March Matching: Man O War Ruination vs Latitude Zero Experimental Robusto

First Round Game 2: March Matching 2015

(click here to view the 2015 Set-up)

We have a strong Number 3 seed going against well, let me just say a struggling Number 6.  LZE could have; should have been the number 8 seed in this tourney.  But, all they have to say is look at how that Morrow Castle just unraveled in its game against the number one seed Camacho Maduro Old Label.  All I have to say is at least the Morro cigar has flavor.   

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 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 6 Latitude Zero Experimental Robusto – wrapper Cameroon, Ecuadorian Sungrown 5 x 50; Nicaraguan Criollo 98 binder and long fillers; Light oak, cedar, sweet spice.

I have enjoyed both of these sticks but, I have to say I do not think the Experimental has a chance in this game.  It is only okay at best and at times you just want to fall asleep during its game. 

The Ruination No. 1 is really good and I think this stick will give the other big dogs in this tourney a run for their money. 

Let’s lightem’ up!  Tip off time.

MOWR wins the tip off and takes control.  I just don’t think this will work in LZEs favor at all.  That cigar wanted to be lit up first to try and make its point with what little flavor it does have.  The bold style of the Man O War Ruination can just shut the door right away.

MOWR off the light has a nice fine grind green peppery spice and builds over the next few puffs to a coarse grind black and green peppercorn.  

Time to open that Porter. Here is a quick profile of 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.

The Porter mixes nicely with the pepper style here in the first inch of the MOWR.  After that first inch the cigar starts to mellow with the pepper style and a sweet forest floor tone develops. A clear touch of oak appears.  The toasted oak intermingles with to hearty roasted notes of the Porter.  This cigar is showing that it can be the best to maximize your experience with the Portage Porter. 

Latitude Zero Experimentals time to show its stuff.  Sure must be Experimental it seems to have a flat side. They must have had the grade schoolers in for rolling day at the factory.  Off the light there is a sweet green spice blend up front.  After that a moist rainy day fall leaf note hits the palate.  A light dry oak wood note come into play.  Rather mild on its opening possession. A sip of the Porter and a puff of the cigar and … miss … rebound … miss … rebound … the Porter is a bit too bold for this stick.  The medium roast coffee and the burnt woody notes of the Porter overpower this mild cigar. 

Man O War takes over.  The robust style of this cigar unites with the robust style of the Porter for one super nice experience.  The toasted oak, roasted grains, portabella mushroom earth flair and roasted walnut meat with a hint of black walnut just look forward to every sip of the Porter and its burnt woody profile.  The coffee and 65% dark chocolate like notes of the Porter just mix right in with the wonderful flavors of this cigar.  This would be a great after dinner treat.   

Let’s puff the cigar first and then sip the Porter.  There is no game here.  The mild body and mild flavors just don’t even have an impact when sipping the ale.  This cigar needs to be paired up with a lager or pilsner maybe a Hefeweizen would be a good pairing for this stick.

These two cigars make my point about maximizing your experience and why I started this blog. 

This game was over just after tip off.  Okay, 15 minutes into this you knew the LZE just did not have the game to be in this show.  So, the Man O War Ruination No. 1 is the clear winner here.  The Man O War will be going against the winner of the 2-7 battle: Camacho Triple Maduro and the Villiger Robusto. 

I am going to sit back and enjoy this Man O War and Porter and watch the real basketball going on and I only have one loss in the March Madness so far and it is Friday at 3:00.