“You with your switchblade posse /
Iʼll get my guns from the South /
Weʼll take to the yard like a cockfight /
Four kicks whoʼs strutting now?”
– Four Kicks (Kings of Leon)
These are the words that were the inspiration behind Crowned Headsʼ first cigar brand release, “Four Kicks.”
It was towards the end of 2010, and my colleagues and I were in the midst of a tumultuous period of uncertainty, transition and change. The company that we held dear to our hearts, CAO International, Inc., was caught in the middle of a corporate merger between Swedish Match and ST Group (CAOʼs parent company at the time). The very foundation that CAO had been built upon–people, relationships, integrity, and loyalty–were being stripped away. The end result would be that many people whom we considered as ʻfamilyʼ would soon be unemployed and CAO would find itself being taken away from its hometown of Nashville, TN, and relocated to Richmond, VA.
When you see some 15 years of your lifeʼs work–your heart, passion, and joy–coming to an end, youʼre filled with many emotions. The song, “Four Kicks,” really spoke to me. It was filled with anger, rebellion, confidence, and determination. These were the feelings that inspired us to forge together and create what would later become “Crowned Heads, LLC.”
Four Kicks is a brand that was born as a rebellious child, evolved into an angry adolescent, and finally matured into an adult whoʼs personality centered around excellence, confidence, and determination. In a way, the final blend we selected smokes in this same manner. It opens big, bold, and in your face. It then takes you on a ride of complexity, richness, and finesse. It finishes bright and clean and leaves its fingerprints on your palate to remind you that it was there.
Four Kicks is about sticking to your guns, and remaining loyal to those whom you love, and the hometown that brought you to the dance.
Four Kicks is about turning your back on the corporate machine, and making your own rules.
Four Kicks is four sizes: Corona Gorda (5 5/8” x 46), Robusto (5” x 50), Sublime (6” x54), and Piramide (6 1/8” x 52).
– Jon Huber / Crowned Heads, LLC
Love it brother! Cant wait to burn one. Much success to you and the rest of the CH fam. I have been faithfully rockin my CH shirt and hat for the past few months and Ive already got a drawer in the humi for Four Kicks ready waiting!
Great news! And it is great that you were able to incorporate the whole “4” concept into the name. Now … when will this be available to test drive?
Jon that was so beautifully spoke it was like a symphony of words amplifying the essence of your passion for this industry! For the people, relationships, integrity and loyalty are the soul from the seed on up. If the fire in your eye is embodied in “four kicks” then watch out Cigar world because you are about to be ROCKED! Absolutely stoked to taste the passion!
Super excited to see this dream become real life, bro!
I hope I’ll like it just as much with a real band on it.
Great news! Love the emotion associated with this inaugural release. Can not wait to light one up and share it with my friends.
Wow…I never expected to see my favorite KOL song quoted on here while reading about your upcoming releases. I think Caleb could have used a few of these sticks in place of his other smokeables – then maybe they wouldn’t have had to cancel the tour. I am very interested in this cigar, and Crowned Heads in general. CAO makes some of my favorites. While I may be relatively new to the ceegar game, knowing that an offshoot brand like Crowned Heads just might be able to top the big boys is making me jittery! Cannot wait to try them, will they be distributed in Buffalo, NY at all?
Michael – Thanks for the kind words–we appreciate your enthusiasm towards the brand.
Regarding Buffalo, NY…we are still sorting out the distribution details. Stay tuned.
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I can’t wait to check out your new offices. I was bummed to learn that CAO had shut down. Lemme know when you open your doors!
Good to see that things are going really well for you. Let me know when you want another wallet done. Have a few new tricks up my sleeve.
Peace
Conan
Picked up four Robusto’s yesterdy and looking forward to trying one tonight and letting the others “rest” for a while. I will let you know my opinion!
JW
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I love the attitude and the passion,I hope you guys crush it with your killer cigars! I love them. Good luck!
Kurt Kendall
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I’d love to see them carried where I work, at Davidus Cigars; I tried my first Four Kicks down at Corona’s on Lake Wood Drive. Jon Huber and Ernesto Carrillo make for a brilliant team!