Crowned Heads La Coalicion is a multinational collaboration between the brand on the label, Dominican Republic-based Crowned Heads, and one of the most respected brands in boutique cigars, Nicaragua-based Drew Estate. With tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, the USA, and Sumatra used in its construction, it's a real 'taste of the world' in a single stick.
You can find a quick summary in our one-minute video review over on YouTube at the bottom of the page, or read on for my in-depth Crowned Heads La Coalicion review and a deep-dive into the flavors and build of this premium handmade cigar.
Let's get started with this La Coalicion Cigar Review!
What you need to know about Crowned Heads
Crowned Heads La Coalicion is actually a collaboration with Drew Estate, and that's where the name comes from, translating into English as 'the coalition'. Crowned Heads co-founder Jon Huber recognized the shared vision between himself and Drew Estate's Willy Herrera, and although this cigar is branded as a Crowned Heads creation, it is a true partnership in terms of its design and production.
This continues a trend from 2019-20 when Crowned Heads produced an increasing number of lines at Drew Estate, and it makes La Coalicion something a little different for aficionados of either brand to try.
Cigar Specs
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate (Esteli, Nicaragua)
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder: Sumatra
- Filler: Dominican Republic/Nicaragua
- Sizes available:
- Crowned Heads La Coalicion Corona Gorda (5 x 46)
- Crowned Heads La Coalicion Gordito (5.5 x 50)
- Crowned Heads La Coalicion Siglo (6 x 52)
- Crowned Heads La Coalicion Sublime (6.5 x 54)
- Smoke time: Crowned Heads La Coalicion - 80 minutes
How is the La Coalicion constructed?
There's a strong international vibe to the construction of La Coalicion by Crowned Heads. The filler itself is a multinational blend of tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. A Sumatran binder adds to the mix, with a USA Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper to seal the deal.
An ornate gold-embossed band bears the logo of La Coalicion, with the Crowned Heads brand name in smaller lettering beneath it. There's more wording that reads 'Handmade' and 'Esteli, Nicaragua' along with the Drew Estate company logo.
What I thought to the cold draw
An excellent initial draw delivers earthy, hay-like scents from the foot of the cigar, punctuated by cedarwood and toasted bread. The cold draw itself has more of that cedar and hay, combined with a lighter, milk chocolate aroma.
Flavors I enjoyed from the La Coalicion
If you have a sweet tooth, La Coalicion could be just the cigar for your palate. The undertones are earthy and woody, but throughout the smoking journey, there are all kinds of sweet, candy-like touches to pick up on. It makes for a delightful flavor profile that would team well with root beer or even an ice-cold cream soda on a hot summer day.
First third
Expect that background of cedar and earth right off the bat. There's baking cocoa, coffee beans, and an unusual hint of a fruity soda such as cherry cola or sarsaparilla. La Coalicion puts out a good amount of smoke, which you can enjoy just as an aesthetic, or inhale for an aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
Second third
The middle of the stick switches things up slightly, with the sweeter profile taking a back seat. Instead, there's more of a toasted sensation, bread, and roasted coffee beans, and you may even detect hints of charred meat. This all provides a great base for more peppery top notes to shine through on the palate and retrohales.
Final third
There's still plenty of smoke billowing from La Coalicion, enough to see you through to the end in style. Pepper spice lingers until the nub too, and again the retrohales allow you to control this. Some of that early sweetness returns in the form of a milk chocolate taste, pushing out the charred sensation for a pleasant finish.
How strong is the La Coalicion?
La Coalicion by Crowned Heads is every bit as heady as its brand suggests, with a strong body and full-strength flavor profile. It is bold but refined, with a creamy mouthfeel, and a definite experience for any self-respecting cigar-smoking connoisseur.
Final thoughts from this La Coalicion cigar review
Crowned Heads La Coalicion is a truly top-notch collaboration between two great brands, bringing you the best of both. The Dominican Republic influences are apparent in the blend and the expert roll of this handmade cigar, but the Drew Estate fingerprint is all over it too with that Nicaraguan artisanry.
This makes La Coalicion perfect for fans of both brands, as well as a really excellent introduction to both for novice smokers. It's a bold stick with plenty of strength and body, but the flavor profile is pleasant enough and you'll love the clouds of thick smoke La Coalicion puts out. A partnership not to be overlooked.