Crowned Heads introduced the Mil Días in the fall of 2020 and received immediate praise from the industry. It was the second cigar produced by Tabacalera Pichardo for Crowned Heads after the 2019 release of the Juárez. First impressions labeled it ‘cubanesque’ in flavor and profile, but it doesn’t take long to realize that there is more behind this enigmatic cigar. Its popularity can be attributed to approachable flavor while also providing plenty of complexity for those interested in a more contemplative smoke.
The Mil Días was first introduced in four vitolas: Edmundo, Corona Gorda, Sublime, and Double Robusto. Since then there have been a few more sizes, for instance my review will be focused on the Mareva El XX which is a Corona, and an Escogidos.
The Stats
- Origin Country: Nicaragua
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan, Costa Rican, and Peruvian
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 42
- Smoke duration: About 1 hour and 15 Minutes
- Rarity: Limited production vitola, otherwise regular production
The Verdict
- Appearance & Construction: 13 / 15
- Flavor of First Third: 9 / 10
- Flavor of Second Third: 9 / 10
- Flavor of Final Third: 8 / 10
- Smoking Experience: 18 / 20
- Overall Experience: 32 / 35
OVERALL RATING: 89
The Crowned Heads Mil Días offers up some flavors not often found in cigars. While you will be met with continuous notes of leather, and hardwood smoke, you will also find a pithy tang. The first third is quick to provide pepper spice, compost, hay, leather, some tang, and abundant sweetness. The ash is always quick to fall away, and is light in color. The second third introduces cedar, sous bois, soda cracker, caramel and chocolate. The caramel chocolate notes are fleeting but unmistakable. The pepper spice is mostly absent, and boxed out by the multitude of other flavors. The retrohale is noteworthy during the middle portion, providing a wonderful aroma of the aforementioned flavors. The last third sees the return of the pepper spice, and hardwood smoke mixed in with graham cracker and leather. It should be noted that the last third increases in strength substantially from medium/medium+ to full. Since all reviews are subjective, this is where I took a point off. The last third can be a wild ride, and may be overbearing for some. Overall the experience was highly enjoyable. The body, strength and aromas can be similar to Cuban cigars in some ways, however I think it is clear that the Mil Días is that and more. It adds a significant amount of refreshing nuances, has excellent construction, and is worthy of the attention it has received.