Man O War Ruination #2 Cigar Box

Ave Maria Reconquista Cigar Box

Box of three cigars

Awesome Cigar Box

Ave Maria Divinia

Product Quality Issue with Cigar Bands

I have been smoking cigars since the late 1980's and I have to say that I have never had so many issues with the glue of the cigar band braking the wrapper of the cigar.  I would have to guess that it has been a real bad issue in the last six or eight years.  I will also guess that it is about 20 to 30% rate issue.  With all the big bands and double bands on cigars now a days seems to be one symptom.  Then, just plain old product quality of gluing the bands on must be a big problem.

Here is the Man O War Skull Crusher

Here is two different Latitude Zero cigars with the same issue

Second one

Man O War Ruination No. 1 Robusto vs Latitude Zero Robusto paired with Portage Porter

Final Game – March Matching 2015

(click here to view the 2015 Set-up)

Number 3 seed Man O War Ruination Robusto No. 1; Size: 5.5 x 54; Ecuador ligero wrapper; Cuban-seed Nicaraguan and Honduran long-leaf ligeros fillers; Flavor Profile: Toasted oak; portabella mushroom, forest floor earthy tones; roasted grains and nuts.

Number 4 seed Latitude Zero Robusto: Size 5 x 52; 2011 Habano Ecuador Wrapper; 2010 Nicaraguan fillers; flavor profile: toasted grains, oak up front, single twist of the black pepper mill, good touch of earth.  Medium-full body

These two cigars really mirror one another.  I did not notice this until I put them side by side here for this match up. 

Here is a quick profile of the New Belgium Portage Porter: (click here to see my full review) This almost black bodied Porter has a nice cola edge.  It has a nice hearty, roasted profile that reminds me of a medium bodied coffee, 65% dark chocolate and some nice burnt woody notes.

Here is how the brackets started off

In the North Northeast but slightly South of the boarder Bracket we had:

Number 1 seed Camacho Maduro (old label) Robusto

Number 8 Morro Castle Robusto

Number 4 seed Latitude Zero Robusto

Number 5 Signature Collection Toro

In the West Southwest but almost next to nowhere Bracket there was:

Number 2 seed Camacho Triple Maduro (old label) Robusto

Number 7 Villiger Robusto

Number 3 seed Man O War Ruination

Number 6 Latitude Zero Experimental Robusto

Now we are left with only two cigars still standing and a glass or New Belgium Portage Porter waiting to wash over my lips. 

It is tip off time and Man O War Ruination No. 1 Robusto gets the nod.  Off the light there is a solid fresh earth; reminding me of some spring time soil.  I am not picking up the usual peppery spice off the light – interesting?  A sip of the Porter and it looks like dinner time; time to feed the big boys.  The fresh soil note of the cigar plays right into the hands of the dark chocolate and medium body roasted coffee notes of the Porter.  A few more puffs of the cigar and the oaky woody tones show up to play with the slightly burnt wood character of the Porter.  A hint of pepper, from the cigar, peaks in to see what is happening.  This is one great pairing and the Number 6 seed Latitude Zero is going to have to have the game of its life to battle here folks. 

Let’s light up the Zero.  A slightly firm draw pre-light.  No big problem during the light.  A nice spicy note mixes in with some toasted grains during the first few puffs.  Just like the Man O War – LZ sends in the oaky note off the bench to come and play.  A very pleasing exchange between the cigar and the Porter.  This is a nice pairing but there seems to be something missing compared to the Man O War Cigar.  Let’s go back the Man O War.

Smooth easy draw.  The Portabella Mushroom and forest floor earthy tones kick in to add some good depth to this cigar.  Sip of the Porter and boy is this one fine operation here.  The earthiness of the cigar transfers over to the Porter and intermingles with the notes from the Porter. 

Latitude Zero is back to play and the oak, toasted grains, and the hint of dry soil while tasty just seems to be a bit shy compared to the Man O War notes.   A few sips of the Porter with the LZ and this cigar shows it does have some game while paired with this tasty Porter.  A hint of black pepper appears now and then and adds a little character to the pairing.  This is one nice pairing: this Porter likes this Cigar from Latitude Zero.

Man O War reaches in and grabs the ball for a steal.  The rich moist soil tones and solid oak of the cigar just fits perfectly with the Porters robust style.  The medium roast coffee and dark chocolate like notes of the Porter likes to play with the cigars flavor profile and seems to add a little coffee note over to the cigar as well.  From the one quarter point of the cigars burn to the halfway point the cigar mellows for a pleasing experience but at the halfway point the cigar builds for a robust profile. 

This is no run away game here but, the depth off the bench for the Man O War shows that it is for my liking here with this Portage Porter from New Belgium Brewery. 

The toasted grains and oak profile of the Latitude Zero sure had some game here with this Porter but the single earthy style of dry soil and a hint of pepper now and then was not enough when up against the complex forest floor earthy style of the Man O War Cigar.  The toasted grains, hint of walnut, and solid oak of the Man O War just kept pace with the overall notes of the LZ but, those bench players of the Man O War would come in and take control. 

The Man O War Ruination No. 1 Robusto, the number 3 seed of the 2015 tourney, is the clear winner of this year’s March Matching.  

March Matching Final Four 3 vs 7

Second Round Game 2: March Matching 2015

Man O War Ruination No. 1 vs Villiger Talanga Robusto

(click here to view the 2015 Set-up)

Number 3 seed Man O War Ruination Robusto No. 1; Size: 5.5 x 54; Ecuador ligero wrapper; Cuban-seed Nicaraguan and Honduran long-leaf ligeros fillers; Flavor Profile: Toasted oak; portabella mushroom, forest floor earthy tones; roasted grains and nuts.

Number 7 Villiger Robusto; Size:5 x 50; Honduran Connecticut wrapper; Jalapa Habano binder; three filler blend of Esteli Corojo, Ometepe Habano, and Candega Habano; I have never smoked this one so I do not have any flavor notes to go by. 

I had to buy a five pack of the Villiger from Cigars International because I only had that one that I paired up against the Camacho Triple Maduro.  The cigars just showed up today on the door step and we have a game to play now. 

Here is a quick profile of the New Belgium Portage Porter: (click here to see my full review) This almost black bodied Porter has a nice cola edge.  It has a nice hearty, roasted profile that reminds me of a medium bodied coffee, 65% dark chocolate and some nice burnt woody notes.

It is tip off time and Man O War takes control. A nice dash of peppery spice hits the palate along with a moist rich soil tone.   A sip of the Portage Porter and we have a good combination here.  Turn right and the earthy tone of the cigar mingles with the coffee and dark chocolate like notes of the Porter for a two point conversion.  Turn left and that nice burnt woody style of the Porter blends with the oak wood note of the cigar for another two pointer.  I just don’t want to put this down.  Look at that nice ash. 

The Villiger Talanga Robusto says give me the ball and let’s play.  I am not picking up any sharp cedar note this time.  Right off the light I get a sweet cedar and a toasted almond note.  A sip of the Porter and this is a very pleasing pairing.  That sweet cedar, toasted almond, and buttery wheat bread notes of the cigar seems to mellow out the flavor profile of the Portage Porter.  Very interesting that this mild-medium bodied cigar has that kind of impact on this robust style ale.  I thought this Porter would overpower this cigar.  But, the cigars sweet tones are on their game here and plays with the malty characteristics of this Porter. 

The Ruination No. 1 comes back with a solid punch.  At the mid-point of this cigar it mellows a bit and the portabella mushroom like earthy style takes over and intermingles with the flavors of the Porter for a super pairing.  The toasted oak, roasted grains and hint of walnut all score three pointers with this ales woody tone and coffee notes.  For me this is bliss.  And this Man O War Ruination No. 1 is starting to run away with the game here. 

Both cigars have a perfect burn and neither one has a penalty to this point.  Let me take the bands off these cigars and prepare to smoke them down with this tasty Porter from New Belgium Brewing. 

The Villiger does not want to lose this game here.  It is trying to make a comeback with some solid exchanges with this Porter.  The Man O War steals the ball and converts.  Look at that solid ash.  The coffee and chocolate notes of the Porter seem to transfer to the Man O War at this point and making it a big stand out here in the final minutes of this game. 

The Man O War Ruination No. 1 is a clear winner here and is ready to take on the Latitude Zero Cigar in the final round of this eight cigar field in this March Matching 2015 tournament.  The Villiger Talanga has nothing to hang its head about – it played a great game.   

Click here to read the final game between Man O War Ruination No. 1 and Latitude Zero Robusto.  (when posted)

March Matching Final Four 1 vs 4

Second Round Game 1: March Matching 2015

Camacho Maduro Robusto (old label) vs Latitude Zero Robusto

(click here to view the 2015 Set-up)

Read about the Number 1 seed Camacho Maduro Robusto taking on the long shot Number 7 seed Villiger Talanga Robusto.  Click here When Posted

Number 4 seed Latitude Zero Robusto: Size 5 x 52; 2011 Habano Ecuador Wrapper; 2010 Nicaraguan fillers; flavor profile: toasted grains, oak up front, single twist of the black pepper mill, good touch of earth.  Medium-full body

Number 1 seed Camacho Maduro (old label) Diploma Robusto: Size 5 x 52; Tobaccos from Honduras’ Jamastan Valley. Taste profile: a solid earthy style with rich dark soil leading the way; sweet grains follow with a nice touch of black tea in the mix.  It has a good medium body that should satisfy any cigar smoker.

Here is a quick profile of the New Belgium Portage Porter: (click here to see my full review) This almost black bodied Porter has a nice cola edge.  It has a nice hearty, roasted profile that reminds me of a medium bodied coffee, 65% dark chocolate and some nice burnt woody notes.

It is tip off time and Latitude Zero takes control. Off the light the cigar is showing its spicy side and the toasted grains seem to be just an undertone.   The Porter soothes that spiciness of the cigar.  Nice score though. After that first quarter inch of spiciness the cigar mellows out to the toasted grains as the main profile.  Once again a sip of the ale and boy is this a nice matching.  The oak wood comes off the bench to dance with this Porter.  The burnt woody notes of the Porter enjoy playing with this oaky tone.  This cigar seems to settle those burnt woody notes of the Porter. 

Time to cut the Camacho and lighter her up.  Oh no, foul on the play.  A crack in the wrapper while cutting.  Oh that happens once in a great while. To the humidor to get another and I’ll have to glue this one up. 

Cut – fine – light – good – we are back on track. Oh yes, sweet grains, a hint of black tea and mellow earthy style.  Three point conversion.  Those grains and black tea make this a smooth pairing with the Portage Porter from New Belgium Brewing.  This is one solid pairing – I would enjoy these two any time. 

Back to the Latitude Zero Cigar.  The coffee and chocolate notes of the porter intermingle so well with flavor profile of the cigar.  A little black pepper appear from the cigar to add a little interest and brings out a little spice in the Porter.  These two know how to play with one another.  One thing about this cigar is that big ass label.  I don’t like big labels.  The single twist of the pepper mill black pepper is back on the bench.  But, the other players are here to play.  This is also one super nice matching. 

This is one great game.  Both cigars are great with this Porter.  I’ll have to smoke these two down to the nub to call this game. 

The Camacho Diploma sure has game here but, I am going with the Latitude Zero because of the bench players.  That hint of black pepper comes and goes with the smoke but adds some good interest.  The oak also mixes so well with the woody tones of the Porter.  The coffee and chocolate notes of the Porter along with the slightly burnt woody notes love the style of this Latitude Zero. 

This was a buzzer.  Close game the whole way.  I didn’t like see one of these losing here.  Both had game.  The Latitude Zero just edges out the number 1 seed Camacho Diploma Maduro. 

Number 4 seed Latitude Zero moves on to the final dance to strut its stuff against the winner of the Villiger Talanga and Man O War No. 1 game.  

March Matching 2015 Villiger Talanga Robusto vs Camacho Maduro Robusto

First Round Game 4: March Matching 2015

(click here to view the 2015 Set-up)

                     

Information is a little incomplete here for this match up. 

Number 2 seed Camacho Triple Maduro (old label) robusto; Size: 4.5 x 50; while one of my favorite cigars I have never done a full review on the Triple Maduro and I never put any info down on its construction.  I like this cigar because of its spicy style and rich compost soil tone.  It is a heavy weight for the smoke coats the palate for a full-medium bodied smoke. 

Number 7 Villiger Robusto; Size:5 x 50; Honduran Connecticut wrapper; Jalapa Habano binder; three filler blend of Esteli Corojo, Ometepe Habano, and Candega Habano; I have never smoked this one so I do not have any flavor notes to go by. 

I picking the Number 2 Triple Maduro to kick butt here.  No competition. 

Here is a quick profile of the New Belgium Portage Porter: (click here to see my full review) This almost black bodied Porter has a nice cola edge.  It has a nice hearty, roasted profile that reminds me of a medium bodied coffee, 65% dark chocolate and some nice burnt woody notes.

Game on.  It’s tip off time.  There’s the tip; a little scramble and the Villiger Talanga comes out for the light. 

The Talanga has a sharp cedar style right off the light.  After a couple of puffs a sweet cedar comes to mind, then slowly a toasted wheat bread blends in.  Bring on the ale.  A nice exchange there.  About a half inch in the sharp cedary note just disappeared in a puff of the cigar.  Oh, the cigar mellows big time to a nice sweet cedar and buttered toasted wheat bread.  Now, let’s take a sip and see what happens.  A few good puffs of the cigar and a sip of the Porter and yes that is nice.  This different from the other ones that I liked.  The obvious is it’s a mild-medium cigar but it has a sweet style to it.  Bringing out a little sweetness in the malts of the Porter – impressive since this Porter has a hearty style.  When I sip the Porter then puff the cigar a little coffee style transfers to the cigar from the Porter.  I’m liking this.  Don’t judge a book by its cover. 

Time to light up the Camacho Triple Maduro and I have to say I don’t want to let the Villiger go.  The Triple is ready for its time with this tasty Portage Porter from New Belgium Brewing.  Off the light the rich compost soil is up front.  About an eighth of an inch in a mild spicy note appears.  A sip of the ale and there is a solid two point conversion is scored.  This cigar brings out the robust style of the Porter. The burnt woody notes of the Porter come out to play and a nice medium roast coffee note is in the mix here.  The body of the cigar is building to its full-medium style and this is working with the strengths of the Porter. 

This is going to be one tough call to make here.  We have contrasting cigars here and both are working well with the Porter. 

The Talanga takes possession.  Oh, that’s nice.  The sweet style is still there and a lightly roasted grain and mild coffee note come off the bench to play some ball.  A sip of the Porter – and we have a ball game here folks.  The sweet cedar and buttery bread mixed with the bench players and this cigar is showing it has some depth to mix with the robust notes of the porter.  The cigar still seems to mellow this Porters hearty woody notes.  The cigar plays up the 65% like dark chocolate note and the medium coffee of the Porter.  This is one very nice match up. 

The Camacho Triple says sit down little boy I’m here to play too.  The full bodied notes are hitting here in the mid part of the cigar.  Meaty compost soil a little pink peppercorn in the mix a toasted oak kicks in and we have a game.  The meaty notes of the cigar intermingle with the Porters hearty flair.  You want a full bodied experience this is it.  A little sweet Maduro kicks in now and then to add a little character to this tasting. 

Six seconds to go and a one point difference – Camacho is on the lead.  Villiger in bounds the ball.  Takes it to net and scores a two point layup to win the game.  What an upset!  Damn I don’t have another Villiger cigar – I’ll have to go and buy some now.  Stay tuned. 

The Villiger Talanga moves on to take on the Man O War Ruination No. 1 in the final four. 

The other game will be Camacho Maduro vs Latitude Zero.  

March Matching Latitude Zero Robusto vs Signature Collection Toro

First Round Game 3: March Matching 2015

(click here to view the 2015 Set-up)

Let’s take a look at the stats for these two contenders that will be paired up with New Belgium’s Portage Porter.  (click here to see my full review on thisPorter)

Number 4 seed Latitude Zero Robusto: Size 5 x 52; 2011 Habano Ecuador Wrapper; 2010 Nicaraguan fillers; flavor profile: toasted grains, oak up front, single twist of the black pepper mill, good touch of earth.  Medium-full body

Number 5 Signature Collection Robusto: Size 5.7 x 50; Ecuadorain Sun Grown Wrapper; Nicaraguan long-fillers; flavor profile: nice woody style that reminds me of a spicy cedar, touch of oak and a hint of alder wood; a couple of dashes of white pepper, dry fall leafs and a mild almond nutty note.  Medium body

Here is a quick profile of the New Belgium Portage Porter: (click here to see my full review) This almost black bodied Porter has a nice cola edge.  It has a nice hearty, roasted profile that reminds me of a medium bodied coffee, 65% dark chocolate and some nice burnt woody notes.

This should be a great game here.  There was not much balance in the Latitude Zero Experimental and Man O War game.  Here in this game we have balance; like steak and grilled asparagus.  Both cigars are not on the radar and both have a pretty nice flavor profile.  Not only have I enjoyed these sticks but, I like each one for what they bring to the table. 

Tip of time.  The ball is up and the Signature Collection get the first possession.  Off the light burnt fall leafs hit the palate.  There is a burnt slightly charred note on the first few puffs and then it settles down to a good three point cedar note.  Then it converts with a hint of oak and then the musty white pepper says let’s play ball.

Time to tip that Portage Porter by New Belgium Brewing.  Those toasty roasty notes of the Porter come to play as well but … there is a little miss direction here.  The two are not intermingling.  There are the flavors of the cigar and then sip the ale and there are the flavors of the Porter but, they are not playing together.  This is not always a bad thing here but, I was not expecting this.  Let me explain; you can have an ale overpower a cigar, or vice versa, and 90% of the time it’s not a good thing.  But, here one is not overpowering the other nor is it intermingling but, each retains its own flavor profile with each exchange.  Looking a little confused on the court here.

Light up the Zero.  Nice toasted grains off the light. And I am ready for a sip of that Porter.  Big time dunky dew.  The toasted grains mix right in with the Porters robust style.  A few puffs in and a nice oaky presence appears.  Think of starting a campfire with some small twigs and that note comes to play with a dose of dry mineral soil – I smell it and I swear I can taste it.  Another sip of ale and oh baby, baby, this is it.  This Porter seems to bring out some other flavors in this baby.  Oh baby.  One more ‘Oh baby’ and it might sound like sex is going on here. 

The Signature regains possession.  Nice tasting cigar.  Nice tasting ale.  They are not clicking.  It is like being on a bad date when everybody said, ‘you two will be perfect for each other.’  It’s just not happening.  This is just a sad scene with ‘Oh baby baby; baby baby’ happening in the back seat of the car while you are sitting in the front with the ice princes. 

The Latitude Zero is just draining three pointer here in this game.  Zero has a 30 point lead with 15 minutes to go in the game and looking to make it 50 by the end of this game. 

Latitude Zero moves on to the final four to be paired with the Camacho Maduro Old Label.