Man O' War

[Starchild]

This is my first attempt at a review, so please bear with me. I've never tried to verbalize my smoking experience before.

I received this cigar from Tedrogerscpa in a newbie sampler trade a while back, and have just now gotten around to enjoying it. I've been looking foward to this one based on the reviews I've read.

The cigar is a Man O' War Toro (6.2x52)
Appearance/ Construction: This is a beautifull stick. Dark redish brown wrapper with what I would consider medium veins. Nice cap. 8 out of 10

Setting: Back porch by candle light with my laptop and a Sam Adams Octoberfest.

The pre-light draw was a bit heavy, but nothing too worrisome. I toasted it with my Benzomatic candle lighter/ torch that I've come to like. I've recently began to light my sticks without drawing, and only a short purge before letting it rest for a few seconds. The first draw revealed a nice nic kick at the back of the throat. After about the first 1/2 inch, the draw loosened up nicely, and I corrected the burn slightly. The initial nicotine kick has relaxed, and the flavors I'm picking up are a light toasty chocolate, with an earthy, slightly sweet finish.

It ashed itself in my lap after about 1". The burn was very slow, and it actually went out in my hand at one point. It was certainly not from neglect. I don't know if the relight is to blame, but this is where the slight sweetness was replaced by unpleasant bitterness. It really went down hill from there, and I put it down after about 1 hr 15 min. The cigar was only half gone by this point. It was a while after dinner, and I was certainly feeling the strength of this stick.

I think this might have been a bum stick. I'm not going to rush out and buy a box, but I would give it another try, maybe in a rubusto.

Overall smoking experience 6 out of 10