CA Review Panel: Crowned Heads Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2024

Video: Las Calaveras Edicion Limitada 2024—full Cigar Advisor panel review.

Las Calaveras Edicion Limitada 2024 Backstory

Since 2014, each Crowned Heads Las Calaveras release has stood as an immortalizing tribute to individuals close to the Crowned Heads family who've passed on. 2024 marks the series’ 10th anniversary, drawing continued inspiration from Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations.

This year’s box stands out in ‘Mexican Pink’—a vibrant homage to artist, Ramon Valdiosera’s and his popularization of the shade.

Limited to just 1,500 boxes across three sizes and 3,000 special samplers, the Las Calaveras 2024’s all-Nicaraguan recipe looks great on paper. Does it perform just as good with a flame? Join us and find out!

Cigar Details:

Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Size Reviewed: 5” x 52 LC52 (Robusto)
Strength: Medium-plus
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Construction: Good draw, well made, and mostly seamless.
Cold Draw: Brownie, cookie, or chocolate.
Base flavors: Brown sugar, pepper, earth, and minerals.
Aroma: Black tea-like.
Burn & Ash: Excellent burn; stacking dimes.

Presented in boxes of 24

Las Calaveras 2024 Reviews

John’s Tasting Notes…

Summary: First impressions are very similar to the prelight: mineral and oak, except the oak is charred. The citrus works its way in quickly; it’s not until about ½ - ¾” in, that the Nicaraguan spice comes alive. (It had previously been hiding in the finish.) The Las Calaveras rounds the turn at halfway by adding that dry, oaky sensation back in – otherwise it’s still a constant tangy-spicy balancing act.

The cigar is more toasty toward the end, still that tangy n’ spice undercurrent persists – until the nub, where spice spikes the football along with a complement of espresso. Then it’s lights out.

Las Calaveras is probably the best-known line from Crowned Heads these days, and likely because of that one time it took the cigar world by storm. But that was then, this is now – the 2024 Las Calaveras has more of a snappy spice than the savory character I was expecting. Still, the flavors are FULL – even while the strength is only medium. So why should you smoke this? First, it’s because you want to keep your Las Calaveras streak alive, and say you smoked all 10. Second, because you at least want to check the box on this LE cigar among other limited production sticks. And thirdly – and especially if you’re new to cigars – it’s to see what’sthis “Las Calaveras business is all about.” One of the more important Limited Edition cigars out there, so why not be a part of it?

Gary’s Tasting Notes…

Summary: For starters, the LC52’s opening flavors were a combination of light sweetness with an herbal-ish note. At a half-inch, the cigar had smoothed out and sweetened up further with a brown sugar note. Additional notes of nutmeg and a curious tanginess ensued while the finish was fairly long with a black pepper flavor.

By the midsection, the flavor profile was medium-plus with sweet and spicy elements. For the most part, the flavors were all well-balanced, smooth, and the peppery finish never became too spicy. Other notable notes included leather, earthiness, and a drive-by hint of vanilla.

During the final inches, my LC52 had been very consistent in terms of its sweet-spicy flavor set. However, as it turned the corner of the last two inches it began to turn much earthier.

Having purchased a number of Las Calaveras samplers over the years, I thought the 2024 LC52 was one of the better releases. The LC52 that I smoked in the video was actually my fourth, but by the time I had smoked my third, I could testify to it being a consistently smooth, sweet, spicy, and earthy smoke that has excellent balance. The wrapper is also outstanding in terms of flavor making this Robusto is a no-brainer for fans of full-flavored Nicaraguan puros. Yes, it’s a bit upscale in price, but based on the quality of the tobaccos, craftsmanship, and overall blend, the LC52 makes a worthy investment, not to mention a holiday season gift or special celebration cigar.

Paul’s Tasting Notes…

Summary: Crowned Heads Las Calaveras 2024 lives up to the lofty reputation of its predecessors.

From the initial light, a blend of sweet and earthy notes surprises me and lets me know that this isn’t the usual Don Pepin Garcia blend—maybe Pepin plus restraint. Or Pepin minus, because the expected Pepin pepper blast didn’t arrive until later. As the smoke progresses, it reveals layers of roasted nuts, cocoa, and a touch of cedar, resulting in a medium strength but full-bodied profile. The burn is remarkably even, producing a long ash resembling a stack of dimes.

Midway through, the flavors intensify, introducing hints of leather and the long-awaited peppery kick. The final third brings an apex in terms of richness, with dark chocolate and espresso notes joining the ensemble.

Overall, the Las Calaveras 2024 is a well-balanced, flavor-packed journey that long time lovers of the yearly release and novices alike will appreciate. And if you’re in the market for a special occasion smoke for the upcoming holidays—you won’t go wrong picking up the Las Calaveras 2024.