The original Mule Kick was released back in 2012 and was Crowned heads first limited edition cigar. The cigar had a higher priming Habano wrapper than the regular production counterpart and a tweaked blend. Only 5000 cigars were rolled on that first release. The original blend was released again as a 2017 limited edition then a new blend in 2018 that used a ConnecticutHabanoMaduro wrapper.
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.
Earlier this year, Crowned Heads announced the Four Kicks Mule Kick 2019 that uses the same binder and filler as previous years, but will now be covered with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. A total of 2500 10-count boxes will be made for this round and each cigar sells for $10.95. Like many other Crowned Heads blends and all Four Kicks releases, the cigars are rolled at Tabacalera La Alianza, S.A. run by E.P. Carrillo.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto Extra Length: 5 7/8″ Ring Gauge: 52 Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Factory: La Alianza S.A. Blender: Jon Huber / E.P. Carillo Number of reviewers: 4 – Alan(Eulogy) Eric (smalls29) Dave W. (mdwest) Steve (ThaGreatWazoo) Price: $10.95 Age: 4 Months Release Date: March 2019 Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 91
“Beautifully wrapped toro sized cigar. The seams are almost invisible, the triple cap is expertly applied, and the wrapper is a gorgeous medium dark brown that is slightly toothy to the touch. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
Aroma: 90
“This thing puts off a very strong scent of baking spices and dark fruit. If it smokes as well as it smells, it should be a very nice experience. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“There is a nice, bitter, cinnamon taste. Lending itself to being a bold cigar, the first flavors match the outer appearance. The after taste of burnt toast and leather are very nice and leave a nice after-taste on the palate. At this point I am very much liking it.” –Eric (smalls29)
“The first third was rich in flavor. It had a nice soft development to it that had a lot of good flavor. The profile was very sweet with bread and yeast. There was a slight black pepper that back-filled the plentiful smoke which gave the cigar a bit of intrigue to it.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The bitter cinnamon taste has mellowed but still very noticeable. Still very enjoyable. There is a nice after-taste of cinnamon left on the palate. I do miss the leather taste but still a nice bold cigar.” –Eric (smalls29)
“All harshness that was experienced in the first few minutes of the first third is gone by the second third. The pepper that was on the finish has vanished as well and the cigar has smoothed out very nicely. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“No flavor or strength change is detected from the second to the final third. The cigar is silky smooth in the last few inches though and becomes a real pleasure to smoke. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“The final third maintains with the sourdough bread fully developed and coating the mouth. The pepper begins to turn from a black pepper to more of a char on the wrapper. A real nice finish down to the nub.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 92
“It was just slightly looser than I prefer. Gotta be nit-picky somewhere.” –Alan (Eulogy)
Burn: 89
“The burn was very nice. A few touch-ups here and there, but I did not have to worry about the cigar running on me.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Construction: 91
“While the cigar smoked cleanly and never provided any problems, when I initially inspected it I found a couple of very soft spots in an otherwise medium pack. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“If I had a box of these I’d be hard pressed to want to smoke anything else I owned right now. Hands down one of the best cigars I’ve had this year. The notes of chocolate, coffee, earth, butter, bell pepper, cedar, and leather may not be uncommon but they were deftly done. If you like full flavored cigars go out and get a box. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
“I always judge a cigar on the wrapper’s aroma pre-light. The aroma on this one was very faint but I could detect the cinnamon and leather smells. Upon lighting and beginning the first draw, I was pleasantly greeted with a nice combination of cinnamon and leather. Much like the pre-light aroma. As time went on, the leather disappeared but the cinnamon remained a constant. However, over time, the cinnamon became very strong and almost unpleasant. All in all I think this would be a good candidate for the humidor.” –Eric (smalls29)
“Overall this cigar provided a very nice smoking experience. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, easy to enjoy smoke. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“I really enjoyed this cigar and the overall experience. The sourdough bread profile was a nice change up from my everyday cigars. A lot of bread throughout, but never made you bored. The pepper finish was a very nice finish to round the cigar out. This cigar could use just a little more rest and it will produce a great overall smoke. Well done.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
"I always judge a cigar on the wrapper's aroma pre light. The aroma on this one was very faint but I could detect the cinnamon and leather smells. Upon lighting and beginning the first draw, I was pleasantly greeted with a nice combination of cinnamon and leather. Much like the pre light aroma. As time went on, the leather disappeared but the cinnamon remained a constant. However, over time, the cinnamon became very strong and almost unpleasant. All in all I think this would be a good candidate for the humidor." -Eric (smalls29)
