Las Calaveras by Crowned Heads has been a yearly limited edition since 2014. Each year the blend changes, but the concept behind the cigar remains the same. The release inspired by a zinc etching called Las Calaveras Catrina is meant to commemorate the memories of people who had died the year more.
However, unlike years past, 2024 will see two separate releases for the 10th anniversary of the limited edition. The second release which should arrive in September 2024 called, Las Calaveras Decimo Aniversario. It is limited to 2,500 boxes of 10 with cigars retailing for $18.95.
Cigar Review: Las Calaveras 2024
Size: 6 x 54 (LC54 / Toro)
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Fillers: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Release Date: August 2024
Box Count: 24
The Cigar: Starting with the 2017 release Crowned Heads changed up the bands adding colors to the band which have become more vibrant over the years. This year, black, pink and green are featured. Additionally the cigar features a gold and black Crowned Heads foot band. The Nicaragua Habano wrapper has a reddish brown hue to it with a slight brindling. There is one noteworthy vein running down the center of the cigar under the band. In the hand the cigar is a bit light but firm and well packed with a subtle give on the foot.
The Taste: The cold draw of the cigar has a subtle molasses and raisin but the focal point is earthy. The aroma from the foot serves up a touch of mocha and graham cracker sweetness. Once the cigar is toasted and lit there is a nice level of smoke production with a nuttiness beginning to develop.
As we smoke into the first third of the Las Calaveras 2024 there is some citrus present along with black pepper on both the palate and in abundance on the retrohale that is dominant for the first inch or so. As the citrus begins to pull back the nuttiness which we experienced on the pre-light begins to emerge with some leather and dried fruits. As the first third comes to a close the pepper on the retrohale remains but is more manageable.
The second third I begin to slow down my smoking rate and the cigar begins to develop further with notes of mocha (especially on the finish), nuttiness and dried fruits. Of the cigars I smoked in this size, smoking faster tends to give the cigar some dominant notes of leather and pepper, smoking slower those notes are relegated to the background where they serve as more of an afterthought. The retrohale brings some citrus, pepper and an added nuttiness.
The final third sees some coffee notes develop that are reminiscent of coffee nibs. Additional there is some gritty earthiness and cashews. As we remove the band coffee is dominant with a subtle saltiness. The long finish is leathery and lingers a little too long like a friend who can’t take a hint. But it’s enjoyable enough that you’ll invite them back.
Conclusion: The Las Calaveras 2024 is better then 2023 though it probably isn’t the best in the history of the brand but it definitely is not the worst. In 10 releases I would make an argument it falls in the top 4 if you take your time with it. A lot of cigars get darker in taste and more bitter if you smoke them to fast. Personally I am a slow smoker, but the draw on these have been fluid, perhaps too fluid which makes it a bit easy to speed up your cadence. Smoking slower increased the score on these and if I went by my first one which I smoked too fast (user error) it would have scored 2-3 points lower.
In short (too late), these are definitely worthy of a couple of 5 packs.
Score: 91
Price: $15.95
Las Calaveras 2024 is available via site sponsor Small Batch Cigar. Use coupon code BARRELBURNER to save 10%.
