Some cigars earn a high rating and quickly fade from attention. Flor de Las Antillas has done the opposite. More than a decade after its Toro was named Cigar Aficionado’s No. 1 cigar of 2012, the line remains a respected part of the My Father portfolio.

At Fumare Smoke Shop, we carry Flor de Las Antillas because it offers an impressive balance of flavor, construction and approachability. It has enough character to interest an experienced cigar smoker without being unnecessarily aggressive.

The 2012 Cigar of the Year

The specific vitola that received the award was the Flor de Las Antillas Toro, measuring 6 inches by a 52 ring gauge. Cigar Aficionado awarded it 96 points and selected it as its 2012 Cigar of the Year.

Produced at the My Father Cigars factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, Flor de Las Antillas is a Nicaraguan puro—its wrapper, binder and filler tobaccos all come from Nicaragua. The original blend incorporates the Garcia family’s double-binder construction beneath a sun-grown wrapper.

The Toro has a softly rounded box press that sits comfortably in the hand. A proper box press is more than a cosmetic choice: it can influence the cigar’s feel, burn and rate of combustion when the bunch and draw are properly balanced.

Construction and Draw

Construction is one of the qualities I appreciate most about Flor de Las Antillas. A cigar can contain excellent tobacco and still disappoint if it is packed too tightly or draws poorly.

Flor de Las Antillas generally avoids that problem. The examples I have handled offer a comfortable, open draw without feeling loose or underfilled. Smoke production comes easily, allowing the blend to develop naturally rather than forcing the smoker to work against a restrictive roll.

That accessibility is an important part of its appeal. It is flavorful and structured, but the experience remains relaxed.

Strength and Flavor

I regard Flor de Las Antillas as a medium cigar, although Cigar Aficionado classified the award-winning Toro as medium-full. Strength is subjective, and an individual’s experience can vary according to smoking pace, size, storage and personal tolerance.

The profile is best described as warm, balanced and gently spicy. Cigar Aficionado identified nutmeg and white pepper in the Toro. Depending on the individual cigar and the smoker’s palate, the Nicaraguan tobacco may also suggest cedar, earth, toasted nuts, cocoa or a restrained natural sweetness.

The important quality is balance. The spice supports the tobacco rather than overpowering it, and the cigar develops sufficient depth without becoming harsh or exhausting.

The Meaning Behind the Name

“Flor de Las Antillas” translates to “Flower of the Antilles.” The name honors Cuba, the largest island in the Antilles and the birthplace of the Garcia family.

José “Pepin” Garcia developed his cigar-making experience in Cuba before the family established its operations in the United States and Nicaragua. That heritage is reflected in the brand’s traditional presentation, ornate band and emphasis on careful construction.

Why Rankings Are Only a Starting Point

A major award creates interest, but it should never replace personal preference. Tobacco is an agricultural product, and cigars can vary between boxes, production periods and storage conditions. The same cigar may also present differently depending on smoking pace and vitola.

The significance of Flor de Las Antillas is not simply that its Toro earned the industry’s most recognizable annual distinction. It is that the line has remained relevant long after the award.

For an adult customer looking for a well-constructed Nicaraguan cigar with an easy draw, moderate strength and a balanced flavor profile, Flor de Las Antillas remains worthy of consideration.

Available at Fumare Smoke Shop

Fumare Smoke Shop carries Flor de Las Antillas for adults 21 and over. Sizes and quantities vary, so please call or visit for current availability.

Our staff can help you compare the available vitolas and explain how cigar size, strength and construction may influence the experience.

Fumare Smoke Shop
4333 Hazel Avenue
Fair Oaks, California 95628
(916) 863-1810

Source: Cigar Aficionado, “Flor de Las Antillas Toro—2012 Cigar of the Year.”

This article is intended only for adults 21 years of age and older. Tobacco products contain nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.