To call it a minor sensation would hardly do justice to the significance of this event. And while such statements should be made with care, we’re taking a clear stance: The return of the legendary Henry Clay can undoubtedly be seen as the outstanding comeback of the year 2025.
Henry Clay – Celebrated for Premium Enjoyment
For many decades, Henry Clay ranked among the most important names in the cigar world. With the reissue of the War Hawk series, the brand impressively reconnects with its storied past. While production no longer takes place on Cuban soil, a factory in Honduras has been found that masterfully continues the spirit and standards of Henry Clay.
Excellence from Honduras
The cigars are crafted at the renowned Tabacalera La Flor—a name well known to fans of La Flor de Copan. The expertise of the torcederos and blenders there is undisputed and lends the revived brand a new brilliance. The Copan region, near the borders of Guatemala and El Salvador, is now considered one of the most valuable tobacco-growing regions in the world. The Maya already recognized the potential of this microclimate, which still offers ideal conditions for cultivating the finest tobaccos. Many aficionados favor cigars like the Flor de Copan Rothschild, which have become a staple in countless humidors.
A Brand With History
The origins of Henry Clay date back to the 1840s. The brand was founded by Spanish emigrant Julian Alvarez Granda, who had settled in the then-colony of Cuba. He named the cigar after one of the most influential U.S. politicians of his time.
Senator Henry Clay was known as a powerful speaker and a leading figure among the War Hawks in the U.S. Congress. At the same time, he was a skilled negotiator famed for brokering compromises with diplomatic finesse. Traits that translate surprisingly well to the character of the cigars themselves—balanced, harmonious, yet full of expression.
A Politician With Tobacco in His Blood
In the 1820s, Henry Clay reached the pinnacle of his political career as the U.S. Secretary of State. In addition to his legal work, he was also a tobacco planter on his farm in Kentucky. His name seems tailor-made for a brand that embodies the finest in tobacco culture.
Legend has it that co-founder Juan Antonio Bances personally approached Clay for permission to use his name. Clay not only agreed, but generously declined any financial interest—perhaps because a top-notch cigar bearing his name was reward enough.
Cuban Classic With Cult Status
For decades, Henry Clay became synonymous with outstanding Cuban cigars. The brand even found its way into European literary history: In two masterpieces of the 20th century—James Joyce’s Ulysses and Thomas Mann’s The Magic Mountain—characters are seen enjoying a Henry Clay. So if you're looking for a refined companion to your reading, you'll find the perfect combination of depth, culture, and indulgence here.
Henry Clay Today – Return of an Icon
After the Cuban Revolution, the brand was nationalized and gradually faded into obscurity. Some may still remember the versions made in the Dominican Republic, available in the early 2000s. But today’s War Hawk series shares little more than the name. Production now takes place at Flor de Copan in Honduras—under the highest quality standards and with a deep respect for the brand’s legacy. Already established in the U.S., the new line finally became available in Europe in spring 2025.
For the Broadleaf binder and the Criollo 98 filler, the blend relies on tried-and-true Honduran tobacco quality. The Connecticut wrapper from Ecuador adds a touch of refined elegance. This complex series impresses with its multi-layered roasted aromas, light wood notes, and a particularly well-balanced character, made possible by a fermentation method developed specifically for it. The medium-bodied War Hawk perfectly symbolizes the brand’s successful revival—a cigar with substance and style.
Special mention goes to the Henry Clay War Hawk Corona, which received an exceptional 95-point rating from Cigar Aficionado in 2021—earning it a place among the best cigars of the year. For those who prefer a more voluminous format, the elegant Churchill is highly recommended.