Diggin’ in the Crates with DaByrdman – Man O’War Ruination

This week, I decided that I would share one of my first posted reviews with you fellow readers who may or may not have checked us out during our days on Blogspot.  Just reading it again shows me how much my palate has changed and how diverse my cigar experiences have become.  I hope you enjoy it.

This edition of Diggin’ in the Crates is entitled,
“My Battle with a Man O’ War Ruination”.

After hearing Jerry Cruz aka The Great Torpedo rave about these on Twitter and then seeing his review on StogieReview.com, I broke down and decided that I had to try them for myself. Yes, I’m talking about the Man O’ War Ruination. I managed to snag a 5-pack from CI with a couple of Padilla ’68 Salomons for $25. The vitola was the Robusto #2 (60 x 6”). I sat down with Big Pimpin’ (the other B in B&B) and commenced to pull a draught Heineken and get into this much anticipated cigar. The wrapper was a lush reddish brown with a nice oily sheen. The cigar was well constructed, firm, and had only one predominant vein but otherwise was very neat. The pre-light aroma was that “barnyard goodness” that stinks so good. This is usually the aroma that accompanies many of the full-bodied cigars; something akin to the smell of barnyard hay. The pre-light draw was spicy and definitely fit the full-bodied profile. The first third started with a jet blast of peppery spice that caused me to sink a little lower in my deck chair because I knew I was going to be in for quite a ride. There was a slight sweetness on the finish that remained throughout the first 3rd that was akin to licorice but not as strong. The second third became creamy smooth and left a buttery texture on my palate and I continued to puff away. I didn’t have any problems with the draw or the burn although I did have to re-light after my wife called (that’s another story for another blog entry). After pulling another Heineken and a glass of Balvenie Doublewood scotch, I strapped my self in for the finish. The final third was all leather and really earthy but oh so good. No matter how fast I puffed the Ruination, it never got hot not even down to the nub. All in all, the total smoking experience (that’s putting it lightly) lasted about 2 hours and it was one hell of an experience. I did get the “cigar sweats” on my cheeks just below my eyes and I could feel a light rumble in my belly (good thing I ate those hot dogs before I smoked this one). I was still feeling the kick from the cigar as much as an hour after I had put it out. Needless to say, I slept like a baby and dreamt of the next rumble with the Man O’ War Ruination. If you like full-bodied cigars, do yourself a favor and get a box of these because you’ll burn through a 5-pack quick. Thanks again to The Great Torpedo for turning me on to this gem. 

The Final Verdict:  5 Smokes

Until next time. . .Fly straight and fly high.

-Da Byrdman-