Few cigars carry a backstory as rich and as cinematic as the Horse Soldier brand. Born from the heroic exploits of a group of Green Berets deployed in the days immediately following 9/11, the Horse Soldier name pays homage to a mission immortalized in the 2018 war drama Twelve Strong. These twelve U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers were among the first to enter Afghanistan after the World Trade Center attacks, famously riding into battle on horseback alongside the Northern Alliance to overthrow the Taliban. Their courage, adaptability, and unbreakable brotherhood serve as the spiritual foundation of the Horse Soldier brand.
From this heroic origin came not only a line of award-winning Horse Soldier Bourbon but also a distinctive line of cigars that seek to capture the same ethos: strength, precision, and craftsmanship. Just as the bourbon is distilled with care in the heart of America, the cigars are rolled with pride and skill in the world-renowned J.C. Newman PENSA cigar factory in Nicaragua—a country known for producing some of the finest premium Nicaraguan cigars in the world.
The Horse Soldier cigar line, much like its bourbon namesake, is a tribute to honor and tradition. Among its offerings, the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro stands out as a shining example of Nicaraguan cigar artistry. With its classic toro shape—typically measuring 6 inches in length with a 52 ring-gauge—this cigar offers an ideal balance between smoking time and flavor development.
A Sunlit Strength
The Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro is expertly crafted using a bold, flavorful blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers, enveloped in a sun-grown wrapper that is both oily and slightly toothy to the touch. Sun-grown wrappers are cultivated under direct sunlight, which gives the leaf a thicker texture and deeper flavor. This process produces a wrapper leaf that is more intense, often contributing peppery spice and richness to the final product.
The binder and filler tobaccos are 100% Nicaraguan, and their age and fermentation process give them complexity, strength, and balance. The fermentation process helps mellow the tobaccos and bring out nuanced notes of earth, cedar, and natural sweetness. The construction of the Horse Soldier Sungrown is immaculate, boasting a seamless wrapper with minimal veins and a triple cap for a clean cut.
While the brand is relatively new in the boutique cigar market, it is produced in collaboration with some of the most respected names in the industry. Though not directly affiliated with the legendary J.C. Newman Cigar Co., Horse Soldier Cigars draws on similar principles of craftsmanship and heritage that elevate every smoking experience.
The Smoking Experience
Lighting up the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro, you’re greeted with an aroma of barnyard hay, leather, and sweet earth—a promising prelude to the experience ahead. Upon ignition, the first third opens with a burst of red pepper on the retrohale, complemented by strong notes of cedar and toasted bread. There’s a subtle undercurrent of brown sugar and nutmeg that rounds out the initial spice, creating a dynamic and layered introduction.
As the cigar transitions into the second third, the peppery punch takes a backseat, allowing creamy notes of roasted coffee and cocoa to shine through. The cedar becomes more nuanced, evolving into a sandalwood-like smoothness, and there’s a sweet, almost raisin-like finish that lingers on the palate. The burn remains razor-sharp, and the draw is easy and generous, offering plumes of aromatic smoke with every puff.
In the final third, the body of the cigar intensifies slightly, with espresso, dark chocolate, and leather becoming more dominant. The sweetness fades, giving way to a savorier profile with hints of black pepper returning to add a bit of kick toward the nub. It finishes strong but never harsh, leaving a clean and satisfying aftertaste.
Horse Soldier Rollcall
In addition to the Sungrown Toro, the Horse Soldier cigar line also features the Horse Soldier Maduro Toro and the Horse Soldier Shade Toro. The Maduro Toro is a bolder expression, featuring a dark and oily maduro wrapper that delivers a rich profile of cocoa, espresso, and spice—perfect for those who enjoy a full-bodied smoking experience. Meanwhile, the Shade Toro offers a milder, smoother experience with its Connecticut shade-grown wrapper. Expect notes of cream, light cedar, and a touch of sweetness.
Pairing Recommendation: Horse Soldier Bourbon Straight
To truly appreciate the full spectrum of flavors offered by the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro, pairing it with a neat pour of Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon is highly recommended. The bourbon’s warm notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice play beautifully off the cigar’s earthy, cocoa-forward middle third and robust final act.
A Cigar Worth Saluting
The Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro is more than just a cigar; it’s a statement piece. It celebrates courage, honor, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood. With its complex flavor transitions, expert construction, and storied origin, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other premium handmade Nicaraguan cigars in its class.
Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or a newcomer drawn to the brand’s rich history, the Horse Soldier Sungrown Toro delivers a robust, flavorful smoking experience that’s worthy of remembrance. Available now on LM Cigars, it’s a must-try for anyone who values not only what’s in their cigar but the story behind it. Light one up, raise a glass, and toast to valor. Horse Soldier cigars are here to honor the past and shape the future of premium tobacco.