My Father Flor de las Antillas: The People's Champion

There exists a rare breed of cigar—one that experts and novices agree upon, that appears on every recommendation list regardless of the question, and that somehow manages to be both an ideal first premium cigar and a seasoned smoker's comfort pick. My Father Flor de las Antillas is that cigar, and it has been since it earned Cigar Aficionado's Cigar of the Year in 2012 with a 96-point rating.

The Nicaraguan sun-grown wrapper (from Cuban seed) has a warmth to it—both visually and aromatically. It's not the darkest leaf in the Garcia family's arsenal, but it's among the most inviting. Pre-light, there's a gentle sweetness and a hint of earth that promises good things without screaming for attention.

Light it up, and the first third arrives with a peppery flourish—not aggressive, but present. Coffee, nutty cocoa, and a citrus floral note that is distinctly "Flor de las Antillas" follow closely behind. It's medium-bodied enough to be approachable but complex enough to hold your interest, a balancing act that sounds simple but is devilishly difficult to achieve.

The second third introduces baking spices—nutmeg, cinnamon—alongside earth, sweet cedar, and a honey-vanilla contrast that plays beautifully against the persistent pepper. The smoke is creamy and abundant, and the box-pressed format sits comfortably in hand. This is the kind of cigar you can smoke while reading, talking, or thinking, because it enhances every activity without demanding your undivided attention.

The final third delivers smooth cocoa, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and cedar with a clean, balanced finish. No bitterness, no harshness, no regrets. Just a consistently excellent cigar that reminds you why you started smoking in the first place.

At under $9, Flor de las Antillas is arguably the single greatest value in the premium cigar market. Buy a box. Then buy another box. You will smoke them faster than you expect.