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Luminosa by Crowned Heads Review

Luminosa by Crowned Heads Review

Even though they only launched in 2011, Crowned Heads has quickly established themselves as cigar royalty. Many of the company’s releases are inspired by the founder's (John Huber & Mike Conder) love of music, which is why this non-music-themed smoke is completely off-key compared to the rest of the brands in their portfolio.  

Originally a Cuban brand from the early 1900s, La Imperiosa translates to ‘the imperative’, or “…that which is absolutely necessary or required.” A motto that I’m sure every stogie diehard can relate to.

As well as offering a different narrative, Crowned Heads co-founder Jon Huber also believes the Luminosa fills a void that was absent in the company’s portfolio of blends: a meek cigar blend.

Cigar Specs

  • Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
  • Strength: Light to Medium
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
  • Binder: Not Disclosed
  • Filler: Not Disclosed
  • Smoke Time: 105 minutes
  • Sizes Available:

How is the cigar constructed?

EP Carrillo’s Dominican factory is the birthplace of this new blend. A place that can boast the Four Kicks, Headley Grange, and recently reviewed La Careme as part of its repertoire.

The well-aged Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper was one of the darkest shades I’d ever seen of this leaf. It provided a glorious contrast to the banding’s sunburst-like design, with its inspiration coming from the Cuban vista and band of years gone by. There is the odd vein or two shows, but the stick is smooth to the touch and has a nice weight to it.

Crowned Heads have kept hush on the origin of the binder and filler used in the Luminosa’s construction, but that only serves to further fuel my intrigue. Let’s see where the cold draw takes me.

A few words on the cold draw

A straight cut was used to commence my Luminosa smoking experience. Before pressing my lips around the cigar, I took a whiff of the stick at both ends and felt like I was in a sweet-smelling oasis, surrounded by flowers in bloom.

There was a light restriction in the cold draw, but I was still able to pick up some pepper spice and fresh hay.

The moment I’d been waiting for had arrived. It was time to put fire to foot.

What flavors did I enjoy from the Luminosa?

The Luminosa sets out to be a great morning smoke for those that like a touch of complexity to start their day. It is loaded with flavor from pre-light down to the nub.

There are dominant notes of cocoa, almonds, leather, and a dash of cream, with the sweeter notes building near the end of the first third.

Each puff leaves a lasting impression on my palate, with the aforementioned creaminess a constant at the heart of the smoke. As the cigar edges towards burnout, the nut and dry cocoa dial back. In comes a burst of pepper, which is backed up by strong notes of citrus and woody cedar.

There are even whispers of natural tobacco that fade in and out of the latter stages. They bring a bitterness that threatens to derail the flavor profile equilibrium but actually end up working in sync with the concoction of flavors to enhance the cigar’s character.

First Draw

The Luminosa opens with very simple wood notes of maple and cedar. Just shy of the burn line scorching the one-inch mark, there were soft charms of spice with a deliciously nutty background. There is an undeniable earthiness of black pepper on the retrohale, as the complexity starts to take shape.

Second Draw

As sweetness sweeps into the profile, it is amplified by the emergence of cocoa, vanilla, and a sprinkling of roasted nuts. By the midpoint of the cigar, the wood notes had dissipated.

The black pepper on the retrohale definitely had more bite, which in turn started to play with my palate. It’s a pleasant contrast to the salty sweetness, taking the profile to smokier heights.

Final Draw

The burn rate takes its foot off the accelerator in the final third, but this only allows me to appreciate each puff even more. Some puffs are sweeter, whereas others come at me with a citrus zing.

The core flavor was still creamy, though a woody cedar and fresh campfire scent finish come in off the tongue during the final inch for a truly delightful finish.

How strong is the Luminosa

The cigar started out soft in strength and gets closer to medium as the lit phase draws to a close. It's an easily approachable smoke, although don’t underestimate the depth and robustness of the flavors that intensify along the journey.

The burn and silvery-grey ash were faultless, with the ash holding on throughout the entire first third! The creamy thick smoke production was also extremely satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Even though the Luminosa represents a momentary change of direction for Crowned Heads, there is certainly no let-up in quality. I’ve discovered a cigar that would be a welcome fixture in my morning routine.

For those that practice Carpe Diem (seize the day), the compelling flavor profile of the Luminosa is the perfect wake-up call.

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