The Las Calaveras line from Crowned Heads Cigars is one of the most anticipated yearly releases in the industry. Initially released in 2014, the Las Calaveras line pays homage to those lost in the previous year. 2023 marks the first instance since 2016 that the blend utilizes a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. I am reviewing the LC52 today while I do some neck building in the garage. I have smoked the LC50 and LC54 so far and I am interested to see how this one compares.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: 6 x 52
Price: $13.95 MSRP
Link to Purchase: Guitars & Cigars Farm
Release Date: July 2023
Company Website: www.crownedheads.com
This cigar has a dark, thick looking wrapper leaf that has some character. There are veins, bumps, and contrasting colors. I like the color choice of the band this year. It plays nicely with the broadleaf wrapper. The cigar smells slightly earthy with some perfume-esque fruitiness. The head and foot are very dry, as some wrapper came off with the foot band and cap. The cold draw is bready and chocolatey. The first light brings medium bodied and flavored smoke. It’s a musty earthiness with a hint of black pepper and chocolate. Like the LC50 and LC54, it’s all on the tip of the tongue and the retrohale. The retrohale on this cigar is powerful and adds some heat and oily wood. About an inch in the draw is a bit snug but still showing earth, pepper, and a bit of cocoa. There’s a hint of dark fruit in there as well. Ending the first third the profile has remained consistent. I get the impression of some strength in this cigar from how it is acting on the tip of my tongue, though the flavor and body are still medium. Approaching halfway, the flavor and body are reaching full. There’s earth, bread, cocoa, and a touch of wood. The retrohale has some sweet pepper and woodiness. As I near the band the pepper amplifies. Into the band point the earth and pepper are mostly all that remain detectable. Coming to an end at an hour and 50 minutes, there are no changes to report in flavor or performance.
Overall Experience
Overall this was my favorite vitola of the three I have smoked to this point. It started off more medium and refined like the LC50 and LC54, however, it offered a bit more sweetness and chocolate than those cigars. Also unlike the 50 and 54, this saw a ramp up in flavor, body, and strength - all ending around full. I certainly think this is worth the buy if you: 1. Enjoy the Las Calaveras releases, and Crowned Heads releases in general. 2. If you like cigars made by My Father. 3. If you enjoy full flavored, strong cigars, though you have to wait a bit to get there.
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