Flor de Las Antillas

Flor de Las Antillas

·  Boxed Press

·  Minimal veins

·  Firm build, no soft spots

·  Excellent even color

·  Nicaraguan Sun Grown wrapper

·  Nicaraguan long-fillers

·  Nicaraguan binder

·  Medium bodied

·  Number one cigar 2012 according to Cigar Aficionado

Background: Introducing the Flor de las Antillas, the first entirely box-pressed line from My Father cigars. Meaning ’Flower of the Antilles’, the Flor de las Antillas represents Cuba, the largest island in the Greater Antilles islands, and home to the Garcia family’s rich cigar making heritage. Traditionally focused on more full-bodied cigars, Flor de las Antillas ventures into the company’s untapped niche of a true medium-bodied experience (Cigarinternational.com).

First Third:  As I lit this cigar i was very excited. My Father cigars are some of the best in my opinion. Moreover, expectations were even higher as this is Cigar Aficionado’s 2012 cigar of the year. I quickly gave this cigar my usual visual inspection, cut it, and gave it my quick cold draw evaluation of flavors. On the cold draw, nutty hints hit my tongue. As I lit this cigar, I almost regretted that I was not smoking this cigar alone giving it the attention is deserved. No matter I pressed on with a childlike excitement. As I took my initial puff the first note I tasted was that of a light white pepper. It was nothing overpowering and remained very gentle on my taste buds. As the third of the cigar went along, notes of wood and earth fill my pallet. In the background of the flavor symphony the slightest sweetness was present. This smoke had a perfect burn and the smoke billowed like a chimney. Moreover, the aromatics produced were very pleasant and true to its name.

Second Third: As my smoke continued, all flavor notes only increased in enjoyment. This already complex cigar added more additional flavors.  Sweetness and spices such as nutmeg were present alongside the mainstays of earth, wood, and light pepper. Moreover, the cigar remained the perfect strength. The smoke billow remained thick and full of pleasant scent. The ash continued its even burn and color.

Final Third: During this final third the smoke remained as flavorful, creamy, and easy as the rest of the smoke. At this point I began to give the cigar my full attention and began to ignore my guests a bit. In doing so I noticed the slightest it of cocoa and would like to identify the sweetness almost as sweet hay. Overall this smoke ended as well as it began if not better. The cigar was strong in every facet with the ash not falling off until the final third and the scent competing with that of the candle burning nearby.

Final Thoughts: What an amazing smoke. This was one of those cigars that I wish never ended.  My already high regards of My Father Cigars increased dramatically. Smooth through and through and nothing short of one of the best cigars I have smoked. Such complexity working in such harmony I equate to fine art. Even in the presence of company and at times in deep conversation, this cigar shone through allowing me to taste every flavor note, never losing my attention. I rate this cigar an 8.9/10, truly an elite cigar.