« Senator Seitz’s Letter to Smoke Free Ohio | Home | Cigar Review: Cuvée 151 Robusto »
Cigar Review: Man O’ War Toro
By Daniel | July 28, 2008 |
Brand: Man O’ War
Line: Man O’ War
Vitola: Toro (6.5 x 52)
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Body: Medium-to-full
Strength: Medium
Box Price: $128 (Box of 22)
Several Web retailers have been giving the Man O’ War cigar a bit of a push lately. Perhaps it’s justified, as it’s made by A.J. Fernandez, an up-and-comer in the cigar biz and maker of the Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet, ITC 10th Anniversary, Padilla Habano and Rocky Patel Fusion cigars.
We at Cigar Jack like to keep up with the latest trends, and after smoking the Man O’ War, it seems that Fernandez may have snatched the “hot cigar maker” mantle from Don “Pepin” Garcia. Just maybe.
Anyway, the Man O’ War cigar has a slightly oily, slightly veiny wrapper, along with firm construction and a prelight scent of mocha.
Once lit, I found that the cigar drew well and burned an even column of dark gray ash. In fact, the ash was so solid that it stayed on after I shook the stick violently — and I did this several times.
The Man O’ War started out spicy, and then progressed to have an earthy, leathery taste. All through the smoke — which lasted about 90 minutes — I caught hints of cocoa and coffee.
Verdict: A very smooth, very enjoyable, well-made smoke. I didn’t have to re-light this sucker once, even after shaking it around. (I was doing this on the street, mind you, so I must have looked like an idiot.)
Similar cigars: A more complex version of the Sol Cubano Cuban Classic.
If you're new here, you may want to check out the Cigar Review Index or subscribe to get updates through RSS or Email. Thanks for visiting!
Tags: AJ Fernandez, Cigar Review, Daniel, Don Pepin Garcia, Habano, ITC, Man O' War, Nicaragua, Padilla, Rocky Patel, Sol Cubano
Topics: Cigar Reviews |
July 28th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I picked up a good sized sampler when they first showed up on cbid and am glad I did. A- They’re a great smoke. Full of flavor, rich and thick. B- It seems like everyone has found out about them so there’s no more getting them for $2.50 each. This is a definite must try in my book.
Thanks for another great review Jesse.
July 28th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I always hold back when it comes to ordering sticks from online. It worries me when a cigar is internet only and so far I have not seen these cigars in local b&m. Most web only cigars aren’t worth the time.
Despite your review I still find it hard to pull the trigger on these…
July 28th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I’ve found some great cigars I could only purchase over the internet. Local B&M’s have limited shelf space so they’re only going to sell stuff they know they can move.
Sometimes even a great cigar won’t move well, because enough people don’t know about it.
I’ve seen it happen at one of my local shops. They brought in a couple of really good lesser known brands but couldn’t move enough to keep them in stock any longer.
I’ve got about 6 or 7 brands that I can not find locally, and I go out of my way to buy a box of them occasionally from online retailers.
One example I can think of off the top of my head is the 5 Vegas Series A. A nice cigar for the price.
July 28th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
A Cigar Smoker - As much as I like supporting my local dealer, I can’t afford to buy all of my sticks at full retail price. To be honest, I probably never would have really gotten into cigars if it weren’t for the discount pricing of Web retailers.
I find that there are brands I can get only through brick-and-mortar stores, just like there are brands I can only find on the Web.
July 29th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Oh I agree I don’t buy all my cigars retail. I use mail order more often then not. However, when a cigar is internet only i shy away from it.. a perfect example is the rocky patel fusion line.. internet only and garbage…
July 30th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
So far, I’ve had three Man O’ War and each has had problems. The first was smoked upon receipt from an on-line retailer (very reliable) and was like smoking a sponge; far too moist. I put the rest in the humi to rest.
The second was tried after three weeks in the humi and it was a brick. Too tight, I never got to the sweet spot; had to give up after 1 1/2 inches, my gums were receding and I was getting a headache. The ash didn’t fall off, though, so it’s got that going for it.
The third was last night; uneven burn, unruly and hot. After fighting it for about 20 minutes I allowed it to rest, let it go out, cleaned the ash and re-lit. Within 5 minutes it was burning down one side, so I dropped it in the ash tray and lit a Rocky Patel Decade that I received in the same order with the Man O’ War; the Decade was wonderful!
I’m not going to give up on Man O’ War; I have 17 more resting in the humi.
July 31st, 2008 at 12:10 am
Damn, what a horrible introduction to the line! I’ve had several and have given as many away and the only problems were uneven burn, but we can never know if it’s the stick or the wind over here, so I wouldn’t blame construction out right at all.
Your luck is bound to change with #4. :-)
August 7th, 2008 at 2:45 am
I purchase all of my cigars on line. Mostly W/C.I., and really have had no problems what so ever. Anyway, the Man O’War was a hit with me. Spice up front, earthy, peppery a hint of vanilla and finished nicely with some sweet spice. A very pleasing, tasty stick. I would recommend you try it for yourself. I’ll modestly rate it a 9. Enjoy.