Uploaded June 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video, Charles-Philippe reviews the cult classic Man o'War Armada cigar by Aj Fernandez. Learn about its tasting notes and overall experience as we explore it in detail.
Buy Now:
Boveda Acrylic Humidor: amzn.to/3deJ2I8
Boveda 69% RH Packs: amzn.to/2RLCJ4W
Boveda Butler: amzn.to/35IdGX8
Check out the Man o'War Armada Cigar Formula & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/cigars/man-o-war-armada
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula:
bespokeunit.com/cigars/formula
This Video's Wardrobe:
Shirt: jdoqocy.com/click-7656949-13791851
Suit: click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=84gKhJ8XAxE&mid=41221&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indochino.com%2F
Cufflinks: Vintage
Watch: Vintage
Tie: Christian Dior Vintage
00:38 - Cigar Overview
Man o'War cigars are produced in the AJ Fernandez factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua. It is well-known among the cigar community. This particular cigar is in the War Horse perfecto vitola, which is 6.5 x 64 in size.
The Ecuadorian Samutra wrapper comes from low-yield crops, which explains both its unusually high price point and limited yearly production of only 10,000 cigars.
The binder is Nicaraguan as is the filler that consists of Ligero from Esteli and Ometepe. The cigars were stored in a Boveda acrylic humidor at 69% RH and were regularly monitored using a Boveda Butler.
02:48 - Look & Feel
The Armada is a wonderfully sleek cigar with an oily sheen and very modest veins. It has a firm spring when pinched and features a dark chocolate hue.
As for the aromas, it has a heady ammonia scent but offers some old leather, ceylon tea, and barnyard scent.
03:37 - Prelight
Before lighting, the cigar offers an excellent level of resistance, notes of raisins, varnished oak, and a distinctive nutmeg flavour.
04:06 - Burn
Admittedly, the first cigar was a little disappointing. In terms of draw, however, it's perfect. Initially, there isn't much smoke output, which increases significantly once it gets passed the perfecto shape.
Similarly, the burn is a little wavy but it remains a cool smoke throughout. Additionally, the ash backbone is also somewhat of a letdown as although it hung on well, it suddenly fell off without warning!
05:02 - Tasting Notes
One of CP's favourite cigars by AJ Fernandez is the Monty for Montecristo so he's very fond of the blender's creations. Therefore, he tried not to be too influenced when reviewing this cigar.
While the first Man o'War he smoked was a power bomb that lacked flavour, the cigar one a significant improvement. It remained medium-to-full in body but the flavours are challenging to detect.
The first third consisted of brazil nut, burned rosemary, and white pepper in the retrohale.
Meanwhile, the second third offered dark cocoa, clay earth, and lightly toasted oak.
During the final third, the toasted oak becomes thick and chargrilled, heavy, and bold. Furthermore, there was an old leather flavour too, and black pepper, which was prevalent in the retrohale.
Overall, it was a complex smoking experience with a smooth mouthfeel. It's a little tart too with a relatively focused palate stimulation on the tip and lateral front. In terms of lifecycle, there was something of an evolution but it could have offered more. However, it wasn't linear.
Finally, the finish wasn't overly long on the palate.
09:55 - Overall Experience
Firstly, it's hard to ignore the band that is reminiscent of 300 Spartans. It's cool and has a bling element to it. Sadly, we didn't have the box so we couldn't comment on that.
In terms of occasion, this is a mighty cigar that can be used for special occasions but perhaps not formal ones. It would be better suited to a special moment with some close friends.
Finally, the value for money is an interesting topic. It has a $20 price point or $15 in a sampler pack. This is quite steep given the market that it targets. Nevertheless, it is a labour-intensive cigar due to the ingredients.
12:48 - Pairings
In terms of food, it would go wonderfully with a wood-fire barbecue, which would suit the occasion too. Dark chocolate would be a great choice too and we find that Argencove's Batch N°18 would be the ideal choice.
Finally, brazil nuts would be a good snack too.
As for drinks, we suggest bourbon whiskey, root beer, and an espresso coffee such as Twin Engine from Nicaragua.
15:10 - Conclusion
To wrap up, the Man o'War Armada earned 77/100, which equates to a good 4-star review. This is a very good result and while we may have said that we were disappointed, we just felt more like we were victims of the hype.
Already tried the Armada or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
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Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
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In this video, Charles-Philippe reviews the cult classic Man o'War Armada cigar by Aj Fernandez. Learn about its tasting notes and overall experience as we explore it in detail.
Buy Now:
Boveda Acrylic Humidor: amzn.to/3deJ2I8
Boveda 69% RH Packs: amzn.to/2RLCJ4W
Boveda Butler: amzn.to/35IdGX8
Check out the Man o'War Armada Cigar Formula & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/cigars/man-o-war-armada
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula:
bespokeunit.com/cigars/formula
This Video's Wardrobe:
Shirt: jdoqocy.com/click-7656949-13791851
Suit: click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=84gKhJ8XAxE&mid=41221&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indochino.com%2F
Cufflinks: Vintage
Watch: Vintage
Tie: Christian Dior Vintage
00:38 - Cigar Overview
Man o'War cigars are produced in the AJ Fernandez factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua. It is well-known among the cigar community. This particular cigar is in the War Horse perfecto vitola, which is 6.5 x 64 in size.
The Ecuadorian Samutra wrapper comes from low-yield crops, which explains both its unusually high price point and limited yearly production of only 10,000 cigars.
The binder is Nicaraguan as is the filler that consists of Ligero from Esteli and Ometepe. The cigars were stored in a Boveda acrylic humidor at 69% RH and were regularly monitored using a Boveda Butler.
02:48 - Look & Feel
The Armada is a wonderfully sleek cigar with an oily sheen and very modest veins. It has a firm spring when pinched and features a dark chocolate hue.
As for the aromas, it has a heady ammonia scent but offers some old leather, ceylon tea, and barnyard scent.
03:37 - Prelight
Before lighting, the cigar offers an excellent level of resistance, notes of raisins, varnished oak, and a distinctive nutmeg flavour.
04:06 - Burn
Admittedly, the first cigar was a little disappointing. In terms of draw, however, it's perfect. Initially, there isn't much smoke output, which increases significantly once it gets passed the perfecto shape.
Similarly, the burn is a little wavy but it remains a cool smoke throughout. Additionally, the ash backbone is also somewhat of a letdown as although it hung on well, it suddenly fell off without warning!
05:02 - Tasting Notes
One of CP's favourite cigars by AJ Fernandez is the Monty for Montecristo so he's very fond of the blender's creations. Therefore, he tried not to be too influenced when reviewing this cigar.
While the first Man o'War he smoked was a power bomb that lacked flavour, the cigar one a significant improvement. It remained medium-to-full in body but the flavours are challenging to detect.
The first third consisted of brazil nut, burned rosemary, and white pepper in the retrohale.
Meanwhile, the second third offered dark cocoa, clay earth, and lightly toasted oak.
During the final third, the toasted oak becomes thick and chargrilled, heavy, and bold. Furthermore, there was an old leather flavour too, and black pepper, which was prevalent in the retrohale.
Overall, it was a complex smoking experience with a smooth mouthfeel. It's a little tart too with a relatively focused palate stimulation on the tip and lateral front. In terms of lifecycle, there was something of an evolution but it could have offered more. However, it wasn't linear.
Finally, the finish wasn't overly long on the palate.
09:55 - Overall Experience
Firstly, it's hard to ignore the band that is reminiscent of 300 Spartans. It's cool and has a bling element to it. Sadly, we didn't have the box so we couldn't comment on that.
In terms of occasion, this is a mighty cigar that can be used for special occasions but perhaps not formal ones. It would be better suited to a special moment with some close friends.
Finally, the value for money is an interesting topic. It has a $20 price point or $15 in a sampler pack. This is quite steep given the market that it targets. Nevertheless, it is a labour-intensive cigar due to the ingredients.
12:48 - Pairings
In terms of food, it would go wonderfully with a wood-fire barbecue, which would suit the occasion too. Dark chocolate would be a great choice too and we find that Argencove's Batch N°18 would be the ideal choice.
Finally, brazil nuts would be a good snack too.
As for drinks, we suggest bourbon whiskey, root beer, and an espresso coffee such as Twin Engine from Nicaragua.
15:10 - Conclusion
To wrap up, the Man o'War Armada earned 77/100, which equates to a good 4-star review. This is a very good result and while we may have said that we were disappointed, we just felt more like we were victims of the hype.
Already tried the Armada or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
