Crowned Heads

Crowned Heads Cigars
Nashville, Tennessee, is better known for country music, whisky and the Grand Ole Opry than for fine cigars. But in 2011, a group of experienced tobacco men decided it was as good a place as any to establish a cigar company.

Crowned Heads was founded by Jon Huber and Mike Conder, both formerly of CAO Cigars, following the latter company's move away from Nashville. Rather than follow the familiar corporate route, they set about building something of their own, with an emphasis on interesting blends, distinctive artwork and a healthy respect for traditional cigar making.

Their first release, Four Kicks, arrived in 2011, taking its name from a Kings of Leon song. It was followed by Headley Grange, inspired by the famous English recording studio where Led Zeppelin recorded some of their best-known material.

Music has remained a recurring influence, but there's considerably more to Crowned Heads than clever names and attractive cigar bands.

The company works with respected cigar manufacturers, including Ernesto Perez-Carrillo and the García family, producing cigars in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Its portfolio includes everything from the rich, earthy character of Jericho Hill to the celebrated Las Calaveras series, an annual release inspired by Mexico's Día de los Muertos traditions.

There's a refreshing willingness to experiment here, particularly with different wrappers, tobacco origins and limited-edition blends. Yet the cigars remain firmly rooted in the established traditions of handmade premium tobacco.

I've always liked the idea of a cigar company taking inspiration from a recording studio. After all, a good cigar blend has much in common with a good record: somebody has to know which elements belong together, and when to leave well alone.