Cigar Review: Jericho Hill OBS
Crowned Heads has had a busy 2014, releasing not one, but two limited edition cigars and unveiling their latest core line. Crowned Heads, the maker’s of Four Kicks, Headley Grange, and JD Howard Reserve, returned to their Tennessee roots for inspiration for their latest cigar. Taking its name from a key location in Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Cocaine Blues”, Jericho Hill is described by Crowed Heads as “Jericho Hill is a hedonistic blend of the best Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, resulting in a rich and robust taste profile that is focused, potent, and complex.” Upon reading their decadent description, I am more than eager to try this cigar.
Prelight: The first thing I notice about Jericho Hill is (obviously) the wrapper, which has a rich cocoa hue and an even tone. The wrapper’s ideal shade provides an excellent contrast to the matte black band, consisting of antique eggshell white trim and lettering. The construction of Jericho Hill OBS is just as flawless as its appearance with even firmness throughout with a perfectly executed cap. After a quick removal of the cap, my senses are greeted with an open draw and a rich sweet tobacco note with a light finish.
1/3: Jericho Hill begins its quest in a very smooth and gradual fashion. The first third of the cigar opens with medium notes of cocoa with a short-lived black tea note, giving the cigar an almost coffee cake finish. This finish is only found in the very beginning as a mild pepper note begins to emerge by the middle of the first third. By the end of this portion of Jericho Hill, the spice notes have blended superbly with the earlier cocoa notes creating a balanced medium bodied cigar.
2/3: With the flavors mixing perfectly by the second third, Jericho Hill continues to provide a very enjoyable smoking experience. This portion of the cigar sees the introduction of a mild leather note noticeable on the retrohale, which can be attributed to the cigar’s blend of Nicaraguan binder and filler with a Mexican wrapper.
3/3: The Jericho Hill finishes with many of the same notes found in the second third of the cigar. The pepper, cocoa and leather elements continue to delight and amaze right down of the very end. Overall, Jericho Hill is an excellent choice for fans of medium to full bodied cigars with rich notes that remain balanced and never become overpowering. The cigar easily lives up to Crowned Heads’ description, delivering tons of great flavor that is dynamic and very pronounced. Look for Jericho Hill in four sizes in 24 count boxes online at emersonscigars.com as well as at all five of our Hampton Roads locations.
