Man O' War Side Projects 52C

The illustrious Man O’ War brand was developed by Abdel "A.J." Fernandez, a protégé of Don Alejandro Robaina. Robaina is so esteemed he’s often considered the “Godfather” of fine tobacco. A.J. Fernandez spent most of his life studying in Cuba under him before moving to Nicaragua to fly solo. After just seven years, A.J. started producing Rocky Patel’s Fusion, Padilla Habano, and Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet. Yet, of all the cigars produced at his factory, A.J. personally considers Man O’ War to be his best blend. While some companies may become complacent, this Estelí-based company refuses to, and instead has created a variety of additional Man O’ War versions, including a series of modified blends and unique shapes and sizes that has become known as Man O’ War Side Projects. Each Side Project comes in a specific shape and size to complement the blend and all are a limited run. The Side Project that you have in your shipment today is the 52C, and boy is it a looker with its unique chisel-shape we’re calling a wedge. The 52C features a dark and leathery Ecuadorian Habano ligero wrapper that hugs a Mexican binder and Nicaraguan fillers. This full-bodied, complex smoke will lend notes of oak, espresso, pepper, and hints of sweetness. Exquisite from nub to foot, try it with a Quinta das Carvalhas 10 Year Tawny.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.