Man O’ War Abomination Toro – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Man O’ War is a brand exclusive to Cigars International, but, it is rolled and blended by none other than AJ Fernandez. Man O’ War has a ton of lines these days: Original (Man O’ War), Ruination, Dark Aged Maduro, Dark Horse, Puro Authentico, Valkyrie, Virtue and a few other smaller lines. The Man O’ War Abomination claims to be the strongest Man O’ War ever released.

It is of course rolled at AJ Fernandez’s factory in Nicaragua. The blend uses a San Andres wrapper, Habano binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. It is available in 4 sizes: Gordo (6.0″x58), Robusto (5.0″x52), Toro (6.0″x50), and Toro (Box-Pressed) (6.5″x52). MSRP ranges from $10.75 – $12.25 but can usually be found much cheaper as they are almost always on sale.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Nicaragua Habano
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: AJ Fernandez
Number of reviewers: 5 – Kevin J. (maninblack77) Lauren S. (Lauren S.) Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) Isaac M. (The Nothing) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $11.00
Age: 1 Year
Release Date: 2021
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff

Initial Impressions – Man O’ War Abomination Toro

Appearance: 92

“A dark and veiny wrapper covers this toro size cigar. It gives it a rustic look. It is smooth to the touch with nice batches of oil. Rolled tightly and is finished with a double cap.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Aroma: 92

“I give the wrapper a good once over to ascertain any aromas it may offer. Leather and strong notes of wood are all I pick up, but not the walnut its appearance mimics. Instead it’s a heavy dose of mahogany with the richness and touch of spice.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

First Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“After toasting the foot I take my first few puffs, the palate is awakened with heavy notes of espresso and anise. After several minutes I push some smoke through the sinuses, initially there is a strong black pepper note. After about a minute the burn subsided and you can find some light notes of vanilla. The ash is back and flaky. Body and strength are both medium. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) “The mocha I smelled on the foot was immediately a strong presence in flavor. As it warms up it begins to lean towards a more bitter espresso taste along with a slightly nutty almond background note.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Second Third

Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The second third is where some issues come into play but I’m not sure it was the cigars fault. It’s fairly humid this morning so it might have an effect on the wrapper splitting. It rained pretty hard last night. Getting past the wrapper explosion, it is still performing fairly well. The flavors are still dry cocoa, nutmeg, graham cracker and leather. It’s definitely not a one dimensional smoke. Speaking of smoke, this cigar has alot of smoke output. And it’s a very creamy smoke. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77) “The second third came up a lot sooner than I had expected. Flavors had made transitions to citrus peel, seasoned beef, and a split firewood taste. The cigar almost seemed like a meal itself.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Final Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“In the final third the strength picks up a notch and so do the flavors. The cocoa transitions to a more dark chocolate flavor that mixes well with the leather and graham cracker. The wrapper issue went away and the burn corrected itself. Very enjoyable finish to this cigar. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77) “The peppery flavor continues to dominate all the way until the nub.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Overall Impressions – Man O’ War Abomination Toro

Draw: 94

” Clipped the cap with a v-cut and the draw settles in right where I like it, just enough resistance.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Burn: 94

“It burned a bit crooked the entire time but only required one relight and touch-up.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Construction: 93

“The construction was very good. The ash was a little flaky for most of it but was never a problem. This is a perfect example that you don’t need a perfect burn to have a great smoking experience. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 93

“Wrapper issues and appearances aside, this smoke performed very well. The flavors of cocoa, leather and spice really worked well. Burn was good, smoke output was amazing. This is a cigar I’d definitely try again. Worthy of a fiver.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“This was a great quality blend and would be enjoyed by those who love the bitter espresso notes cigars can have. A solid bitter espresso and mocha flavor that still manages to be smooth. Along with some almond, earth, and smokiness allowing for some nice complexity. While a bit more bitter than I personally care for I would still definitely smoke this cigar again.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

“If you are a fan of a dark rustic smoking experience this is the cigar for you. Rich espresso note can be found throughout with some great undertones. The retrohale might be a bit much for some but it is something that should be experienced. I will look for them once I know what it is.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“This was a delightful cigar with some intriguing flavors. The cigar showed nice transitions and burned wonderfully. I was surprised at how quickly it smoked, though, and faster smokers could easily burn though this toro in an hour, maybe less. This is a cigar I could easily recommend to just about anyone.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“While not the most complex, the flavor profile is definitely something of interest for me. There’s a potency in it that I enjoy and it sticks around the entire time. Between that and it being well constructed, I have no issues suggesting you at least check these out. Unless of course, you prefer things on the lighter or milder side. Then maybe not so much. ” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 86

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Man O’ War Abomination Toro – Blind Cigar Review