Man O’ War Series Review

I will be reviewing five different sizes from the Man O’ War line up.

Corona 6 x 44
Robusto 5.5 x 50
Toro 6.5 x 52
Torpedo 6.1 x 54
Robusto #2 6 x 60 Ruination

Wrapper: Habano Ecuador
Filler: Nicaraguan

The tasting notes from Cigar International read, “Rich with spice and wood undertones supported by a chewy, smooth core of oak and earth which coats the palate, leaving behind a sweet array of spices.”

I have always enjoyed this cigar for its firm oaky style with notes of white pepper, earth, and coffee.

Let’s see how each one measures up.

5 Vegas Gold Maduro The Brick: Cigar Review

Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Honduran and Nicaraguan
Size: 5.5 x 55 box-pressed
My Strength Rating: 6

Dryness abounds in this smoking experience. The earthy quality comes across as dry soil and this dominates the profile. There is coffee bean and a dry powdery cocoa note present. The spicy notes are firm with a nice level of white peppercorn to tingle the palate. Besides the dryness the texture it also delivers a semi-smooth yet robust smoking experience. This cigar does need a quality beverage or it could get a little harsh on its own. While this stick is billed as a mild-medium bodied smoke – I give it a 6 on my strength scale because of the texture (the dryness).

I have enjoyed a few of these since I bought a box of them about a month ago. They seem to burn well with little or no correction needed. The ash holds on for an inch or so before you have to remove it. The ash is salt and pepper in color and a little rugged in appearance. I have smoked each one down to the nub with no bitterness to the finish. To me this cigar is just okay, but I do like this 'okay' cigar.

I enjoyed this cigar yesterday on the way home from Grindstone City, Michigan. No wife or dogs in the car with me and a three hour drive, what is a man to do? I had it paired with my Bigby Best Coffee which is a medium roast. Tonight, I have it paired with a red wine named CIGARZIN. Read the posting on WinePostings2.

This cigar is Worthy of consideration.

Perdomo Reserve Cabinet La Tradicion Oscuro and Gulden Draak Ale

The Ale
Gulden Draak Ale
10.5% abv
330ml
Brouwerij Van Steenberge
Belgium

The nose on this Triple Ale makes me think of roasted sweet caramelized malts. There is also a nice aromatic feel to the smell. The taste follows with toasted toffee sweetness and some yummy yeast. Playing off the aromatic nose there seems to be some fancy raisin and fig on the taste. There is a little spice coming from the alcohol and the hoppy intonations. The texture is smooth and creamy while the slight carbonation gives my palate a cleansing effect. The sweetness is never overwhelming. The hops must be doing their job to keep things in check. There is an herbal tea and a rich milk chocolate that blends in with the other yummy notes to create a wonderful taste experience.

Skip that pie dessert after your Holiday dinner and pour yourself a liquid dessert – Gulden Draak is perfect for that Holiday dessert.

The Cigar
Perdomo Reserve Cabinet La Tradicion Oscuro
Wrapper: Oscuro
Filler: Blend of Nicaraguan Long-leafs
Size: 7 x 50 Churchill
My Strength Rating: 6.5

Off the light there is a good toasted rye bread note. The taste starts to build in character during the first third. A robust earthy and full dark roast coffee style becomes the main profile. There is a dry yet rich mouthfeel with each puff. I’ll give this cigar a five, on my strength rating, off the light and then it builds to a 6.5 during the first third.

As the experience moves to the mid-point there are still good earthy notes mingling with the dark roasted coffee notes. There is an undertone of sweet cedar which can be overlooked because of the robust scorched earth flavors. The strength rating hangs around that 6 texture on my scale.

The ash is gray and holds for a strong inch or so. The burn has been even throughout. This has been a good robust smoke so far. While the mouthfeel comes across a bit dry it maintains a rich style.

As the cigar burns into the final third the earthy and roasted coffee notes are still flavorful. I believe the strength rating is just short of seven. The cigar does not get harsh or build to any bitter notes.

This cigar would be good paired with a dark roast coffee, a porter or stout beer.

The Pairing
I am basing this pairing on the word description of each of these products. The cigars main profile is earth and dark roasted coffee while the ale has a toasted toffee and milk chocolate sweetness. These two should complement each other.

The sweet style of the ale seems to control that slightly dry mouthfeel of this cigar. That touch of sweet cedar on the cigar plays off the sweet malts of the ale. The robust earthy notes and roasted coffee from the cigar circulate with the rich milk chocolate and toffee notes of this triple ale. And, I think this makes the ale feel a little thicker because the earthy notes are transferred. The richness of this cigar really seems to elevate from this pairing. I think this ale makes this cigar better than when I have smoked it by itself.

Overall I have to say this is one yummy pairing. This would be a wonderful way to end the night after one of those Holiday dinners.

Butera Maduro Cigar & Woodbridge Moscato 2008 White Wine

This is a posting that I wrote back in summer.  It got lost in the shuffle.  So, on this cold November day let's remember summer for a moment.

The Cigar
Butera

I have not had a Butera Maduro in a long time. It is an excellent mild-medium maduro from what I remember. The natural Butera wrapped cigars are usually creamy and cedary in their taste profile. The maduro in that plus a pleasant toasty bread and a maduro sweetness. Let’s see!

This is a very good maduro cigar on this very hot and steamy day. This cigar is what I remember, it is an elegant maduro smoke indeed. It might not be the perfect match for this white wine but let’s see.

I did not plan this cigar with this wine. I was in my ‘old’ favorite beer store and he carries cigars as well and I saw this Butera on the shelf and could not resist. When you have it in your head, that you have to have it, you have to have it. So, let’s do it.

The Wine
Moscato 2008
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
California

The appearance is light straw in color with a fresh fruity nose. The fresh summertime fruity nose transfers over to the taste along with a wonderful kiss of summer sweetness. This is a perfect white wine to enjoy on a summer day. Today is 91 degrees with humidity over 90% (feels like it could rain at any time). With a day like this I thought this wine would be a pleasure. I picked this wine up at a fundraiser for Waggin Tails Dog Rescue.

I hope the picture shows the sweat on the wine glass. I poured the glass and went outside to take the picture and the cold wine mixed with this heat and humidity had this glass sweating in a matter of seconds. This wine was excellent on this extremely hot day.

The Pairing
This actually worked well on this very hot day. This was the right maduro to play with this white wine. The chilled fresh fruity notes of the wine mingled well with the toasty and sweet maduro profile of the cigar. I believe it is the elegance of this cigar that pulled this off with this white wine.

Perdomo Reserve Cabinet La Tradicion Series: Cigar Review

Wrapper: Oscuro
Filler: Blend of Nicaraguan Long-leafs
Size: 7 x 50 Churchill
My Strength Rating: 6.5

Off the light there is a good toasted rye bread note. The taste starts to build in character during the first third. A robust earthy and full dark roast coffee style becomes the main profile. There is a dry yet rich mouthfeel with each puff. I’ll give this cigar a five, on my strength rating, off the light and then it builds to a 6.5 during the first third.

As the experience moves to the mid-point there are still good earthy notes mingling with the dark roasted coffee notes. There is an undertone of sweet cedar which can be overlooked because of the robust scorched earth flavors. The strength rating hangs around that 6 texture on my scale.

The ash is gray and holds for a strong inch or so. The burn has been even throughout. This has been a good robust smoke so far. While the mouthfeel comes across a bit dry it maintains a rich style.

As the cigar burns into the final third the earthy and roasted coffee notes are still flavorful. I believe the strength rating is just short of seven. The cigar does not get harsh or build to any bitter notes.

This cigar would be good paired with a dark roast coffee, a porter or stout beer.

Kristoff Maduro and Vision Cellars 2007 Red Wine

The Wine

Vision Cellars 2007 Red Wine
Vinted & Bottled by: Vision Cellars
Rutherford, California, USA
Visioncellars.com

The nose of this wine has a dark berry aroma that is just yummy. And, that yummy nose follows to the taste. This is one delicious wine. A mixture of red and black berries leaning toward the red, just swarm the palate. There is a hint of sweet raspberry with a touch of oak that is oh so tasty. The mouthfeel is very smooth and elegant. If you are a Cabernet Sauvignon fan, pick this up. If you are not – still pick this bottle up because, you will fall in love with this tasty Cab.

In Michigan, the only store you will find it is the Fine Wine Source in Livonia. The store is located on Middlebelt near Six Mile Road. The bottle will run you $39.00 a bottle. Believe me – it is worth every penny and more. It has been a few years since I have had a bottle of Quintessa but, this reminds me of that and it costs around $110.00 a bottle.

I am calling Jim at the Fine Wine Source tomorrow and ordering a six pack.

The Cigar
Kristoff Maduro

This is one of my favorite cigars and my favorite to go with a bottle of fine wine. So, this is the moment to light this baby up.

Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro
Fillers: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Made with ligero tobaccos
Size: 6.5 x 56
My Strength Rating: 6

This stick is just sooo tasty. It has a deep medium roast coffee and dark chocolate profile. There is a nice spice presence with a white pepper dusting to make things interesting. If you pay attention there is a hint of bing cherry on the undercurrent.

Looking at the word description of this cigar you should see that it is a perfect fit for a quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Pairing

This is just one yummy pairing. The roasted coffee and dark chocolate notes mingle so well with the red and black berries of the wine. The hint of oak picks up a bit while maintaining that smooth and elegant texture. As I approach the end of the cigar and the bottom of the wine glass a little sadness sets in for this excellent pairing. I will be enjoying these two together again and soon.

Please leave a comment.

Duvel Belgian Golden Ale and Vega Talanga Cigar

The Ale
Duvel Golden Ale
8.5% abv
1 pint 9.4 oz bottle
Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat
Belgium

On the bottle it says, “The pilsner malts, Bohemian hops, and unique yeast strain combine to create Duvel’s intensity, aroma and oomph.”

This ale pours a pale golden color with plenty of white foam for the head. The lacing on the glass just clings on for dear life.

The aroma is that of a fresh cut Fuji apple and spice – slightly peppery.

The texture is fresh and crisp from start to finish. The mixture of hops and malts make me think of pink peppercorn, slightly sweet with a delicate peppery note. With a hint of fruit, a touch of citrus, and some tasty yeast and malts, it all combines for a delicious golden ale. If you want to experience a well-balanced brew give Duvel Golden Ale a try.

I recommend this as a must buy.




The Cigar
Vega Talanga - blue label
This is one of those cigars you cannot find any longer. This was a very good value cigar. My only disappointment with this cigar is that I did not buy more when they were being closed out. Solid flavor for the bucks you spend. This cigar to me always had a toasted white bread quality along with pecan nut taste and a touch of sweet cedar flavor.

If you read the previous posting I had a difficult time pairing this ale up with a cigar. The ale has a very tasty pink peppercorn like quality with a touch of citrus but, when the cigar was oaky that brought out the bitterness in the ale. Then the cigar with the coffee profile just didn’t do this ale justice.

So, I was thinking that a cigar with an earthy profile that is not complex or a smooth and simple tasting cigar might just do the trick. I noticed the Vega Talanga cigar in my humidor and thought this would do the job – simple but tasty in profile. I could not think of any tasting notes in this cigar that would bring out the bitterness in this ale.

The Pairing

Home Run! This is a very fine pairing. The toasted white bread and pecan notes of the cigar mingle well with the malts and the slight taste of sweet cedar does a fine balancing act with the pink peppercorn and that touch of citrus from the ale.

I get to enjoy all the fine flavors of this delicious ale and the taste of the cigar stays true to what it is.

Duvel Belgian Golden Ale and a Cigar or Two

I bought a few bottles (750ml) of Duvel the other day because they had them on sale. So, tonight I am going to have a little fun and change things up. I have had this ale before but, it has been a year or two. I am not going to figure out the flavor profile and the strength ratings and I am just going to select a cigar or two to pair up with this ale. All I remember is that I did like this ale. Let’s see how this goes.

The first cigar to be paired this ale is the 5 Vegas Double Nickel. I thought the mellow style of these two should work. But, I was wrong. The oak profile of the cigar did not match up with the Duvel. The cigar made the ale taste bitter tonight. The ale had a strong bitter and peppery-spicy bite during this pairing.

The ale also affected the cigar. This cigar is usually smooth and tasty but, it also had a bitterness during this pairing. These two are not meant for each other. I don’t recommend this pairing.


Let’s grab a maduro cigar. I have a Hoyo de Monterrey Double Maduro just waiting to be enjoyed. This is a little better. “Little.” The ale does not seem as bitter during this pairing. There is no oaky taste to this cigar so, that should help according to the last pairing. The main profile is a medium roast coffee and earthy notes to this cigar. The earthy note of the cigar works a little better with the spice of the ale. There is a little sweetness coming from the ale during this pairing. I keep trying to identify any other notes but, nothing is standing out. This pairing was just ok.

Let’s see how the beer review goes tomorrow with a clean palate.

Vega Talanga Reserva En Tercio Corojo Series and Double T 2006 Red Wine

The Wine

Double T 2006
Trefethen Family Vineyards
Napa, California, USA
TREFETHEN.com

Here is what they have on the bottle: “…Cabernet Sauvignon gives depth and structure: Merlot adds a lively spiciness, Cabernet Franc floral fruit, Petit Verdot intense color, and Malbec a silky softness.”

This is my last bottle of this wine. I bought a six pack a couple of years ago and I have to say I have always enjoyed this wine. This wine should be paired with game, steak, filet mignon, lamb, and other hearty fare. This wine is also deserving of a bold cigar as an after dinner treat.

Appearance: Deep purple body with deep ruby edges.

Aroma: Big berry, light spice; it is just terrific with each sip.

Flavors: Big bold dark berry profile; the blackberry and black currant notes are thick; good spice and earthy notes to fill the palate; the earthy notes to me seem to include a portabella mushroom and forest floor like quality. The dry soil just adds to the texture of this bold red wine. An undertone of floral comes into play; it is just a hint of violet. The dryness of the mouthfeel along with all these wonderful flavors mingle together and make me think of a rich 87% dark chocolate.

Mouthfeel: The feel is full bodied. The berry profile makes it a little jammy; the earthy qualities coats the tongue. There is a long aftertaste of these two on palate.

Tonight I am going to give this wine an 8 on My Strength Rating Scale. Big bold flavors, jammy mouthfeel, dry texture, earthy notes coat the palate for a long aftertaste.

Tonight I was rummaging through my humidor and I came across some cigars that I have not had in a long time. I don’t even know if these cigars are still on the market. I always liked these cigars. And, not only was it a good value cigar, it was just plain and simple a good cigar. I wish I had purchased more of them.

The Cigar

The cigar is Vega Talanga Reserva En Tercio Corojo Series. This cigar band has the brown label. This toro is a 6 x 60 big boy. The earthy, nutty, dry spice, and light pepper notes are always pleasing. The nutty note reminds me of walnut. The earthy notes to me come across like mushroom and hardwood. The light pepper has a musty white pepper like quality.

This cigar always burns perfectly, holds a solid gray ash, and I cannot remember ever having a bad one. I also think this cigar has gotten better with age.

This cigar should pair up well with this wine.

By the way don’t go out of your way looking for this cigar – I don’t think they make it anymore.

The Pairing

This is one terrific pairing. I love bold wines and bold cigars and this is it! Just look at the word profile of each of these and you will see why this is such a good pairing.

Rocky Patel Decade 10th Anniversary: Cigar Review

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: 6.5 x 52 Torpedo
My Strength Rating: 7.5 Medium-full
Rockypateldecade.com

Here is what they had to say on their web site, “The smoke has a rich and creamy texture with distinct notes of blackcherry and a nutty finish. Balanced and elegant.”

Two things I don’t get from this description ‘creamy’ and ‘elegant.’ Right off the light there are ample roasted tobacco notes with some spice.

Then during the first 3rd of the smoking experience I get a good toasted rye bread note with a medium roast coffee and a white pepper like quality that tickles the tongue.

By mid-point I have a hard time finding the black cherry note. From a puff here and there I think maybe I could buy that description but, I get more of a cedary profile. There is an overall earthy quality that brings everything together. It is like I can taste the soil that the tobacco plants were grown in. Also, at mid-point the peppery notes build to fine grind black peppercorn character. So far my texture experience would have to be described as robust, rich, and hearty. I am thinking a good porterhouse steak would be a perfect match.

On the final 3rd of the smoke the lingering aftertaste is that of earth and pepper. The spice and cedar seem to tingle the sinuses. The peppery style continues and the rich roasted coffee notes thicken with each puff. The mouthfeel is meaty and the smoke is thick. The experience is never bitter, harsh or overpowering. It is during this final 3rd of the cigar I detect that black cherry tobacco taste.

Overall this is an excellent smoke. I always enjoy a quality medium-full cigar and this is one of them.

Macanudo Hampton Court Maduro: Cigar Review

Wrapper: USA Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Connecticut Shade
Filler: Mexico, Piloto Cubano
Size: 5.5 x 42

This is a decent little maduro. But, nothing that eventful or that complex. The smoke has a cedary, roasted cocoa bean and burnt tobacco taste.

When I smoked the cigar with a Cabernet Franc Wine, the wine really helped this cigar. It felt like the cigar picked up some of the characteristics of the wine. The spice and pepper from this Cab Franc mingled well with this cigar. I can think of better cigar to enjoy with this wine. Nothing to go out of the way and try here.

Nica Libre Torpedo: Cigar Review

Wrapper: San Andres Maduro
Binder: Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 6 x 52
My Strength Rating: 6

“Padron Cigars Competition” as it is promoted. Personally I don’t think the Big Wigs at Padron had an emergency meeting on how to fight the competition here.

Last year I picked up a sampler pack to see how this cigar smoked and I was not impressed. All I remember it was dry and boring. So, let’s give it a whirl to check out its flavor profile.

Right off the bat it has some intensity. Strong burnt coffee notes upfront and black pepper on the after taste. The first inch to me is full; reaching a hearty 7 strength rating. But, I could not call it ‘rich,’ it is more like ‘dry’ tobacco. It smokes like a cheap Nicaraguan cigar.

The cigar does settle down to a medium profile. It has an earthy and roasted coffee style. The cigar holds a nice gray ash that gives off some nice gray smoke.

I believe this cigar needs a good beverage to refresh the palate and today I have a good cup of coffee going.

By mid-point of the cigar I have to say, ‘not bad.’ As I approach the final third of the cigar it is pretty much the same dry earthy coffee style.

As I finish the cigar I think it is too one dimensional with the dry tobacco profile. If you are in the market for a ‘cheap’ Nicaraguan this is it. But, there are too many good cigars out there to experience. Sorry, I didn’t smoke it down to the nub. I was just too bored with this stick.

Victor Sinclair Vintage Select Torpedo

I bought a box of these a long time ago and I still have some left. I personally don’t care for this stick. The only reason they are still around I just can’t find a wasteful moment to burn one.

Wrapper: Brazlian Maduro

Filler: Dominican

Size: 6.5 x 54 box press torpedo

My Strength Rating: 4

The main profile is dry. Dry and boring. Mainly a grassy grainy taste. If you are thinking about smoking one – roll up your 5 dollar bill and smoke that – you might get more for your money that way.

A Fuente Anejo Cigar and CIGARZIN 2007 Zinfandel

The Cigar

A Fuente Anejo
Wrapper: 5 year old Connecticut Maduro; aged in cognac barrels
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Size: 7 x 48
My Strength Rating: 5.5

I personally don’t get the cognac taste but, that is ok. It has a good earthy coffee profile that I like. There is a good spice and oaky note that plays on the palate. I may be in the minority here but, I think this cigar is a little overrated. For a stick that will run you about $20.00 – I can think of others that have a similar profile for half the price. Don’t get me wrong here it is a quality smoke. There is an elegant style to the texture that is smooth and enjoyable. I had two of these left over from last year’s release. I smoked the other one a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Today, I have my last one planned for this pairing.

The Wine

Cigarzin 2007 Zinfandel

Bottled by: Cosentino Winery, Woodbridge, California, USA.

This 15.4% abv zin has a wonderful bouquet of dark fruits, spice, and mild pepper. The taste follows the nose. Layers of dark fruit: blackberry, cherries, boysenberry, and more. The nice spice mingles with the mushroom-earthy style and the green peppercorn note is just right for me. My Strength Rating: 6. The mouthfeel is smooth and elegant. This Zin leaves a pleasing aftertaste of dark berries on the palate.

Since this wine does not have a big earthy, thick, jammy style it should have a good range to handle most cigars in the mild-medium to medium-full range. Going to the full range my override the elegant style of this wine.

The Pairing

This is a very good pairing. The two are within my point range of each other; the Zin scores a 6 and the Anejo Cigar scores a 5.5 on my strength scale. The spicy notes mingle well together and do not overwhelm. The berry-fruity taste of the wine plays well with the earthy-medium coffee profile of the cigar.

Cu-Avana Intenso Toro: Cigar Review

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Filler: all ligero mixture: Peru and Nicaragua
Size: 6 x 52 – Toro
My Strength Rating: 9

On the light: Full espresso roast, fine black pepper rounds off the full taste

1 – 2 inches: Full dark roast coffee continues, there is still some fine black pepper but not as strong as before.

The texture is coarse. The smoke leaves some deep roasted notes on the palate. It is thick and chewy on the mouthfeel.

Midway: If you inhale by mistake on this you probably won’t like the experience. This is full. Beautiful gray smoke fills the air. A firm ash and it is easy to get an inch or so-on the ash before removing it.

Final 2 inches: Still a firm ash. The dark roasted notes continue with the black pepper notes building a bit but not overwhelming. The smoke is intense! My eyes did water a few times from the smoke.

Make sure you are in the mood for this one. I have enjoyed a few of these with a good beverage and the one or two that I had all by itself – came across harsh. Pair this with a good porter or stout.

Diamond Crown Maximus #4 and Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery Pale Ale

The Beer
5% abv
550ml bottle
Sam’l Smith’s Old Brewery
North Yorks, England
My Strength Rating: 4

Appearance: amber in color with an off-white head.
Aroma: sweet with a touch of fruit
Taste: Uhm?... Pale ale? ... Muted fruitiness that is slightly sweet with some mild hop bitterness. There is a biscuit like quality that mingles with a grainy texture and a light earthy feel. Not what I expected but, I think I do like the ale.
Mouthfeel: the fine carbonation tingles the tongue and to me it is a mild to medium bodied ale.

The Cigar

Wrapper: Ecuadorian El Bajo Sun Grown
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Size: 6 x 50
My Strength Rating: 4.5

This top shelf cigar has a nice nutty taste but I can’t make up my mind if its pecan or walnut. I think it is a little of both. There is an earthy mild coffee like profile. On the aftertaste there is a mild herb spice almost moss like note left on my palate. The texture is smooth yet robust for a medium bodied smoke. I use to like this stick a lot. I still like it but, it is too pricy (in Michigan around 14 bucks). There are just as good for far less. It’s just a nice treat once in a while.

The Pairing

The strength ratings are within range for a good pairing and the taste profiles should match up well. And, they do. The nice nutty profile of the cigar mixes well with the faint fruitiness and slightly sweet malts of the ale. The earthy qualities of each play well off each other. This is a solid pairing