly with high-rye aged bourbon such as Bulleit 10-Year or Four Roses Single Barrel, and with blended Scotch like Balvenie DoubleWood 12. For wine, choose a fruit-forward Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley or a bold Paso Robles Petite Sirah. Non-alcoholic: dark roast French press or black cold brew concentrate to mirror the cigar’s espresso backbone.
Is Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo good for beginners?
No, it is not recommended for beginners. Its full-strength nicotine profile and intense, complex flavor profile—dominated by roasted espresso, dark chocolate, and charred oak—are best suited for experienced smokers who have developed tolerance and a palate for full-bodied Maduros.
Where can I buy Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo?
Due to limited annual production runs, availability can be sporadic. It is typically found at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists, select online cigar retailers, and at Crowned Heads’ authorized dealers. Given its collectible nature, checking retailer inventory or signing up for stock alerts is recommended.
What is the price of Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo?
The suggested retail price ranges from $15 to $19 per cigar, depending on the retailer and applicable local taxes. At this price point, it competes in the premium tier and offers exceptional value for a limited-production, full-bodied Maduro of this quality.
Is Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo worth aging?
While the tobaccos are aged prior to rolling and the blend is crafted for immediate enjoyment, it can benefit from short-term aging (6 to 12 months) in a stable environment to further integrate the flavors and soften any remaining pepper. No formal post-roll aging program is publicly disclosed, but experienced collectors often note positive evolution with modest humidor rest.
What wrapper does Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo use?
It uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, graded as Maduro in shade and color—a deep, black-brown leaf that is toothy and oily with visible veins. This wrapper is known for its rich, sweet-earth character and contributes significantly to the cigar's roasted espresso and dark chocolate notes.
Where is Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo made?
It is made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at Tabacalera William Ventura (TWVC). The factory is renowned for its precision craftsmanship and use of high-quality Nicaraguan tobaccos, particularly from the Estelí and Jalapa regions.