#nowsmoking: Crowned Heads La Coalicion Gordito

#nowsmoking: Crowned Heads La Coalicion Gordito (5 1/2″ x 50 Robusto)

Crowned Heads La Coalicion Cigar Review – Gordito

Factory: Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Size: 5½” x 50
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic

Where It’s At

First, give me the back story. . .

First introduced at last year’s PCA Trade Show in Las Vegas, La Coalicion is a collaborative effort between master blender Willy Herrera of Drew Estate and Crowned Heads Cigars co-founder, Jon Huber. The name coalicíon is Spanish for “coalition,” and this is the first new regular production line for Crowned Heads since the Four Kicks Maduro was released in 2017.

Handcrafted at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Estelí, Nicaragua, the line consists of a dark, toothy, Grade A Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over a spicy Ecuador Sumatra binder that frame a blend of long-aged Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers.

“We believe that there is an undeniable synergy of philosophies and ethos between Drew Estate and Crowned Heads,” said Mr. Huber. “More specifically, Willy and I share a similar vision towards the tradition and artistry of cigars, blends, presentation, and so forth. What you’re going to see with La Coalicion is truly a collaborative effort on every level between Crowned Heads and Drew Estate, and between Willy Herrera and Jon Huber.”

“Huber and I have always had a similar palate for what notes we are looking for in our blends. Working together,” said Mr. Herrera, “we knew from the beginning we wanted to utilize the dense, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper which is the inspiration for this killer smoke.  La Coalicion is a passion product that Huber and I are really proud of.”

“I am proud to report that Drew Estate always remains ‘Boutique in the Heart’ in everything we create,” said President and Founder of Drew Estate, Jonathan Drew. “This collaboration with Crowned Heads has been gratifying, mostly because of their passion and intensity.”

La Coalicion cigars are presented in boxes of 20 cigars as follows:

• Corona Gorda (5” x 46)
• Gordito (5½” x 50)
• Siglo (6” x 52)
• Sublime (6½” x 54)

Let’s talk construction. How well is it made?

Excellent. Seamlessly rolled and solidly built. Wrapper is toothy, rich in oils, and even in color. Draw was perfect for both of us. Some hay-like notes off the wrapper. Cold draw was slightly grassy for me, while Khuong picked up some cocoa.

So, how does it smoke?

Oh, there’s smoke alright, and plenty of it. Dense, creamy, well-balanced, and a perfect burn, to top it all off. The early flavors consist of earthiness, spice, pepper, oak, and leather on a long spicy finish. Khuong picked up more of the earlier cocoa flavor in the first act. By the midsection, the body shifted to medium-full, retaining most of the base flavors, but with more sweetness and wood. By Act III, the smoke remained well-balanced, medium-full in body, and even provided some additional sweetness.

What are the primary flavor notes?

A primary mix of sweetness, woodiness, and spice with additional flavors of earth, sweet tobacco, leather, cedar, dark chocolate, and white pepper.

So, is it complex?

For sure. . There’s a lot going on in this cigar, as each flavor takes the stage, joins the chorus, and culminates in a perfectly choreographed dance number. A real showstopper.

What drinks can I pair with it besides coffee?

Suntory Hibiki^® Japanese Harmony was the order of the day for its unique smoothness and excellent balance of malt, sweetness, and spice. If you prefer something a little less costly and more domestic, Gentleman’s Jack. If either of those don’t do it for you, a fine, dark añejo rum over ice should do the trick.

(For more cigar pairing ideas, see our cigar pairing guide.)

Tell me who this cigar is for. 

More experienced cigar smokers. However, for its balance, creaminess, and sweeter components, newer cigar smokers may find the La Coalicion very intriguing. At the very least, it will help develop their palate for more complex cigars.

Bottom line: Is it humidor worthy?

Absolutely. And after all, the La Coalicion did make our Top 25 Cigars of 2019. It may be a little on the pricey side for some, but considering the amount of pleasure we got out of the La Coalicion Gordito, it was well worth it.  Top 25 Cigars of 2019.

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