Man O’ War Armada and Ice Wine Pairing

The Cigar

Man O War Armada

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro

Binder: Jalapa Viso

Fillers: ligero from Esteli and Ometepe Nicaragua

Size: 5.5 x 52 box-press

Came in the sampler called: Man O War Box-Press Sampler Tin

Cost: $50.00 for 10 sticks

Off the Light: smooth creamy coffee with pleasing toasted sweet note.  I don’t know what that ‘sweet’ note was, roasted caramel?, toasted vanilla?, I do know that I like it but, it was short and ‘sweet’ for it was gone by the one inch mark.

From that one inch mark to the half-way point the notes remind me of a rich medium roast coffee, toasted wood, and a dash of pepper.  The smoke has a smooth leathery texture.

Second Half: a rich soil earthy tone evolves, the toasted wood now reminds of a toasted oak, the medium roast coffee is still in the mix but, it is more of an undertone to the earthy notes.  There is a fine grind pepper mill blend of black, green, white, and pink peppercorn.  The pepper style plays a bigger role in the second half. 

This baby is packing a punch during the final inch and half.  It is very robust with earth and dark roast coffee.  The smoke is burning a bit warmer at this point too.  A sip and swirl of the Ice Wine really helps to control the taste profile of the cigar during this part. 

My Strength Rating: 5.5 – this ended up being a good medium strength smoke during this pairing.  I think the strength rating could be higher if I smoked this one by itself.  But, I only got one of these Armada sticks in the sampler pack. 

To the Point: a fine smoke for $5.00 – it reminds me of the MOW Ruination with a smoother delivery for the peppery spice is not as bold. 

The Ice Wine

Jackson-Triggs Vidal Ice Wine 2007

10.5% abv

187ml bottle

Just over $20.00 a bottle

Jackson-Triggs Estate Wines

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

Flavor: Oh do I love ice wine, this one reminds me of honey dipped tropical fruits; papaya and mango and then there is a splash of summertime nectarine.

When you drink this wine you should use an Ice Wine glass which holds about 50ml. And, that is all you should drink of this lovely sweet wine. The sugar content is really high.

The Jackson Triggs Vidal Ice Wine has a fantastic summertime fresh fruit and tropical fruity flavor. The papaya and mango covers the tropical and the nectarine covers the summertime fruit. That sweet, syrupy, ripe nectarine in a glass.

The Pairing

Pairing this MOW Armada with the Jackson-Triggs Ice Wine 07 is a real treat.  This is the perfect dessert.  The ultra-sweet style of the Ice Wine makes this interesting.  The honey dipped tropical fruits just swirl around with the coffee and toasted woody notes of the cigar.  

After several exchanges I like the experience best when I sip the Ice Wine first and then take a puff of the cigar.  This adds a nice robust feel to those honey dipped tropical fruits.  I don’t get this experience when I puff the cigar and then sip the Ice Wine. 

When drinking the Ice Wine you need to swirl the sip around the palate for a moment and this will coat the palate for a longer tasting experience when you smoke the cigar.  Then, when the mouthfeel of the cigar builds it is time for another sip of that tasty Ice Wine and repeat the experience.  Remember; don’t exceed two servings of the Ice Wine for the sugar level will get you if you do.  Also, use an Ice Wine glass (about 50ml).  Yes, that is a small amount but Ice Wine is a sipper.