Crowned Heads Cigars: Masterful Craftsmanship With Musical Inspiration
Looking back, it was a wise decision to take a new professional path. This step led to the creation of Crowned Heads, an exclusive boutique brand that enjoys great recognition among aficionados. Despite the new direction, the connection to the former employer remained. The fact that these extraordinary cigars made their way to Germany is thanks to the dedication of our esteemed colleague Salih Dalay from Saarbrücken. As one of the first to recognize the potential of these exquisite cigars, he introduced them to Europe.
From Former CAO Employees to Their Own Brand
After the acquisition of CAO by the Scandinavian Tobacco Group in 2007 and the subsequent relocation of its headquarters from Nashville to Richmond, four employees decided to forge a new path. Whether it was their deep connection to Nashville’s music scene or other factors, they remained loyal to their hometown and founded their own company. Thus, Crowned Heads was born—a brand known for masterfully crafted cigars with a distinctive style.
Crowned Heads and Ernesto Perez Carrillo
The brand’s first creation was the Four Kicks. Whether the name is a nod to the four founders remains open to speculation. What is certain, however, is that these cigars come from the renowned Tabacalera La Alianza, led by Ernesto Perez Carrillo. Known as the “Godfather of Boutique Cigars,” Carrillo is a true industry icon. His expert craftsmanship is evident in these medium-bodied vitolas, which captivate with notes of wood and leather.
For lovers of milder flavors, the Luminosa is the ideal choice. It impresses with a light Connecticut wrapper from Ecuador. Those who prefer a more intense smoke will find what they seek in the Court Reserve XVIII, named after its release year, 2018.
From the Dominican Republic to Nicaragua
Instead of being made in the Dominican Republic, the Juarez is produced in Estelí, Nicaragua. Manufactured in the esteemed Tabacalera Pichardo, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, this cigar offers a wonderfully harmonious smoking experience. The same applies to the Mil Dias, whose name refers to the one thousand days of its development. The result: a fascinatingly balanced composition with a silky, slightly oily wrapper.
Crowned Heads: Quality, Style, and Enjoyment
A direct connection to fine cuisine can be found in the Le Carème line. Its name pays homage to Marie-Antoine Carême, the founder of classical French haute cuisine. The blend is designed to evoke the rich, velvety taste of a chocolate soufflé.
Music also remains a central theme: While Nashville is often associated with country music, the founders of Crowned Heads prefer powerful rock. The now sold-out Headley Grange was a tribute to Led Zeppelin, while the Court Serie E honors the virtuosic guitar playing of Eddie Van Halen—just as bold and expressive as this robust, multifaceted cigar.
