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Spotlight Brand: Man O' War Cigars

June 4, 2008 |

AJ's finest creation...

Manufactured at Tabacalera Fernandez in Nicaragua, Man O’ War cigars have gone from obscure start up to certifiable legend overnight. Now reigning as one of the top full-bodied blends in the business, Man O’ War remains as a center piece in humidors everywhere.

Man O’ War’s success stems from its rare and luscious Habano Ecuador wrapper. The leaf is taken from the upper middle portion of the plant, known as viso, which is where some of the richest, oiliest and most coveted tobacco can be found. These viso leaves are then put through a three-year fermentation process that is personally overseen by AJ Fernandez himself. Once this incredible wrapper is ready, it is combined with a blend of aged Nicaraguan fillers, harvested from three separate farms. AJ then personally proportions the tobacco, since this blend is one of his most closely guarded secrets, to create an incredibly rich and complex cigar that falls right in line with the best premium sticks on the market. These cigars have all been aged at least six additional months after being rolled, to ensure that the wrapper blends harmoniously with the complex mix of filler. Man O’ War produces hearty, earthy flavors with hints of cashews and almonds, that are masked by a peppery aftertaste and a touch of sugar. It’s easy to see how a blend this delicious has risen to the top of the class overnight.

Q & A: Canoeing?

Q.
What does the cigar term "canoeing" refer to?

6/04/08 | by OD of Las Vegas, NV

A.
The term "canoeing" is used to describe a cigar that is burning unevenly in one particular spot. The burn looks like a sharp "v" on the side of the cigar. Since cigars are considered an art form, there are proper and improper ways to hold, cut, and light them. If the foot of a cigar is not properly lit using a match or a torch lighter, then it may burn unevenly or "canoe." Canoeing is not only an effect of an improper light, but also may be a good indictor that the cigar is not properly made. When a roller bunches tobacco for the filler, it is not uncommon for some of the leaves to have veins. This does not typically effect the cigars burn, but if large enough, they can create a looser air passage in the filler resulting in a "canoe" as part of the cigar starts to smoke faster than the rest. Additionally, this same effect can happen if the bunch has soft spots that make way for more air passages versus the rest of the cigar's filler. 

by Dave

Review: 5 Vegas Series 'A'

Bryan 5 Vegas Series 'A'
Alpha (6.0"x52) Robust during the first 2 inches, but mellows to become richer in flavor towards the band. Produced many hints of pepper, which blended well with the chocolaty aftertaste. Also offered an easy draw, slow burn, and thick smoke.

Artisan (5.0"x52) Great size. Well blended and extremely complex offering nuances of earth, peat, and cocoa. The initial light was not as robust as the other sizes but the cigar still changed in flavor from inch to inch. Toothy wrapper that burned evenly and slow all the way to the nub.

Anomaly (4.5" x 44) A spicy, 25-minute cigar. Offered the same complexities noticeable in the larger sizes, with added pepper, and burned evenly throughout.

Archetype (6.0"x50) Great draw. Again, the flavors were very robust towards the foot of the cigar and slightly mellowed towards the head. Noticed more peppery nuances over sweetness but the wrapper was cloaked in oil, which coated the palate. Cool burn.

Apostle (7.0"x50) Draw was a bit tight but still allowed all complexities to be enjoyed. Noticed few veins in the wrapper and this size burned slow, providing more than an hour of enjoyment. The sweet aftertaste was not as prominent.
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