AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about a quarter-inch into the first third, when the Jericho Hill Torpedo stops being a cigar and becomes a place. The name, borrowed from a Johnny Cash song about a prison, isn't just outlaw posturing; it’s a promise of a hard, dusty landscape where the sweetness has to be earned. This is not a cigar that whispers. It opens with a broad-shouldered declaration of roasted espresso and dark chocolate that lands on the palate like a firm handshake, but the genius is in the restraint—the charred oak and sweet earth that follow don't compete; they build a foundation. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, dark as wet river stone and gleaming with oil, is the key to this architecture. It delivers a classic Maduro richness, but the Nicaraguan core underneath prevents it from collapsing into a one-note sugar bomb. Instead, you get a savory, almost mineral tension that keeps the smoke interesting from the first draw to the last. The pepper is there, a subtle black note at the back of the throat, but it’s a seasoning, not the main course. This is a blend that understands the power of a slow burn, both literally and figuratively.
As the ash holds its first dense column, the second third shifts the narrative. The initial espresso blast mellows into a creamy mocha, a softening that feels like the sun passing behind a cloud on that dusty plain. The barnyard leather and dried fig introduce a rustic, almost fermented sweetness, while a distinct cinnamon-cedar spice emerges to dance on the mid-palate. This is where the blend’s complexity truly shines; it’s not a linear progression but a layered conversation. The retrohale is the most rewarding part of this section, revealing a rich, almost tar-like sweetness with a dark cherry undertone that feels like finding a hidden spring in the desert. The Baker's chocolate deepens, turning bittersweet, and the smoke, which was already full, gains a creamy texture that coats the mouth. It’s a masterclass in balance—the sweetness never cloys, the spice never bites, and the strength, while firmly in the full-bodied camp, never feels harsh or fatiguing.
The final third is a crescendo that refuses to break. The roasted coffee returns, but now it’s the flavor of grounds at the bottom of a French press—intense, gritty, and unapologetic. The charred leather and lingering molasses sweetness form a powerful duet, while a new earthy, mineral quality emerges, grounding the experience. The key here is pacing; if you push this cigar, it will push back with bitterness. But if you let it smolder at a relaxed, contemplative pace, the finish is long, dry, and deeply satisfying, a slow fade of pepper and dark cocoa that leaves you with the memory of the journey rather than the sting of the end. The construction is a testament to the Tabacalera William Ventura factory—the draw is open and generous, producing voluminous, cool smoke, and the burn line, while slightly uneven at first, self-corrects with an almost arrogant confidence. This is a 90 to 100-minute commitment that demands your full attention, and it rewards that attention with a narrative arc that feels both epic and intimate. It’s a cigar that punches well above its price point, offering a depth and character that rivals blends costing significantly more, and it solidifies the Jericho Hill line as a cornerstone of the Crowned Heads portfolio.
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?
You are a seasoned smoker who has cut your teeth on the peppery onslaught of Tatuaje's heavier blends and the dark, sweet power of Liga Privada. You appreciate the craft, but you're beginning to crave something with a bit more nuance, a bit more soul. It’s a late Saturday afternoon, and you have nowhere to be. You’ve just finished a long week, and you’re sitting on a quiet porch, a glass of high-rye bourbon sweating on the armrest beside you. You want a cigar that matches the weight of your thoughts but doesn’t demand you wrestle with it. You want a smoke that offers a complex, sweet-earth counterpoint to the pepper you’re used to, something that feels substantial and contemplative without being punishing. This is the cigar you reach for when you want to feel the outlaw spirit, but you also want the refined finish of a true craftsman's work. It will give you a full-bodied journey that rewards your patience with a deep, resonant satisfaction.
Bottom Line
The Jericho Hill Torpedo is a masterclass in balance, proving that a full-bodied Maduro can be powerful, sweet, and profoundly nuanced without ever losing its edge. It’s a must-smoke for any serious collector and a benchmark for what a $17 cigar should aspire to be.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Jericho Hill cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated as Full (4/5) in strength. This means the nicotine delivery is substantial and will be felt physically, often as a mild warmth or a slight buzz, especially on an empty stomach. It is not a cigar for the faint of heart, but its strength is well-balanced by the rich, sweet flavors, making it a powerful yet smooth experience for seasoned smokers.
What does Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo taste like?
The flavor profile is a deep, sweet, and earthy journey. It opens with roasted espresso, dark chocolate, and charred oak. The middle third evolves into barnyard leather, dried fig, and a creamy mocha with a cinnamon-cedar spice. The final third intensifies with roasted coffee grounds, charred leather, and a lingering molasses sweetness, finishing with earthy minerals and black pepper.
How long does Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo take to smoke?
Given its Torpedo vitola and 6.5 x 52 size, you should set aside a solid 90 to 100 minutes. The tapered head focuses the draw, while the 52-ring gauge provides a substantial volume of smoke, encouraging a slow, contemplative pace to fully appreciate its evolving flavors without overheating.
What is the best pairing for Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo?
An aged, high-rye bourbon like Bulleit 10-Year or Four Roses Single Barrel is the ideal companion. The bourbon's spicy rye notes and sweet vanilla/caramel character create a beautiful dialogue with the cigar's dark cherry and fig sweetness, while its robust body stands up to the full strength of the smoke without being overpowered.
Is Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo good for beginners?
No, this is not recommended for beginners. With a Full strength rating and a price point of $15–$19, it is an investment in a demanding experience. Novice smokers may find the nicotine strength overwhelming and the deep, savory flavors of barnyard and charred leather challenging. It is best suited for those with a developed palate who can appreciate its intensity and complexity.
Where can I buy Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo?
As a premium, limited-production cigar, it is best found at well-stocked local tobacconists, high-end online cigar retailers like Neptune Cigar or Famous Smoke Shop, and sometimes directly from Crowned Heads' website. Due to its limited annual runs, you may need to check availability or sign up for stock alerts at your preferred retailer.
What is the price of Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo?
The Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo is priced in the premium tier, typically retailing between $15 and $19 per single cigar. This price reflects the quality of its aged Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, the Nicaraguan core tobaccos, and the craftsmanship of its production in Estelí.
Is Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo worth aging?
While the tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, with no formal post-roll aging program disclosed, this cigar is already well-balanced. A short-term rest of 6-12 months in a stable humidor could allow the peppery notes to further integrate and the sweetness to become more pronounced. However, its primary character is vibrant and ready to enjoy now; long-term aging is not necessary to unlock its potential.
What wrapper does Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo use?
It uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. This wrapper is known for its dark, oily appearance and toothy texture. It contributes a deep, earthy sweetness, notes of dark chocolate and molasses, and a characteristic richness that forms the flavor foundation of the cigar, while its thickness provides a robust and durable burn.
Where is Jericho Hill by Crowned Heads Torpedo made?
It is made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the renowned Tabacalera William Ventura (TWVC) factory. This factory is known for its meticulous production standards. The cigar is a collaboration between Crowned Heads and TWVC, and its construction—featuring an open draw and a self-correcting burn—is a direct result of the skilled torcedores at that specific facility.