La Flor de Cano Selectos

La Flor de Cano, manufactured in Danli, Honduras, is the reincarnation of a renowned Cuban brand introduced in 1884 by the Cano brothers, Tomas and Jose. Today, the original is one of the hardest Cubans to find, due to a relatively small annual production—not that we can find Cubans in this country, anyway. Fortunately, we have wonderful alternatives, and La Flor de Cano Selectos is a stellar example. Its extra-dark, toothy Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper leaf cloaks a long-filler mixture that includes Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Mexican tobaccos. The construction is flawless. Panelists note the draw is easy and there's plenty of smoke. Medium-bodied, the blend has a rich, earthy core. After each first puff there's a subtle woodiness and some spice through the nose which, by the final third of the cigar, begins to smack the palate as the strength grows into the full-bodied range. The finish is long and robust, with a toasty sweetness and strong peppery notes at the end. While not often mentioned as a traditional alcohol accompaniment, a 100% blue agave, peppery tequila works beautifully with the complex flavors of this cigar.