For those who read Cigar Aficionado, you are already aware that the My Father Flor de las Antillas, was named “Cigar of the Year" for 2012. So why am I bringing up old news? Other than the fact that I wanted an excuse to smoke one of these beauties, like I really needed a reason, I wanted to spread the word that we now have the 2012 Top Dog in our humidors. Not long ago, we got our first cigars from My Father, but unfortunately the Flor de las Antillas wasn't one in our portfolio. And let me say that when a cigar gets top billing in Aficionado, acquiring them can be a chore,  but the folks at My Father were very accommodating in shipping us plenty of these Nicaraguan masterpieces.

My Father Flor de las Antillas

Now for the cigar. If we first "taste" things with our eyes, then the Flor de las Antillas is a Ruth's Chris Cowboy Ribeye sizzling on a hot plate of butter at first glance. The Nicaraguan Sungrown wrapper is beautiful, smooth, and flawless in appearance. The band is an artistic rendition of two women working with tobacco. The pastel colored band is coupled with a maroon ribbon wrapped around the foot of the cigar.

If we first select a cigar based on its packaging, it's the taste will determine if we choose to become a repeat customer. The Flor de las Antillas does not disappoint in this area. I found the smoke to be creamy, with some mild spicy notes and a medium undertone of sweetness that stays with you all the way to that beautiful band. The most prevalent spice is white pepper, while the sweetness is definitely that of cocoa. I thought the flavor profiles were consistent throughout the entire cigar, with the spicy notes being the strongest in the beginning. This isn't a cigar that changes a lot throughout the smoke—it is just a consistently good cigar from start to finish.

This is a medium to full bodied smoke that I would highly recommend. This cigar is priced at $7.99 so it easily fits into the "everyday smoke" category. Nicaraguan puros have a tendency to scare those away who prefer the mild to medium cigars, but don't let this stop you from trying this one. So stop in and see what all the fuss is about by giving the My Father Flor de Las Antillas a test drive.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits regional manager in Jacksonville. Follow him on Twitter @chrisgnole