Vitola: Robusto
Size: 5.5″ x 52 ring gauge
Price $9.25
Purchased from Franklin Cigar
It’s to be expected that when a new kid shows up, he shakes things up a bit. That’s what Crowned Heads did when they come onto the scene a few years back. And now, they have a new dance they’d like to show you, too.
Jon Huber from Crowned Heads isn’t shy on his appreciation of Tennessee or music as evidenced from the company’s nomenclature of previous lines. This new line isn’t any different. The name Tennessee Waltz is in reference to the song that was playing when his maternal grandparents met. But enough with the history, let’s move forward with the review.
The Tennessee Waltz is a beautiful stick with a luscious chocolate Connecticut broadleaf wrapper with pure Nicaragua under the hood. The only distinguishable visible characteristic of manufacturer would be an orange foot wrapper, no doubt in honor of the University of Tennessee’s infamous orange colored jerseys and logos. The cigar had great construction with minimal veins. The pre-light was a bit sweet with an earthy, forest smell. Trimming a bit off the top revealed a great cold draw and more of a leafy smell.
After removing the orange foot wrapper, I toasted the foot and began to puff. My initial notes were that of some spice mixed with graham cracker. Pulsing throughout the first third we’re hints of leather. The smoke was generous and the ash held on for an inch before falling off (fortunately I was hovering over my ashtray and not my lap at the moment).
Leading into the middle of the cigar, the spice backed off and the cigar became mellow. A graham cracker note muddled with a bit of cocoa and a hint of coffee came out to play. Rounding out the smoke in the last third, the preceding notes gave way to leather and pepper that was flavorful yet not overpowering.
The Tennessee Waltz is a medium bodied cigar with an enjoyable flavor palate throughout. It’s not a wild ride, nor a boring lecture. It’s comfortable and inviting, like grandparents tend to be. No doubt what Huber had in mind when he created this. I wouldn’t consider this an everyday smoke, but more like a smoke I’d enjoy around the holidays with family.
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: .5/1
Total: 8.5/10
Great review and I always appreciate that graham cracker note in a cigar.
Sounds very enjoyable. Thanks for the review.
I am really digging CH cigars, hard to figure out which release I like more!
Have tried and enjoyed a few CH cigars, this sounds like a nice smoke with the graham cracker and cocoa flavors. Will keep my open for them.
I have been lucky enough to smoke one of these bad boys and I have another in the humidor taking a nap… I think these will get better with age… great smoke.
Have not had the chance to try these but like most CHs, I’ll probably love it.. ha ha.. some I like more than others.. Four Kicks #5 is still one of my favorite go to smokes
Nice review. Can’t go wrong with Crowned Heads, or Crowned Heads hasn’t done no wrong.