The Crowned Heads Juarez Chihuahua robusto hits your humidor like a tattooed outlaw with good manners - slightly intimidating at first glance but surprisingly approachable. This 5.5"x48 stick from Tabacalera Pichardo arrives dressed in oily Mexican San Andrés wrapper that glistens like fresh coffee beans. At $6.48 per cigar in 20-count boxes, it's the working-class hero of Crowned Heads' portfolio.
The first inch serves up charred oak and chili powder heat that settles into a warm baking spice rhythm. Around the 20-minute mark, the Nicaraguan core takes over with wet earth and mineral notes - imagine licking a limestone cave wall after rain. Surprisingly creamy smoke texture keeps the intensity in check.
The second third shifts gears with marzipan sweetness cutting through earlier pepper blasts. Retrohales reveal what Crowned Heads fans call "that jericho twang" - a sourdough tang mixing with meaty umami. Burn line stays razor-straight even when rushed, though fast puffing brings out bitter tar faster than expected.
Approaching the nub, the Chihuahua morphs into espresso-soaked leather territory. Dominicana filler adds dry hay notes that balance wrapper's molasses undertones. Despite medium-full billing, nicotine strength creeps up stealthily - veterans finish strong while casuals might tap out early.
