War Hawk is the latest Henry Clay cigar from Altadis U.S.A.. The name comes from Henry Clay, a Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in the early 1800s. He was known for being a staunch U.S. nationalist and a proponent of declaring war against Britain in 1812. He though military force was the best option to fight British imperiousness. He became part of an informal group of “war hawks” who favored expansionist policies. Now the term is used in political circles to describe one who uses war as a resolution of a conflict.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
The Henry Clay War Hawk is the first of three cigars in the Immortal Trio Series. This name also has historical background and was the name given to Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun from their influence in American politics during the first half of the 19th century.
War Hawk comes in three vitolas: Corona (5 1/2 x 44) – $7, Robusto (5 x 54) – $7.50, Toro (6 x 50) – $8.
It started shipping in March of 2019 and comes in 25-count boxes. It is rolled at the Flor de Copan factory in Honduras. Most cigars in the Henry Clay line are made at Tabacalera de García in La Romana, Dominican Republic.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro Length: 6″ Ring Gauge: 50 Country of Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Binder: USA Connecticut Broadleaf Filler: Honduras Factory: Flor de Copan S.A. Blender: Grupo de Maestros Number of reviewers: 4 – Doug S.(Unpossible_1) Ryan H.(Ryan H.) James H.(Keikan Jim) Mickey T.(irratebass) Price: $8.00 Age: 11 Months Release Date: March 2019 Contributed by: Altadis U.S.A.
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 94
“A gorgeous light colored wrapper adorns this cigar which is very smooth to the touch, quite an an elegant looking stick. There are minimal veins and seams. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Aroma: 89
“This cigar smells of damp leather and cinnamon roll. Less on the cinnamon and more on the roll suggest this will be a mild cigar.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“After the cut, the dry draw is almost perfect with a sweet bread taste on the palate. Once lit, ample amounts of sweet and creamy smoke fills the mouth. However, beware of the first retro because it will bring tears to your eyes. Finish is slightly salty and fairly short. Once going I get a graham cracker sweetness as the prominent flavor and the retro settles down and is smooth with just a hint of black pepper.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“I light it up and get this underway, with the hope that if offers more than the typical lighter cigar. I’m immediately greeted with a blast of white pepper and creaminess. Not a bad opener at all! Cigar is offering quite a bit of flavor so far. Lots of white pepper, tea and a touch of citrus. The retro offers a spin on the flavors that I wasn’t expecting. The pepper is leading the pack, but I’m getting a really tasty treat with salted peanuts. Simply delicious! ” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Second Third
Blind Cigar Review: Henry Clay | War Hawk Toro
Flavor: 91 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Light-Medium
“As I approach the second third, a slight bitterness crept in but didn’t linger for long. Mild sweetness and graham continue to be the flavor of the day. This is not a bad thing because this is an elegant cigar. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“Sweet coffee comes into the fold in the beginning of this third along with some leather and baking spices. Strength is right at a medium. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Final Third
Flavor: 91 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Light-Medium
“The final third has a slight shift with bakers spice creeping into the mix which brings this cigar up a
Blind Cigar Review: Henry Clay | War Hawk Toro
notch. The strength has also amped up some creating a fulfilling finish. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“Cinnamon has returned along with a dry cedar flavor that is reminiscent of the beginning. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 95
“The draw on this cigar is nearly perfect from first light to finish. Air easily passes through with a slight resistance creating an abundance of chewy smoke. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
Burn: 93
“Not once was I ever thinking about reaching for my lighter, as the burn was spot on.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Construction: 93
“The beauty of this cigar along with the burn qualities are a testament to the great construction. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Light-Medium Experience Overall: 92
“Connecticut wrappers are a mystery these days. So many blenders have taken a page from the My Father Connecticut and given smokers something to get excited about when they see a Connecticut. The days of mild and straight forward are gone, and we’re treated with cigars such as this one. Complex flavors and body that never let up during the whole session. I’d seek some of these out if I was you. You won’t regret it!” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
“A nice profile a little too much heat in the beginning. Feel the cigar might have been a little under filled. A good cigar.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
“I am usually not a smoker of mild cigars, however, this may make me a convert. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and would suggest the reader give it a try. Sweet and creamy with spices dancing around the mix made for an enjoyable journey. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“This cigar smelled better when it wasn’t lit. I was really liking the potpourri aromas I was getting, but once I started smoking it all I was getting was your run if the mill sweet tobacco, with cedar and baking spices…kinda disappointing, but i do believe this cigar would pair nicely with a morning cup of coffee. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
Blind Cigar Review: Henry Clay | War Hawk Toro
Overall Score – 92 – Great
Blind Cigar Review: Henry Clay | War Hawk Toro
Summary
"Connecticut wrappers are a mystery these days. So many blenders have taken a page from the My Father Connecticut and given smokers something to get excited about when they see a Connecticut. The days of mild and straight forward are gone, and we're treated with cigars such as this one. Complex flavors and body that never let up during the whole session. I'd seek some of these out if I was you. You won't regret it!" -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
