Crowned Heads shipped a small number of this new brand before its more formal release back in November last year. It’s full launch came in December. Luminosa blend has an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper covering an undisclosed binder and filler. It is was originally available in two sizes Robusto (5 x 50, $7.55) and Toro (6 1/2 x 52, $7.95). At this years IPCPR Huber added a Crowned Heads | Luminosa Petite Corona vitola (4.5 x 44 $6.39).
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
Jon Huber of Crowned Heads says Luminosa fills a void that was lacking in the Crowned Heads portfolio of blend. “An easily approachable smoke—something mild (if I’m allowed to say that word post August 8) to medium in body, that can be enjoyed both with a morning coffee as well as with an after dinner dessert.” The cigars are produced by Ernesto Perez-Carrilo Jr.’s Tabacalera La Alianza S.A., along with many of Crowned Heads‘ other releases including Four Kicks, Headley Grange and La Carême.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Petite Corona
Length: 4.5 ”
Ring Gauge: 44
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza S. A.
Blender: Jon Huber, E.P. Carillo
Number of reviewers: 4 – Mickey T. (irratebass) Eric (smalls29) Jason H.(Jokey Smurf) Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Price: $6.39
Age: 12 Months
Release Date: July 2017
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 88
“Sample 707 is a petite corona, triple capped cigar with a dusty, light tan white leaf and easily visible veins and seams. The wrapper is mostly smooth to the touch and as lacking any visible tooth.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Aroma: 89
“The pre light smell is one of spring and flowers in bloom. Something I have not experienced before in a cigar.” –Eric (smalls29)
First Third
Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium
“Initial flavors of this little cigar are mainly sweet and salt… Not quite as creamy as caramel but nearly a salted caramel. Through the nose there is a bit of cayenne pepper but only through the nose. There is absolutely no pepper zing on the tongue or palate. The finish is extremely short with the saltines lasting longest.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
“The first third was very pleasant. There was soft notes of spice and anise that were mixed in with an earthy finish. The ash was a soft white and held on for awhile. The complexity was there, but not too deep. Just an overall solid performer during the first third.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Second Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Sadly this is going to be a short smoke. Only 25 mins in and i’m already in the second. There is a nice almost molasses taste in the second. The retro is damned near perfect.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“Since this is a very short cigar I didn’t expect much by way of variance in flavors… At this point it appears that I’m right on track with the exception of a light pepper zing that is playing with my palate. Its not much but it’s there and is a cool contrast to the salty sweetness. The smoke is leaving my palate slick now which is helping the flavors linger after each puff.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Final Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“The final portion of this cigar retained the previous flavor profile and has remained utterly enjoyable for me. There are slight variances… Some puffs are sweeter and some have slightly more pepper but the end result is just plain good.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
“The final third picked up slightly in overall strength. It was not overwhelming, but enough to note the increase. The flavors coming off are a mixture of spices, char, and earthy notes. A slight woodsy finish came in off the tongue. It burned down quite well and never overexposed the palette. Good finish.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 92
“Not a problem with the draw.” –Eric (smalls29)
Burn: 95
“The burn was this cigar’s best attribute. Very clean and crisp. Simple light and go.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Construction: 91
“This cigar had a very nice build to it, but I wish it had a little bit more too it. It was pleasant to hold and look at, but had no real depth in the hand. I just wish it had maybe a couple of tricks that could have made it stand out more.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 91
“Have you ever lit up a cigar with no preconceived notions, and after the fist puff you say to yourself, or out loud “Damn, this is nice?” well I did and that same thought stayed with me the entire smoke. Just a great amount of cream/honey and sweetness. This would be an excellent first cigar of the day with or without coffee. My only complaint was it was so short, but maybe that was the maker’s intention, to keep you coming back for more. I personally would like to keep these in my humi, for when I need that perfect smoking experience. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“Cinnamon,. That is all I tasted, cinnamon. The beginning was very strong, almost to a point that I thought of putting it down. The wrapper gave the impression of a mild cigar but instead gave one a strong, bitter at a point, flavor. If some espresso or coffee flavors are added it would be better and a little more flavorful.” –Eric (smalls29)
“I think I just found the cigar I would choose to smoke every morning if I had time to do so. I elected to pair this with some excellent coffee and was not disappointed. I only have two complaints… First, it didn’t last long enough. Second, I don’t have another one to light up! For me, this is worth the humidor space for a couple of boxes.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
“Overall, this cigar had some real nice character to it. The burn was great and the flavor profile was compelling. The mixture of flavors over the extent of the cigar were very nice and did not overpower or contradict each other. These are worth a purchase and a rest to really unleash their potential.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Blind Cigar Review: Crowned Heads | Luminosa Petite Corona
Summary
"Have you ever lit up a cigar with no preconceived notions, and after the fist puff you say to yourself, or out loud "Damn, this is nice?" well I did and that same thought stayed with me the entire smoke. Just a great amount of cream/honey and sweetness. This would be an excellent first cigar of the day with or without coffee. My only complaint was it was so short, but maybe that was the maker's intention, to keep you coming back for more. I personally would like to keep these in my humi, for when I need that perfect smoking experience. " -Mickey T. (irratebass)
