Crowned Heads has announced a new cigar exclusive to Hawaii through R. Field Wine Co.: HGK-76. This cigar pays tribute to life of local celebrity chef, Grant Kawasaki, who passed away earlier this year on July 25 at the age of 45. Grant was the host of the popular cooking series, “Hawaiian Grown Kitchen,” and this release is meant to celebrate his life and culinary career. Kawasaki was a self-described “culinary muse, cigar enthusiast, and whisky head.” He was committed to supporting the local community through the food service sector.
Grant was one of the first people to befriend me in Hawaii back in 2015. I first met him at a cigar gathering at The Row Bar in Honolulu, and he was so kind, gracious, and generous; he brought me my first taste of poke which he’d made himself. Grant was an integral part of our annual Paniolo events there, where he’d MC the event. He was so genuinely funny and jovial, and he’d always interject his trademark pidgin slang which would always have the guests laughing. He was truly loved by the Hawaiian cigar community and he will be sorely missed.
Crowned Heads co-founder, Jon Huber
The HGK-76 comes in Grant’s favorite size, a corona gorda that measure 5 5/8 x 46. The blend starts with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Nicaraguan Jalapa binder, and fillers from Nicaragua, Mexico, and Brazil. Only 250 boxes will be sold and they come 10 per box. Each cigar has an MSRP of $11.50. The cigars are rolled at Tabacalera Pichardo in Esteli, Nicaragua, home of Mil Dfas, Juarez, and CHC Serie E. Cigars will go on sale December 2nd and portion of the proceeds will be used to support a culinary scholarship in Grant’s name.
