Le Careme Canonazo

Initial Thoughts

I first learned about Le Careme by Crowned Heads from the guys at Creekside Cigar Co, through their YouTube channel. I was on the hunt for a morning smoke to pair with coffee, specifically something with chocolate notes that I hadn't tried before. I'd already explored that territory with the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro and the HVC Hot Cake, but I was ready for something new. Le Careme's rustic look caught my eye; the wrapper isn't perfectly smooth; it has some slightly misshapen sections that give it character, though it's still a great-looking cigar. Learning that it was produced at the E.P. Carillo factory raised my expectations; I'd enjoyed their work before.

First Third

Le Careme opens as a mild-to-medium smoke. Right away you get a semi-sweet chocolate with light nuttiness and a good amount of cream. An easy, pleasant start.

Second Third

The flavors develop, and the strength steps up to a solid medium. If you're pairing with coffee, this is where it really shines; a medium-bodied cup works best here.

Final Third

Dark chocolate and espresso notes come in, and both hold up well against a 12-oz cold brew. This is also where the cigar shows its one weakness: a slight bitterness creeps in alongside those dark espresso notes. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing going in. Strength holds steady at medium.

Final Thoughts

Le Careme was a genuine pleasure to smoke. If you're used to a mild Connecticut and want something different without going off the deep end, this is a great bridge, a pastry-forward cigar that pairs incredibly well with coffee without being overpowered by it.