Ancient Warrior

[cigardawg]

Got together with LC and jingle last night and smoked the Ancient Warrior by K. Hansotia. Now, this is one big cigar, measuring 7.5 inches with a 54 ring gauge. The wrapper was rustic, but very well crafted. It had a light chocolate color. The pre-light nose was mild, mostly of coffee and teh pre-light draw was open...almost surprising for a cigar this length.

The cigar lit easily and continued to have a very open draw throughout the smoking experience. The cigar, for the most part, burned evenly, requiring only one small touch up. The smoke was thick and plentiful, possessing a medium body. The only complaint that I have about construction was that the cigar tended to burn a little hot.

The medium-bodied smoke started off with flavors of coffee, with mild hints of what I typically classify as "sweet" spice (e.g., nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla). The tastes were subtle and I honestly had trouble identifying them. The cigar did not develop in strength, staying a gentle giant throughout. The coffee became more creamy toward the midpoint and there were even some hints of caramel. I think one of the most appealing things about the cigar was the finish...light and very pleasant.

All in all, this was a very nice cigar. It is a time commitment, but I think worth it. I actually found a lot of similarities between this cigar and the Gran Envoy from K. Hansotia.

 

[Swifty]

Nice review. I agree. I had one yesterday while out shooting a few racks of pool. Very enjoyable. :thumbs:

 

[stevehawk]

Good review, Dawg.

I've got one of these in the humi that I won off Camaroon4me playing poker here on CP. I might just have to torch it sometime over the next few days. (btw - thanks, Cam!)

 

[ggiese]

I'm told by the Hanostia rep that this was created to compete with the CAO Brazilia. It has a Brazilian wrapper, Costa Rican Binder and Dominican Filler. I found it to be just a bit milder, and a bit more pleasant smoke than the CAO's. To me, there's a bit of a sour taste to the Brazilia's I didn't much care for. Not that I throw out the CAO's, but there was no such thing with these AW's.

 

[gawntrail]

I smoked one yesterday as well. Gifted to me by Gregor22's buddy Richard in Las Vegas. I lit it in my truck for the drive home after a $hitty day at school. This is a huge stick! I'm not too solid on identifying flavor(s) yet, but it was medium to me. Not to strong, but plenty of smoke and flavor.

Excellent construction, appearance, and pre-lit aroma. I sort of mangled the lower 1/3 trying to get the band and cedar off. So it was a bit unraveled, but that was my fault. The rest of the stick burned true with only a minor touch up about 2 inches in to it.

In the 30 minutes it takes me to get home, I only got 1/2 way through it. I sat for another 40 minutes on the front porch watching the neighbors cows eat up his weeds. Drank 2 sodas while smoking this monster. I normally smoke Robusto or Toro sized Vitolas, so this dude was a chore.

Wish they made it a bit shorter. Ring gauge was right on with CAO Brazilia, Partagas Black, and LGC Serie R, but the length was a bit long for my liking. I burnt my shirt sleeve and my upper forearm looking into my mirror trying to get on the freeway. I'd cut the next one down to about 5.5"-6.0". Good smoke none the less.

Would definitely recommend for those looking for a marathon or even those that can power-herf. Different than the Ghurka blends, but definitely a winner. Hansotia hits another long ball with this one.

M. Gipson

 

[Mephiston]

Yu Yup and Yup Good cigar cannot say it was a good comparison to the brazilia but it was good none the less.Im also looking for a bit more strength than the AW usually.

 

[cigardawg]

Wish they made it a bit shorter. Ring gauge was right on with CAO Brazilia, Partagas Black, and LGC Serie R, but the length was a bit long for my liking. I burnt my shirt sleeve and my upper forearm looking into my mirror trying to get on the freeway. I'd cut the next one down to about 5.5"-6.0". Good smoke none the less.

[snapback]172474[/snapback]​

They are coming out with a line of these cigars. I know of at least 4 sizes (DC, torpedo, robusto, and toro). Local tobacconist got some samples from his rep. Different band, though.

 

[gawntrail]

Wish they made it a bit shorter.  Ring gauge was right on with CAO Brazilia, Partagas Black, and LGC Serie R, but the length was a bit long for my liking.  I burnt my shirt sleeve and my upper forearm looking into my mirror trying to get on the freeway.  I'd cut the next one down to about 5.5"-6.0".  Good smoke none the less. 

[snapback]172474[/snapback]​

They are coming out with a line of these cigars. I know of at least 4 sizes (DC, torpedo, robusto, and toro). Local tobacconist got some samples from his rep. Different band, though.

[snapback]172513[/snapback]​

Good to know. These are good smokes. A bit milder than I'm used to, but great for that medium-medium/full taste.

Thanks dawg.

M. Gipson

 

[camaroon4me]

Good review, Dawg.

I've got one of these in the humi that I won off Camaroon4me playing poker here on CP. I might just have to torch it sometime over the next few days. (btw - thanks, Cam!)

[snapback]171634[/snapback]​

I guess Im gonna have to quit sending them out! I bought a box of 13? off of cbid a while ago, but haven't tried them myself yet, was trying to let them age. Darn, I just sent another one out on Monday. I hope the recipient enjoys it

I really like the Gurka brand, just about anything from K Hansotia. I'm pretty sure that most of their sticks are manufactured by Torano, a fine brand in itself. :thumbs:

JV

 

[cigardawg]

My local tobacconist just gave me one of the robustos. Will try to smoke it tonight and report back tomorrow.

 

[cigardawg]

OK, finally smoked that Ancient Warrior robusto that I posted about a couple of days ago.

In appearance, it was just a smaller version of the standard AW. It had the lighter brazilian wrapper (as compared to a brazilia) and the same mild nose. The pre-light draw was fantastic. Construction was excellent. The draw stayed open as the cigar proceeded to burn cool and even throughout. The smoke was thick and plentiful. Well made cigar.

The taste profile was almost identical to the standard AW, just shorter. However, there was a distinct hint of raw cocoa at the midway point that was quite pronounced. Not so on the big guy. Medium-bodied, flavorful, very good cigar.

If you like the AW, but don't always have the time, try the robusto (or the torpedo, etc.). This one retailed around 6.25, but I am sure they are much cheaper on the WWW.

Enjoy.

 

[AVB]

When you are saying AC do you mean AW? If not, what is the AC you are comparing these to?

 

[cigardawg]

Sorry...my goof. I meant AW. Don't know why I typed AC.

 

[cigardawg]

Here is what Cigar Insider had to say about the Ancient Warrior.

ANCIENT WARRIOR
NEW RELEASEÑVERTICAL BRAND TASTING

Country: Honduras
Maker: Central American Tobacco
Distributor: Beach Cigar Group
Filler: Nicaragua, Colombia
Binder: Indonesia
Wrapper: Brazil
Release Date: January 2005

BRAND SUMMARY: The latest release from Beach Cigar
Group, the distributor of the Gurkha cigar brand, and the
Toraño family, makers of the cigars, Ancient Warrior keeps with
Beach’s theme of naming cigars after hardy soldiers. This cigar
features some of the more interesting tobaccos the Toraños enjoy
using, such as Brazilian and Colombian leaf, paired with the
more traditional Nicaraguan and Indonesian tobaccos in the
blend. As with many Toraño-made smokes, these are consistent.

Average Rating: 87.5 points

CHURCHILL
88 POINTS

7" X 50

$6.50
This big, dark Churchill has a nice, oily sheen. ItÕs
strong, with a good draw and a perfect ash. It has a
spicy flavor at the start, then settles a bit to take on
notes of damp wood.
Body: Medium to Full Recommendation: Smoke

ROBUSTO
88 POINTS

4 1/2" X 52

$5.80
This rough, dark robusto is strong. It has dry peppery
and woody notes, leading to a cocoa-flavored finish. It
has a mostly even draw and burn.
Body: Medium to Full Recommendation: Smoke

EMPEROR
87 POINTS

6" X 60

$7.80
This mammoth toro has a slightly firm draw. It
has notes of damp wood and a hint of sweetness. The
finish is chewy with a note of candy.
Body: Medium Recommendation: Smoke

TORPEDO
87 POINTS

6 1/2" X 53

$6.90
This dark, shiny figurado burns well, leading to a perfect
ash. The cigar has patches of flat, bready notes. Otherwise,
it has hints of cinnamon and sweet spice.
Body: Medium Recommendation: Smoke

 

[AVB]

88 isn't too bad at all. I might look for some of the shorter ones once this batch is gone.