Man O War Armada Toro Grande Review

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro
Filler: Nicaraguan
Price: $20

This was the last of the Man O War cigars for me to try. Several years ago, I got my hand on a few of the original Man O War cigars, and they were amazing. So, since then I have been a huge fan of the line. When I had the chance to get my hand on one of these rare gems, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.  Now I know that $20 a stick is kind of pricey, but this cigar, for once, deserves that kind of price tag.

This cigar looks perfect in every aspect. The wrapper in of perfect construction, with no veins at all to alter the burn pattern. The cigar smells just as great as it looks. One I cut and lit this cigar, the flavors starting coming out immediately.

With the ease of the draw, the smoke production was high bringing out the flavors fast. The initial flavor was a slight spice but was quickly masked by sweetness. Early on, the cigar consisted of very earthy tones mixed with the sweet flavor of vanilla. This cigar was amazingly smooth right off the bat.

Towards the end of the first third, the earthiness had built up and brought in a sweet cedar flavor that just covered the palate. Along with the sweetness on the palate, the spice was lingering in the back of the mouth. Right around the midpoint of this magnificent cigar, all of the spice is replaced by very strong, sweet flavors.

At the end of the second third, a slight coffee flavor entered into the mix of already complex flavors. The combination of vanilla, cedar, coffee, and slight spice made for one of the most delicious and special experiences I have received from a cigar in some time.

Now the flavor wasn’t the only great thing about this cigar. The ash was amazing in every way. The ash was almost white, and held on for a solid two inches.  The smoke was very thick and was a light shade of gray with slight hues of brown marbled in occasionally throughout the midpoint of the cigar. The aroma was something to take in for sure. I have never smoked a traditional cigar with an aroma quite this sweet before. I was smelling the cedar throughout every puff.  As odd as this sounds,  I feel that this cigar started off as a medium body smoke, and finished as a very full body cigar.

This was quite possibly the most delicious and most amazing cigar I have ever smoked. Would I say it is worth $20? Yes, but that makes it all the more desirable. I cant afford to smoke a $20 cigar regularly, so when I get the opportunity to smoke one, it is a very enjoyable experience.

I have to give this cigar a 10 out of 10. It was simply amazing. If you get the chance to smoke one, do it. They are rare so you never know if you will get the opportunity to again.

Until the next smoke,

Zack the Stogie Man