Man O' War Side Project Skull Crusher Review
11/26/2014
Cigar: Man O’ War Side Project Skull Crusher
Size: Salomon, 5.7”x56
MSRP: $9.00
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro
Origin: Nicaragua
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Prelight: This is another interesting looking cigar from the Side Projects line of AJ’s Man O’ War brand. A short salomon shape with a closed foot. And not just excess wrapper folded over the foot; they actually put a cap on the foot. I’m not really sure what to do with this…clip it or just fire away? The wrapper is smooth and oily, and has a delicious aroma that is an amalgam of floral cedar and sweet chocolate. I can’t get a cold draw assessment, because I am opting to just light up the foot as is.
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1/3: The foot toasts and lights easily. I taste heavy cream almost immediately. There seems to be a little wood and baking spices in the background, but the cream is dominant and delicious. The baking spices evolve into black pepper and the first third comes to an end with pepper, cream, and subtle wood.
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2/3: The second third sees a radical shift in flavors, as the wood takes over, the cream disappears and the pepper reminds me of steak seasoning. The burn is wavy, but tends to correct itself in a timely manner. Then, the wood flavor, which previously was reminiscent of cedar, changes to more of an oakiness.
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3/3: The final third is a disappointment. Bitter grass and oak. The burn isn’t hot, but the flavors are not desirable. Unlike other Man O’ Wars, I do not nub this one.
Overall: The awesomeness of the first third makes the rest of the cigar a bitter disappointment, literally. The construction was OK, but not flawless. I would rather pick any other Man O’ War than this one.
