Crowned Heads · Court Reserve XVIII
New WorldExperiencedCrowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto
A 5 x 50 robusto with a dark Mexican San Andres wrapper, made at EP Carrillo. Cocoa, espresso, and pepper — Crowned Heads' return to its Dominican roots.
The short answer
The Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto is a richer, medium-to-full smoke — a Dominican Republic robusto with a Mexican San Andres wrapper. Expect dark cocoa, espresso, and cedar.
Flavor profile
Sweet · Roast · Earthy · Spice
The verdict
The Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto is a richer, medium-to-full smoke from Crowned Heads's Court Reserve XVIII line. It's a Dominican Republic (New World) robusto wrapped in Mexican San Andres at 5 in × 50.
On the palate, expect dark cocoa, espresso, and cedar, leaning sweet. Plan on roughly 55 minutes from light to nub.
It pairs naturally with espresso and bourbon. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
Court Reserve XVIII (released in 2018) marked Crowned Heads returning to Ernesto Perez-Carrillo's Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic, the factory where Four Kicks was born. It pairs a dark Mexican San Andres wrapper with an Ecuadorian binder and Nicaraguan filler, and notably each vitola was blended individually to its size. The Robusto is the classic 5 x 50.
What it tastes like
The San Andres wrapper drives a dark, chocolatey profile: dark cocoa, espresso, cedar, black pepper, and earth, layered into a medium-full smoke with real depth. Because the Robusto was blended specifically for its dimensions, it feels purpose-built rather than just a smaller version of a bigger cigar. Construction is excellent — slow, even burn and an easy draw, as you'd expect from EP Carrillo.
Who it's for
Court Reserve XVIII suits experienced smokers who like dark, flavorful, medium-full cigars with a chocolatey San Andres core. It's an after-dinner pick for espresso or bourbon. To get the most from the dark wrapper, read Maduro vs Connecticut, and fans of the brand's roots should also try the Four Kicks Robusto from the same factory.
Log it and rate it in the Casa DNC app.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto — frequently asked
- Is the Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto a good cigar for beginners?
- Ease into it. The fuller body can be a lot for a first-timer, so it's better once you've built up a little tolerance.
- How strong is the Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto?
- The Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto is Medium-Full-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto taste like?
- Expect dark cocoa, espresso, and cedar, leaning sweet. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What pairs well with the Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto?
- It pairs well with espresso and bourbon. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium-full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto?
- Plan on about 55 minutes for the robusto — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto head-to-head
See how Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.