Crowned Heads Blood Medicine Review: A Bold Limited-Edition Cigar from Nashville

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Introduction

Every so often, a cigar comes along that carries not just flavor, but a story. Crowned Heads Blood Medicine is precisely that. Its name is inspired by an old Nashville pharmacy and hotel, where a painted wall sign once hawked “Blood Medicine” steps from the Ryman Auditorium. True to Crowned Heads’ reputation, this limited-edition cigar blends history, creativity, and craftsmanship into one compelling package. Produced at TacaNicsa in Nicaragua, with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Ecuadorian Connecticut binder, and Nicaraguan fillers, Blood Medicine immediately intrigues collectors and casual smokers alike.

Update – August 2025

Crowned Heads has announced a new extension to the line: Blood Medicine B-Positive LE 2025. This release retains the familiar binder and fillers but replaces the wrapper with a Nicaraguan Corojo, resulting in a bolder, spicier profile. It will ship in mid-September 2025 in a 6×52 format at an MSRP of $12.95.

Cigar Aficionado also reported on this new extension, describing the B-Positive as a bolder evolution of the line: Cigar Aficionado – Crowned Heads Releasing Blood Medicine B-Positive.

Key Takeaways

• 🔥 Bold Flavors – pepper, cocoa, espresso, and earthy richness.

• 🏛️ Historic Storytelling – inspired by a Nashville pharmacy sign.

• 🌟 Boutique Appeal – limited edition craftsmanship from Crowned Heads.

• 👥 For All Smokers – engaging for enthusiasts and approachable for newcomers.

Crowned Heads Blood Medicine – At a Glance

Factory

TacaNicsa, Estelí, Nicaragua

Blend

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

• Binder: Ecuadorian Connecticut

• Filler: Nicaraguan

2024 Limited Edition

• Vitola: 6×52 Toro

• MSRP: $11.95

• Production: 1,500 boxes of 12 (18,000 cigars total)

• Release: May 2024

2025 Limited Edition (Original Blend)

• Vitolas & MSRP: 5×52 ($10.50), 5½×56 ($11.50), 6×54 ($12.50)

• Production: 700 boxes per size

For a full breakdown of the 2025 vitolas and production numbers, you can also read Halfwheel’s coverage of the release here: Halfwheel – Crowned Heads Expands Blood Medicine for 2025.

Story & First Impressions

At first glance, the Blood Medicine cigar impresses with its dark, oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper—slightly toothy with a natural sheen. The band is stylish, leaning into the Nashville backstory. A gentle squeeze reveals a firm, even construction. Before lighting, the aroma hints at earth, cocoa, and cedar, with the cold draw adding baking spices and faint sweetness.

Flavor Journey

First Third

Right from the light, Blood Medicine greets you with a burst of red pepper spice and espresso bitterness. The retrohale amplifies this, with lingering notes of leather and minerals. It’s bold, yet balanced by a subtle hint of cocoa in the background.

Second Third

The pepper begins to mellow, allowing creamier textures to emerge. Flavors of roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and warm spices layer across the palate. This is where the cigar shows its boutique complexity—never overwhelming, constantly engaging.

Final Third

In the final stretch, the earthiness and pepper return to the forefront, balanced with espresso and charred oak. The finish is long and savoury, encouraging slow, reflective draws until the last puff.

 

Construction & Burn

Crowned Heads has always emphasized quality construction, and Blood Medicine lives up to the reputation. The draw offers slight resistance but remains consistent, producing ample smoke output. The burn line stays straight primarily, and the ash holds firm for over an inch before dropping—proof of careful rolling at TacaNicsa.

Blood Medicine Release Timeline

• 2015 – Originally launched as Snake Oil, a Crowned Heads event-only cigar.

• 2022 – Reintroduced at retail events under the Blood Medicine name.

• 2024 – First full national limited edition: 6×52 toro, 18,000 cigars produced.

• 2025 – Expanded to three vitolas across 2,100 boxes total.

• 2025 – B-Positive LE 2025 announced, featuring a Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper.

 

The Perfect Pairing

• Bourbon: Old Forester 1910 — its caramel, oak, and spice echo the cigar’s cocoa and pepper notes.
• Irish Whiskey: Redbreast 12 — smooth honeyed sweetness balances the earthy intensity.
• Wine: Syrah or Malbec — bold red fruit and spice round out the cigar’s richness.

Pairing Blood Medicine with these drinks highlights its layered flavor journey without overshadowing the experience.

Who Will Love This Cigar?

• 👔 Tommy the Traditionalist will admire the old-world spice and grounded profile.
• 💼 Calvin the Collector will savour its limited-edition status and boutique rarity.
• 🧢 Wally the Weekender will love its bold punch for a night with friends and bourbon.

 

Cigar Newbie Tip

Limited-edition cigars like Blood Medicine don’t stay on shelves long. If you discover you enjoy it, consider buying a few extras for your humidor; availability may disappear quickly.

💡 Want to explore more boutique smokes like this? Check out our full Cigar Reviews section for more tasting notes, histories, and pairing guides.

Smoke Signals’ Take

Crowned Heads has a rich history of combining history and smoke, and Blood Medicine is no exception. From the Nashville history behind its name to the satisfying medium-full profile, it’s a cigar worth seeking out. For those who crave flavour with character, this limited-edition is one to remember.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What sizes and prices are available for Blood Medicine 2025?

Three vitolas are currently shipping: 5×52 ($10.50), 5½×56 ($11.50), and 6×54 ($12.50). Each size is limited to 700 boxes.

How big was the 2024 release?

The 2024 edition came as a 6×52 toro priced at $11.95. Only 1,500 boxes of 12 were produced, totaling 18,000 cigars.

What is Blood Medicine B-Positive?

B-Positive is a 2025 extension that keeps the original fillers but uses a Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper. It was described by Crowned Heads as a bolder version, shipping mid-September 2025 at $12.95 for a 6×52.

Where is Blood Medicine made?

All Blood Medicine releases are crafted at TacaNicsa in Estelí, Nicaragua, a factory known for boutique blends and quality control.

Any construction quirks to know?

Some reviewers of the 2024 toro noted wrapper fragility. While our sample performed well, it’s worth handling gently and storing with proper humidity.

What is the Crowned Heads Blood Medicine cigar?

Blood Medicine is a limited-edition Crowned Heads cigar, crafted at TacaNicsa with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Ecuadorian Connecticut binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. It blends bold flavors with a historic Nashville backstory.

Is the Crowned Heads’ Blood Medicine available in 2025?

Yes. Following its 2024 release, Crowned Heads expanded Blood Medicine in 2025, introducing new vitolas while preserving its boutique character. Availability remains limited.

How strong is the Blood Medicine cigar?

Blood Medicine is medium-full in strength, starting with pepper and espresso, then developing into creamy cocoa, nuts, and spices before finishing with a bold and earthy note.

What drinks pair best with Blood Medicine?

Excellent pairings include Old Forester 1910 bourbon, Redbreast 12 Irish whiskey, or a bold Syrah or Malbec wine. Each complements the cigar’s flavours of pepper, cocoa, and nuttiness.

Where can I buy Crowned Heads Blood Medicine?

Being a limited-edition cigar, Blood Medicine is often sold at select tobacconists or online retailers specializing in boutique brands. Availability varies, so it’s advisable to act quickly when stock becomes available.

Still have questions about Crowned Heads cigars? Drop them in the comments and share your experience.