Dawn of Destiny Gordo is the biggest vitola in the Ventura Cigar Archetype Dawn of Destiny family, measuring in at an impressive 6 x 60, and is part of Archetype Cigars Chapter 3.
Ventura Cigar launched Archetype Cigars in the summer of 2016 at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) trade show in Las Vegas.
The range initially had five blends, but over the years the line-up has been increased. In 2019, Ventura announced Chapter 3, consisting of Sacred Scales and Dawn of Destiny.
How is a Dawn of Destiny cigar produced?
Archetype Dawn of Destiny is rolled in the Dominican Republic at Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr's Tabacalera La Alianza factory.
As part of Chapter 3, it represents the third official collaboration between Carrillo and Ventura Cigar's general manager Michael Giannini. The pair have been friends for over 20 years.
A walkthrough with the Dawn of Destiny
Archetype Cigars are based on the work of psychologist Dr Carl Jung and mythographer Joseph Campbell. They found that certain characters and stories are told again and again by different cultures, including the universal story arc of the Hero's Journey.
Giannini and Carrillo are attempting to retell that story through the medium of tobacco. Chapter 3 represents a turning point.
The hero's outward journey is over and they are homeward bound, crossing from an imaginary world back into reality. Dawn of Destiny marks the threshold between the two, with the image of a moth - the symbol of metamorphosis - appearing on the band.
How is the cigar constructed?
Dawn of Destiny is a handmade cigar from the Dominican Republic. It contains a Nicaraguan filler and binder with an Ecuadorian wrapper. It's light brown in appearance, medium bodied with medium-full strength.
What I got from the cold draw
Look out for barnyard and cornfield stubble flavors on the cold draw. Tastes of straw and hay combine with a soft black pepper note for a pleasant, not overpowering hint at what to expect from Dawn of Destiny once it's kissed a flame.
Flavors I experienced
This is not a cigar that will dominate your palate from start to finish, but there's plenty to enjoy throughout the flavor profile. Subtle changes, especially in the second half, keep you on your toes, but the reward for vigilance is an intriguing and enjoyable experience.
First third
Once lit, Dawn of Destiny starts out with the black pepper that was present in the cold draw. This is joined by a rich sweetness, combining brown sugar and vanilla bean. Retrohales are creamy with hints of honey and black tea.
Second third
The middle of Dawn of Destiny has a little less pepper as flavors of toast and maple come to the front. Savor the retrohales as they really add an extra dimension to this cigar. During the second third, watch for more citrus in the smoke, along with a complex leathery taste.
Final third
As it nears its end, the flavor profile of Dawn of Destiny does not change significantly. However, there's an emerging taste of chocolate that brings a balanced sweetness. From there, you're on the home stretch, as the last of the medium-gray ash burns down.
What was the strength of this cigar like?
Dawn of Destiny has a medium-full strength profile. It's not the strongest stick you'll ever smoke, but it has an interesting blend of savory flavors that persist throughout, from the early black pepper through to the chocolate in the final third.
Retrohales are essential to fully enjoy this cigar, as they perfectly complement the strength and bring their own complexity to the table.
Closing thoughts
Dawn of Destiny is one instalment in a longer story and as part of that bigger picture, it has plenty to offer. Even if you're not following the plotline of Archetype Cigars, you can still enjoy Dawn of Destiny in its own right.
The medium-full strength makes it a great option if you prefer handmade cigars where the emphasis is on the subtlety of the flavors, rather than a hard hit of cedar to the head.
Among the available vitolas, Dawn of Destiny Gordo is the biggest at 6 x 60. You can also get Dawn of Destiny Toro (6 x 52) and Robusto (5 x 50).
Buy in singles or invest in a box of 20 for bulk savings, and don't forget to take a look at the rest of the Archetype Cigars range for a chance to experience the previous chapters in this ongoing saga.
If you're interested in Archetype cigars and want to know more, check out our introductionary guide.