Brand Heritage
Crowned Heads is a Nashville-based boutique cigar company founded in 2011 by Jon Huber and Mike Conder, both veterans of the premium cigar industry. The brand has earned a devoted following for its thoughtfully crafted, limited-production blends that emphasize consistency, character, and a deep respect for tobacco traditions. Crowned Heads cigars are widely regarded among enthusiasts and retailers alike as some of the most distinctive and well-constructed offerings to emerge from the boutique movement of the past decade.
Blend & Construction
The Crowned Heads La Imperiosa Corona Gorda is a Nicaraguan puro at its core, featuring a Nicaraguan binder and all-Nicaraguan filler tobaccos, crowned by a richly dark Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper. The Corona Gorda vitola measures 5 3/4 inches with a 46 ring gauge — a format that delivers a focused, concentrated draw and an ideal burn time for savoring the blend's full character. The Oscuro wrapper lends both visual appeal and a naturally oily, slightly sweet presence that sets the tone from the first light. Construction across the La Imperiosa line is consistent with Crowned Heads' reputation for tight, even rolls and reliable draw.
Flavor Profile
In keeping with the profile expected from a Nicaraguan blend draped in an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper, the La Imperiosa Corona Gorda presents a medium to full-bodied smoking experience with pronounced depth and complexity. Smokers can anticipate rich, earthy notes layered with dark cocoa, leather, and a subtle natural sweetness imparted by the Oscuro leaf. The Nicaraguan tobaccos contribute a characteristic pepper and cedar backbone that evolves across the smoke, with the strength and complexity building gradually toward the final third. The overall profile is bold yet balanced, rewarding patient smokers who allow the cigar to open up at a measured pace.
Recommended Pairings
Alcoholic Pairing: A well-aged Nicaraguan rum — such as Flor de Caña 12-Year — complements the earthy depth and natural sweetness of the Oscuro wrapper without overpowering the blend's subtler nuances.
Non-Alcoholic Pairing: A bold, dark-roast espresso provides a pleasant bitterness that harmonizes with the cocoa and leather notes found throughout this cigar, making it an excellent companion for morning or afternoon sessions.
Best Enjoyed
The Crowned Heads La Imperiosa Corona Gorda is best suited for intermediate to experienced cigar smokers who appreciate medium-to-full-bodied blends with genuine complexity. It is an ideal choice for a relaxed afternoon or evening smoke when there is ample time to appreciate its evolving profile — expect a smoke time of approximately 60 to 75 minutes. Whether enjoyed on a quiet evening at home or shared among fellow enthusiasts at a lounge, this vitola rewards those who approach it without rush.