A few days ago, we posted a review of the ever-so-popular Mil Dias from Crowned Heads. In that review, we mentioned two other cigars that were released in 2020. One being the Las Calaveras 2020, and the other being the Four Kicks Capa Especial.
Now for a novice cigar smoker and lover such as myself, it would appear to me that 2020 was Crowned Heads and Jon Huber year to let us all know that he’s REALLY good at this cigar blending and creating thing we seem to take for granted.
Flashback to 2011, Jon Huber, Mike Conder, a former employee of CAO cigars (much like Jon), and EP Carrillo were blending the very first line of cigars for their new company, Crowned Heads. As collaborations happen, tough choices must be made for all parties to agree on which tobaccos to use and not use.
So fast forward nine years ahead, Jon Huber announces that a “new cigar” from Crowned Heads will be released in August of 2020. Little did we know that the “new cigar” being released was one of the very first original blends that Jon has been keeping for something very special.
Waiting all that time was certainly worth it! Landing at Number 20 in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2020, and receiving a 91 rating on halfwheel, we thought it wouldn't be fair to us to miss out on smoking and reviewing this gem.
So, here’s our latest review of the delicious smoke, Four Kicks Capa Especial.
Cigar Specs
- Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
- Strength: Medium
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Sizes Available:
- Four Kicks Capa Especial Sublime (6 x 54)
- Four Kicks Capa Especial Corona Gorda (5.62 x 46)
- Four Kicks Capa Especial Aguilas LE 2021 (5.5 x 50)
- Four Kicks Capa Especial Robusto (5 x 50)
Cold Draw
With this being my very first time smoking the Capa Especial, I wasn’t sure what to expect once I lit it. So, like every cigar I smoke, I ended up doing a cold draw taste.
Once the cap came off, I gave it a few puffs and detected one prominent flavor note that remained throughout, which is a touch of graham cracker.
I was very happy I detected that flavor note because it adds a touch of sweetness and flavor fullness to it right off the bat.
Flavor Profile of the First Third
As I entered the first third, the graham cracker notes from the cold draw remained. While being lit for roughly ten minutes, I started to detect a sweet spice, almost like cinnamon, as well as fresh-cut grass.
I know fresh-cut grass may be an odd tasting note since I’ve never eaten grass, but just that smell and memory of fresh earth tones, it’s like I can almost imagine what it would taste like.
The combo of these three flavors was something I was very pleased to be experiencing so early on in my smoking experience.
Flavor Profile of the Second Third
As I was halfway through my cigar, well into the second third, the flavor note of fresh-cut grass had vanished. The taste of cinnamon was still large and in charge, complimenting the new notes I was able to spot out.
Not only do I enjoy a cup of coffee every day, but I also certainly love when I taste dark roasted coffee in my cigars. The second third of the Capa Especial was filled to the brim with this flavor note. It was at the forefront of my palate and really made this smoke that much more enjoyable.
Flavor Profile of the Final Third
When I arrived at my final third, not much varied from what I was tasting in the first two-thirds. Graham Cracker, Cinnamon, and Roasted Coffee were all balanced and notable with each puff.
The only slight addition I noticed on the backend was a touch of floral aroma. It could be my senses harkening back to the fresh-cut grass I was able to pinpoint in the first third, but it tasted a tad bit different than the grassy note I loved and enjoyed.
Pairings
Being that this was my very first time smoking the Capa Especial, I didn’t want to pair it alongside anything that would be too overpowering.
I usually don’t enjoy beverages such as this, but I felt like it would complement the delicious flavor notes this cigar was pouring out. I made myself an Arnold Palmer to go alongside this smooth, complex, medium-bodied smoke.
For those unfamiliar with what an Arnold Palmer is, it's half-iced tea and half lemonade. Those two on their own are usually too sweet for me. I went with unsweetened iced tea this time and that was the go-to move since my taste buds weren’t overthrown with the sweetness of both the lemonade and a regular iced tea, which is usually sweeter.
Next time I light up the Capa Especial, I’d like to pair it with a beer, preferably a stout or lager, and see how the tastes of both the cigar and alcohol would clash.
In Conclusion
You can call me a fanboy of Crowned Heads, but as with anything the brand releases, you will most likely see me purchase a box or two of it. Jon Huber has such a great connection with Mike Conder and E.P. Carrillo, that no matter what, they make it’ll be an absolute banger.
With a box of 24 priced between $185.00 and $215.00, the average price per Capa Especial ranges anywhere between $7.50 and $9.00.
For high-quality construction, with complexity to its blend, and delicious tasting notes, the price you’ll be paying for this limited-edition line is highway robbery.
Now available on our website, I highly recommend you invest in a box or two of the Four Kicks Capa Especial today.