Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII is the first release from Crowned Heads that bears the brand’s name on a cigar. Court refers to the fan base of the brand. Another interesting fact is that each one of the three sizes was specificaly blended to its vitola. Something that is quite unusual.
Visually, the wrapper is of a Maduro shade and has some tooth to it. There is also a little gap present towards the foot, when touching up the cigar.
- Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
- Size: 54 x 152 mm (6″)
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
- Binder: Ecuador
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $12.50
Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Sublime: the cold draw reveals notes of cocoa and earth. Once lit, the cigar starts out with spicy, black pepper, and sweet.
The first third continues with black pepper, followed by coffee and earth notes. There is an evident cocoa sweetness evident in the background. Due to the little gap in the filler, the burn line is very wavy. Luckily it evens out past that point. Strength is a solid medium (3/5).
In to the second third, the flavor profile is still dominated by earth and black pepper. Coffee and the cocoa, in the background, are joined by leather. The sweetness has increased as well. The strength starts to increase towards the end of the second third, becoming medium – full (4/5).
The final third sees the cocoa note move to the foreground, next to the omnipresent earth and black pepper. Leather is still present in the background, but the sweetness has died down a bit. Strength stays at a medium – full level.
Overall, the Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Sublime is a rich and flavorful cigar. The sweetness creates a great balance between the other flavors and adds complexity to it.
Rating: 92