With a name inspired by a song by Kings of Leon and a pedigree from the CAO that used to be, the fellows behind Crowned Heads have started out like gangbusters in the cigar industry.  At present they have two labels on the market - the so-far-untried Headley Grange, and the Four Kicks of this review.  They also have a limited release Four Kicks named the Mule Kick.  As a music lover, I can appreciate their naming scheme but it goes deeper than that.  The music they listen to inspire the very cigars they create.  I tried a Four Kicks last summer and to be honest, I had a less than favorable experience.  Like a true aficionado, however, I went back to the well and to my surprise, I found the Four Kicks to be...well, let's just get to the review....

Construction: The Four Kicks has a nice veiny wrapper that is nicely uniform in color - a nice chocolate brown.  The triple cap is expertly done as well.

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: These little babies are not packed in cellophane.  I get a nice dry grass aroma from the wrapper and a really exquisite array of smells from the foot.  There are smells of spicy, cedar, and faint hints of cocoa.  The draw is not wide open but still perfect.

Light and Burn: Lighting is easy and the burn starts off well.  I had a small hot spot but quelled it easily.  After that we are talking laser perfect burn.

Tasting: Starting up I get a nice peppery blast that is coupled with a sweet chocolate like flavor.  Into the first third the flavors are sweet and metallic with hints of spice.  I would call this medium bodied so far.  I just got a crazy spicy blast of something like cedar mixed with red pepper too.  As the second third starts up I get a nice earthy undertone that reminds me of a cool day in a forest.  The middle kicks up the body a bit as well.  The final third starts off with a nice salty and leathery kick (no pun intended).  Overall, the spice and body increases as the cigar burns.  I picked up a nice candy sweetness towards the end as well.  Very well done.

Value: At less than $7 the Four Kicks corona gorda is well worth the price.

Final Thoughts: I am so glad I tried Four Kicks again.  Guess I must have just had a dud last summer - which happens with any brand.  With an name like Four Kicks, I was expecting a powerhouse that was going to knock me to my knees or at least cross my eyes (Christmas Vacation reference intended).  It's a great cigar with a very unique flavor and a terrific story and inspiration.  Highly recommended.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium to full

Size: 5 5/8 x 46

Gorgeous wrapper and killer banding make this a very attractive cigar