Cigar Review: Hooten Young Gothic Serpent 25th Anniversary Toro

There’s something inherently weighty about lighting a cigar that exists to commemorate history. The Gothic Serpent 25th Anniversary from Hooten Young is a 6 x 50 Toro crafted to honor the U.S. military mission in Somalia—Operation Gothic Serpent—now known to many through the lens of Black Hawk Down. This cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper over aged Nicaraguan binder and fillers, presented with a white and gold band that reflects military formality without flair. Medium to full in strength and priced around $15 per cigar, it arrives with the look of quiet command and the promise of reverence.

Though I don’t come from a military background myself, I carry the memory of my grandfather, a World War II veteran who served with distinction. He earned a Bronze Star, and—after being overlooked for years—was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. He was captured, held as a prisoner of war, and eventually escaped. But what stuck with us, his grandchildren, wasn’t just his service—it was his humility. He never glorified war, never told stories to seek admiration. He was a patriarch, but never a commander—he led with compassion and solemn dignity.

So when I sat down to smoke this cigar, I wasn’t looking for heroics. I was hoping for a blend that, like him, said something worth listening to in a humble voice.

Pre-Light Impressions

The wrapper is dark, toothy, and naturally highlighted, giving it a rustic authenticity. The roll is tight and firm—enough that I was initially concerned about the draw—but it wasn’t plugged. The aroma off the wrapper was dry hay, and the cold draw brought a surprisingly sweet note, reminiscent of grape. It’s an unexpected opening for such a visually gritty cigar.

First Third

This cigar opens with presence: leathery and meaty on the draw, balanced by a restrained sweetness and noticeable bitterness. That bitterness lingers through the retrohale and sits across the tongue like strong black coffee. The draw remains a bit snug, but it produces ample smoke. The structure here is solid—if not particularly nuanced. It’s not a charismatic start, but it feels steady. The flavors seem to be moving into position—not quite in formation yet, but testing the field.

Second Third

The bitterness softens, and for a few moments the cigar flirts with balance. There’s a rock candy sweetness hovering at the edges, but the core still lacks cohesion. You could describe the flavor as burnt toast topped with sugar crystals—bitter and sweet, but missing the richness that might tie them together. There’s some faint leather and possibly a whisper of nuttiness, but it doesn’t evolve. The midpoint of the cigar feels a little tired, almost as if the blend itself is catching its breath. Still, the burn is excellent, and the ash holds firm—until gravity claims it in a sudden, ashy lap-drop that somehow spares my shorts.

Final Third

As the cigar enters its last act, the sweetness fades to the back, and the bitterness returns—strong but not harsh. More burnt toast than espresso, the charred edge begins to take over. A little more depth—maybe a fruit note, or cream—would have created the contrast this final third is begging for. Instead, it leans hard into carbon and nostalgia. You could say the sweetness has deserted the field, leaving the bitterness to hold rank on its own. It’s a lonely finish—more symbolic than satisfying. The retrohale remains pleasant, and the construction continues to impress, but the flavors remain just out of reach.

Conclusion

The Hooten Young Gothic Serpent isn’t a bad cigar—it’s a respectable one. It smokes with integrity and looks the part. But what it lacks is heart. The sweetness and bitterness each take their turn, but there’s no lasting dialogue between them. The middle is thin. The story feels unfinished.

That said, I’m glad I tried it. It made me think. It made me remember. And if it ends up being the last one I smoke, I’m fine with that. This is a cigar best suited for those drawn to its tribute—those curious about its purpose more than its profile. But for the cigar smoker looking for complexity, transitions, and emotional depth, the Gothic Serpent may march past without ever truly saluting.

The Retrohale Score: B- (84)

Flawless construction and quiet presence, but a flat flavor profile leaves the story unfinished.