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 commitment to small-batch production, thoughtful blending, and a distinctly artistic identity that sets it apart from larger manufacturers. Crowned Heads consistently ranks among the most respected independent labels in the industry, known for releasing cigars that prioritize balance, complexity, and smoking pleasure over trend-chasing.
Blend & Construction
The Crowned Heads Broadway Epicure is a Nicaraguan puro at its core, featuring a Nicaraguan binder and an all-Nicaraguan filler blend, then dressed in a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper — a dark, oily, and robust leaf that serves as both an aesthetic and flavor statement. The Epicure vitola measures 6 inches with a 48 ring gauge, a classic and elegant format that provides ample smoke time and an ideal canvas for a layered blend to develop from foot to cap. Connecticut Broadleaf is historically associated with depth, earthiness, and a natural sweetness that complements full-flavored Nicaraguan tobaccos with considerable finesse.
Flavor Profile
In keeping with the Broadway line's profile and the character typical of Connecticut Broadleaf-wrapped Nicaraguan blends, smokers can expect a medium to full-bodied experience that opens with rich, earthy notes — think dark cocoa, cedar, and a subtle natural sweetness inherited from the wrapper. As the cigar progresses through the mid-third, additional layers of dried fruit, leather, and a gentle spice from the Nicaraguan filler tend to emerge, adding complexity without overwhelming the palate. The final third often deepens in body and strength, finishing with a satisfying, smooth earthiness. Construction is consistent with Crowned Heads' high standards — a firm draw, even burn, and a dense, cool smoke throughout.
Recommended Pairings
Alcoholic Pairing: A wheated Kentucky bourbon such as W.L. Weller Special Reserve — its soft vanilla and caramel sweetness mirrors the natural sugars of the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper while tempering the cigar's earthy depth.
Non-Alcoholic Pairing: A double espresso or dark-roast cold brew — the bitterness and roasted intensity of quality coffee harmonizes beautifully with the cocoa and cedar notes typical of this style of blend.
Best Enjoyed
The Crowned Heads Broadway Epicure is best suited to intermediate to experienced cigar smokers who appreciate a full-flavored smoke with nuance and body. Given its medium-full strength and 6 x 48 format, it delivers approximately 60 to 75 minutes of smoking time, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed evening on the porch, a post-dinner smoke, or a leisurely weekend session where the cigar can be given the full attention it deserves. Novice smokers may want to approach this one after building some tolerance, as the Broadleaf wrapper and Nicaraguan core deliver a satisfying punch alongside their complexity.
English