Crowned Heads Archives

Episode 170: Crowned Heads Mason Dixon

December 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

Crowned Heads Mason Dixon North

After its 2014 debut, the Crowned Heads Mason Dixon Project returned with few changes in 2015. As you all may remember, the line has two different blends – the North and the South, with each being marketed in their respective territories (although I knew a few shops at the time who did some trading so that they could offer both versions) and produced for Crowned Heads by My Father. Tonight, we’re smoking the Northern Edition – which, for 2015, featured an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. For reference, the Southern Edition had a CT broadleaf wrapper, also over Nicaraguan binder and filler. For 2015, the line had a singular 6” x 52 toro vitola, although this production came pressed rather than round as the first year. The 2015 line was limited to about 30,000 cigars per Edition. They retailed for just under $10, and in fact I spotted a few still on shelves this past summer. Maybe there are still some out there if you’re interested. Initial notes – cold draw is “oaty,” or even earthy to me (Kip). It reminds me of a pretty straightforward VA pipe tobacco blend. Great draw, and seemingly well built in every respect. Evenly colored, veiny medium brown wrapper.

Cigar News

- …and the industry drought continues….
- A couple months ago, we talked about the fact that six health groups/organizations filed a motion asking to be declared defendants in the joint suit that the cigar industry (via CRA, IPCPR, & CAA) have underway. If you remember, the groups asserted that they wanted this because they did not believe the FDA would aggressively defend the legislation in its entirety. A District Court judge has rejected the request, on grounds that no evidence has been provided that the FDA would not do so, and that there was no indication of legally defensible injury to the six groups that would qualify them as defendants in this case.
- Also on the legislative front, an extension has been granted to the deadline for cigar companies’ filings of product ingredient list. This is actually the portion of the legislation that has piqued my (Kip) interest most. I’m interested to learn how aggressively this will be pursued, and how apt cigar manufacturers are at providing the list. Early in this process, it was asserted that manufacturers would need to publish anything beyond tobacco and potable water that are a part of the process. I know that more than a few (and far more than would admit it) cigar makers use some variation of “betún” to color/flavor cigars. These concoctions typically consist of some mix of any number of things – rum, wine, a tobacco “tea,” etc. It is typically used to maintain a consistent color match within batches. I’m wondering how upfront makers will be in its use and composition – and how stringent the FDA will be in pursuing the information. In any event, betún or not, the deadline has been moved back six months to May 2018. The change was made in response to hurricanes, fires, and floods in numerous cigar areas – and applies to makers/importers in those areas.
- New Davidoff HQ in Switzerland…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig
- La Aurora 107 Robusto – The Dominican Republic rolled into a cigar
- Tatuaje Belle Encre 2014 – These are getting stronger!

Half Ashed Episode 154: 2015 Angel’s Anvil

October 31, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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2015 Angel’s Anvil from Crowned Heads

Tonight we’re smoking the 2015 Angel’s Anvil from Crowned Heads – the second in this series of TAA-limited releases. The 2015 edition came in the form of a 6” x 52 toro (as opposed to the 2014 edition, which was 7.125” x 49, featured on Episode 152). It features an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers, and retailed for just over $10US at release. Total production was 20,000 cigars.

Cigar News

Minute Musings and motivation….
The FDA has made an initial response to the lawsuit filed by CRA, IPCPR, and TAA back in July… [ halfwheel article ]
Donations to the troops is forbidden…but not for you personally. Tune in for our wrapup on what this all means, for manufacturers, retailers, and YOU.
In what was a surprise move to me (Kip), Cigar Aficionado is reporting that Jose Blanco has joined EP Carrillo as Sr. Vice President….
Edolara Cigars is no more…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Ashton Aged Maduro Corona
La Flor Colorado Oscuro
The Mimic A & B
Undercrown Shade

RoMaCraft Aquitaine Anthropology – I’ve had a singular one of these staring at me from my humidor for months. I’ve abstained from smoking it, knowing I couldn’t easily get more. With a friend visiting the US this week, I took advantage of the opportunity to have some more brought down so I fired this one up. Like always, it didn’t disappoint….
Camaleon Huevo de Oro – The Golden Egg. This is another of the newer companies putting out a cigar here in the DR. I don’t know if/when they will be available stateside. I enjoyed this one, but found it slightly out of balance with more potency than flavor….what this means is, it whipped me. Nice, slightly sweet profile overall – and while the strength wasn’t brash, it snuck up on me.

Half Ashed Episode 152: 2014 Angel’s Anvil

October 27, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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2014 Angel’s Anvil by Crowned Heads

One of the limited TAA releases for 2014, the Angel’s Anvil from Crowned Heads is a 7-⅛” x 49 churchill that features an Ecuadoran Havana wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers. It was made at EP Carrillo’s La Alianza factory in the Dominican Republic. They were originally sold for about $10.50, in boxes of 20 with a total production around 20,000. Let’s see how it is smoking these days….

Cigar News

With all the covert cigar releases showing up around the US due to the FDA legislative deadlines, there were bound to be a few that drew my attention. For no other reason than it’s so out of character with the history, I’m intrigued by one that showed up in social media feeds from Drew Estate – the DE Dominicana. Atlantic Cigar had some show up, but not a whole lot is yet known about the blend – other than that there are 3 wrapper variations (shade (which I’ll presume to be CT, but we’ll see), rosado, and maduro). These were apparently manufactured in the Dominican Republic, rather than DE’s factory in Nicaragua. I know Swisher has some operations here in Santiago, but the DE Dominicana is reported to be a longfiller, non-flavored cigar. It comes in a variety of vitolas amongst the three blends, and ranges in price from $7.25 to about $9.
Cigar Aficionado is reporting that General Cigar and Michael Giannini have parted ways. According to the article, the parting was amicable, with both parties praising each other for their time together. At least in part, the separation was attributed to FDA legislation…I will go out on a limb to speculate that this is largely because Giannini’s role in the company relied significantly on new, limited, non-traditional products that may not be feasible in the era of FDA regulation.
I saw two articles come across my feed recently from halfwheel that I thought were worthy of some discussion:
1. First, a small town in Utah has prohibited both use *and possession* of tobacco in its parks. And. Possession. Whisky Tango Foxtrot.
2. There’s an interesting editorial from Charlie Minato covering some of his collected thoughts about pricing changes that may be/should be coming down the pike stemming from regulation. He has some good insights into a few things manufacturers may be overlooking, and some potential pitfalls that could evolve from knee-jerk reactions or poorly thought-out responses. It’s definitely worth a read.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

My Father CT – Brown sugar and sharpness. You have to want it to enjoy it.
Padron Damaso – Another CT. A BETTER CT

Kip

EP Carrillo Cardinal maduro from zedman. I didn’t recall liking these much in the past, but this one (I believe he said from 2014) was quite tasty – loads of toasty flavors and perfect construction.
2016 Oktoberfest from Quesada. I keep hoping for a repeat of the 2011 blend I loved so dearly at the time…but still no dice. This was one of their better offerings, though, with more “oomph” than recent offerings and a solid dose of pert spice. It was good on its own merits, but I still miss that 2011….

Half Ashed Episode 151: Unbanded 028

October 15, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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[generic Unbanded image…not this week’s CotW]

Unbanded 028, from Kevin H.

Tonight, we’re smoking another Unbanded from the generous Kevin Hasselwander – thanks, Kevin! The following are Craig’s notes about it before lighting. Tune in for the grand reveal! A 6-½”x44 heavy in the hand, colorado colored cigar. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that it was a Cuban cigar by the texture & appearance of the (seemingly Habano) wrapper. It’s very firm and has a rustic triple cap. The appearance at the foot looks as if it’s a “book” style of bunching which, partnered with the density & weight, makes me somewhat anxious about how it draws. The unlit draw & aroma please, with the perfect resistance and a slight spicy sweetness in the sensation. We shall see how it progresses!

Cigar News

With all the FDA goings-on, there have been quite a number of concerns about cigar donations that go to American service-folk. A number of manufacturers have made it known that they have ceased their donations for fear of the practice being deemed against the sample restrictions outlined in the new regulations. It remains a gray area, but a couple of legislators have requested specific clarification from the FDA, and are introducing at least one bill that would specifically allow the continuation. It’s certainly NOT against the regs for individuals to donate cigars…but it could be construed as such for retailers and manufacturers. We shall see in the days ahead….

We don’t talk a great deal about Las Cumbres lately, Jose Blanco’s parent of the Señorial line. But, he is launching a few new lines/extensions – a Connecticut version of the Señorial, a maduro Freyha, and the Freyha 12. The first will feature an Ecuadoran CT wrapper over Dominican Piloto Cubano binder and Criollo 98/Piloto Cubano fillers. The maduro Freyha, named the Freyha Nocturnal, will feature a CT broadleaf wrapper over San Andres binder and similar fillers to the Señorial CT. Finally, the Freyha 12 celebrates her 12 years in the industry with a singular 7” x 52 churchill that carries an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Dominican corojo, criollo 98 and Piloto Cubano filler.

The popular Two Guys’ “Firecracker” has been announced for 2017. It will be coming from Fratello this time around. The 3.5” x 50 vitola will have the same blend as the Fratello core line (Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, Ecuadoran Sumatra binder and Nicaraguan/Peruvian filler. MSRP is reported to be around $6. This year’s edition was made by RomaCraft, in the CroMagnon series.
Check near the end of the show for Craig’s review of the recently released ScrewPop Ashtray!

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig
- 03 Cohiba Siglo VI
- Casa Trompeta Bahia!

Kip
- Fratello corona
- Quesada España corona
- Caminos

Half Ashed Episode 125: Crowned Heads Jericho Hill OBS

September 24, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Crowned Heads Jericho Hill OBS

This week, we’re smoking the OBS (Orange Blossom Special), from Crowned Heads’ Jericho Hill line. The OBS is a 4.75”x52 robusto, and Kip’s favorite from the line thus far. The Jericho Hill is produced for Crowned Heads by My Father, and this particular vitola retails for $8.75. It features a Mexican San Andres wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler.

Cigar News

Palio lives! Well, kinda. Maybe not really….Quality Importers has acquired the company. QI is predominantly a humidor and accessory distributor who has taken over distribution for a handful of other branding in recent years (most recently Eddie Ortega’s cigars). They did NOT assume control of the Esencia cigar line with Palio. Halfwheel is reporting that the company will honor existing warranty claims, and that its very unlikely that production will be US-based. Michael Giordano, QI president, doesn’t seem to think it’s feasible to continue producing the products in the U.S. due to production costs, leadtimes and inflexibility…

This year’s Tatuaje TAA blend has shipped, and I (Kip) can’t get ‘em. For the first time in its history, I’ll be missing this release. Reportedly, it’s based on the 2011 blend – which was the best (or 2nd best) blend for my personal tastes. As usual, it’s only available at the 75 or so TAA retailers. This year’s production is up significantly to 3,800 boxes of twenty; fewer than 3,000 boxes were produced last year. Pricing is set at $11 per cigar for the 5-⅝” x 54 stick, and it will feature CT Broadleaf over Nicaraguan binder/filler.

In a move that should surprise no one, the Cubanacan/Gonzalez battle (remember…Hirochi Robaina, etc.?) has moved into the judicial system. The Gonzalez family claims they were never paid any of the funds they were due from sales of the Soneros branded cigars. Additionally, there are allegations of other unpaid debts, trademark issues, and various ownership disagreement.

The IPCPR is reporting to Halfwheel that Operation Chokepoint is continuing and expanding to one South Florida manufacturer. Article

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Bolivar Petit Corona – Perhaps the best Bolivar out there. Deep dark & earthy with an amazing citrus sweetness that’s reinforced with graham cracker tastes. Ahhh…

Kip

TL Johnson Legend Reserve 63, taking a cue from Cigar Coop last week.

90 Miles from Flor de Gonzalez

Next Episode

In the next episode (126), we will be smoking one of Craig’s selections, the 1993 Punch Margaritas. So come by Friday night and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive. You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

Half Ashed Episode 111: Crowned Heads Single Action

May 3, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Crowned Heads JD Howard Reserve Single Action

One of several 2015 LE’s from Crowned Heads, the Single Action was an addition to the JD Howard Reserve line. Only about 2,000 boxes of 10 cigars were produced, and the cigar carries an MSRP of $9.25 per cigar (and they’re still out there if you’re interested). It is a 6×38 petit lancero, featuring a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper over Ecuador Sumatran binder and Nicaraguan fillers. The line is produced by EP Carrillo in the Dominican Republic. Carrying with the JD Howard theme, the cigar is named after Jesse James’ weapon of choice – the Colt Single Action.

News

I got some info on a new line from Luis Sanchez this week, called the Figurado Series. It will initially be available in a single 5”x54 “Chulo” vitola, and two different wrappers -Ecuadoran (natural) and San Andres (maduro). Filler leaf will include some of the tobacco grown by Luis and Terry Johnson at their DOMUSA farming operation in Villa Gonzalez, DR. I did not get pricing information, but it should be stateside in the next couple of weeks.

AJ Fernandez is extending the New World line to include a Connecticut wrapped version. The New World Connecticut will feature an American-grown CT shade wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and a filler mix of Nicaraguan and Brazilian leaf – which is very different from the standard New World (“Dark Nicaragua” wrapper over Jalapa binder and a filler blend of Viso Ometepe, Condega ligero, and Estelí-Finca Soledad ligero, and “Dark Nicaragua” wrapper). It will be available in four vitolas – Corona Gorda (5.5×46), Robusto (5×50), Toro (6×52), and Belicoso (6×54). Pricing will be in line with the existing New World lineup.

Following our recent mentions of a few pipe tobacco related items, I’m happy to report that Pete Johnson is working on some blends himself. He posted up a pic of something he was smoking this week and commented that he was working on something new. He said he hopes to have something by the tradeshow. I asked where his focus might be in terms of the types of blends he was working on, and he said “Plan on more English and some English with some aromatic twists.” If that’s the case, I’m all in for trying them out. I’d love to see this project take on life. I really hope he’s actually creating blends from the ground up, and not going through a bulk blending house and just mixing off some existing compositions. Pete’s history, palate and following could really make this a boon to the pipe tobacco industry. Time will tell…

A few weeks ago, we talked a bit about La Flor Dominicana’s novel idea for having TAA members vote on this year’s TAA LE with their pocketbooks. The gathering is over, orders placed and a winner selected. The winning cigar is the 5.5” x 52 robusto. The line features an Ecuadoran habano wrapper, Mexican binder, and Dominican fillers. MSRP is about $9 per stick, and it should arrive on retailers’ shelves in about a month – assuming you have a TAA member retailer in your neck of the woods.

Following the lead of several municipalities around the state, Florida’s capital Tallahassee is looking to make it harder on employees who smoke. An intent has been announced to end the hiring of any tobacco users, and prohibiting tobacco/e-cig use in all govt owned buildings, vehicles, etc. – even during break times. Hiring changes would go into effect July 1, 2015, while other aspects would be phased in over the next two years (including a $20 fee [and it’s not an increased insurance premium….it’s a fee]from employees’ paychecks if they smoke).

A follow up to a program we previously discussed called Cigar Sense. Back in November we (Craig) had some choice words for a few of the statistics they shared from a survey of 400+ cigar smokers they recently spoke with. We saw some irregularities and downright confusing data being thrown about and rightfully scratched our head when trying to make heads or tails out of it. That same organization has just today discussed that they are using a “control” group of over 1,200 cigar reviews to provide a database to help smokers pinpoint sticks that will line up with their palate. The rub here is that the program determines what will fit your tastes based upon what else you like. Check out cigarsense.com for some cool introductions into the program and to formulate some of your own opinions.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

This is where we chat about our week in smoke…tune in to the show for full details about our experience with these (and more).

Craig

TL Johnson Legend Reserve 63 Maduro – I second what I said a couple shows back. Genius exemplified in a cigar.

Kip

LEAF by Oscar Connecticut. I got this from Franky99 when he was down from the GWN visiting Tampa.

Nestor Miranda SS Exclusivo Regional –

Listener Email

We (finally) got around to an email series between Craig and listener “Cigar City.” Craig fills us in on the exchange about David Garofalo’s recent trip report about his excursion to Cuba…

Next Episode

Next episode (112) we will be featuring the Southern Draw KUDZU, with special guest owner Robert Holt. So come by Half Ashed Friday night at 9:30pm EST and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive. You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

P.S. – If you have unbanded suggestions or contributions, you can get those to us by sending an email to [email protected]. This email address goes directly to my wife, so you can simply suggest an unbanded cigar for her to source, or send me an [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in. I will provide an address to send them. Thanks!

Half Ashed Episode 044: Crowned Heads, CigarChat, & CigFed

December 9, 2013 By Kip Fisher

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Good evening, everyone, and welcome to Episode 044 of Half Ashed. If you missed the live show, we smoked the Crowned Heads Four Kicks Corona Gorda this week, and had special guests Rob Rasmussen and Logan Lawler from Cigar Chat / Cigar Federation. We had an absolute blast with the guys, and learned a little more about both their show and the Cigar Federation. We also managed to cover a few of our regular segments as well. First off, we had our recently instituted Leaf of the Week segment, covering broadleaf this week – complete with a giveaway (which has now ended….it pays to listen live!). In the news, we covered items from Drew Estate/Herrera Esteli, Miami Cigar, and Fuente, as well as a few legislative stories of import. Additionally, we talked a bit about what we’ve been smoking this week but had to cut short before getting into emails from this week. Be sure to tune in next week – one of the emails is a review from a gentleman who reportedly paired his Opus with 9-11 Heineken!

Next week, our Cigar of the Week will be a surprise; Craig will be out tending to fatherly duties and welcoming a new little Schneider into the world (congrats Craig). I’ll be joined once again by special guest Dale Roush of Dogwatch Cigar Radio fame. Be sure to check back in next Friday night at 9:30pm EST at Cigar Federation (details on locating the show will be on the front page that evening an hour before showtime), where you can catch us recording and participate in the chatroom. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us through the contact page or at the following email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive. You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes to subscribe. Video, as always, will be available at the CigFed Half Ashed Video Archive.

P.S. – If you have unbanded suggestions or contributions, you can get those to us by sending an email to [email protected]. This email address goes directly to my wife, so you can simply suggest an unbanded cigar for her to source, or send me an email to [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in. I will provide an address to send them. Thanks!