La Flor De Cano Selectos No. 3

Launched at events held at 3 separate locations across the UK, the La Flor de Cano Selectos No. 3 is the latest UK Regional Edition cigar. Produced in a Cervantes size measuring 6 1/2" (165mm) x 42 ring gauge, this vitola is often called a Lonsdale, having been named after the fifth Earl of Lonsdale, Hugh Cecil Lowther (1857-1944), who popularised the size. The Cervantes was once a very popular format, with a number of brands featuring it in their portfolio. Now it is much rarer, only represented in the current regular production portfolio by the Montecristo No. 1

While the standard Flor de Cano range is produced using mixed-filler tobacco, this release is made entirely of long-filler tobacco. A sweet floral beginning to the smoke, which includes a citrus freshness progresses into a rich spiciness. Enjoyed for just over an hours smoke time, this development of flavour adds to the blends charm, never overstepping into bitterness.

The cigars have all been rolled at El Caney factory of Santiago de Cuba, in the east of the island, under the supervision of La Corona factory (which has been headquarter of the brand since 2010 and guarantees the consistency of the blend). 125,000 cigars have been produced in total, presented in 5,000 cabinet boxes (SLBs) of 25. The boxes are all hot stamped with the instantly recognisable green ink and each cigar is dressed with a unique band printed with the size name.

This is the third time that La Flor De Cano has been chosen as the brand for the latest UK Regional Edition cigar. The initial was the Short Robusto in 2010, which was also the first time the brand had been selected for the Regional Edition programme worldwide. Accurately recreating the blend of the famous, longfiller, Flor de Canos of the late 1980s and early 1990s was no mean feat though as by 2010 the brand’s range was made up entirely of short-filler cigars. Adding to the problem's faced by the project, the Heroes del Moncada factory had been reduced to a support facility for La Corona factory and was no longer producing cigars. Initial attempts created in February 2010, were presented to La Corona’s tasting panel and Cuba’s National Tasting Commission, however they were rejected having been deemed to have failed to meet the required standards. 

The project persevered though and luckily someone still working at Heroes del Moncada, who had been closely involved in blending the original cigars, was found. With their input, another iteration of the blend was made, this time based faithfully on the original. Jemma Freeman, H&F’s Executive Chairman, cigar writer Nick Foulkes and our very own Edward Sahakian, were invited to La Corona to sample the new blend in November 2010. Edward brought a number of the original Flor de Cano Short Churchills with him, which allowed the panel to conduct a like for like comparison.

The tasting in November 2010 accompanied by Edward's hat.

The new blend was deemed a successful match in style and character to the much-admired original. The National Tasting Commission was now satisfied with the result and production could begin. Edward's provision of the box of original cigars not only aided in the taste comparison, but also impacted on the presentation. It allowed the original green ink used on the boxes to be viewed, and colour-matched as close as possible. 30,000 of the Short Robustos were made, presented in 1,200 numbered SLB boxes, each stamped in the brands distinctive green ink.

Edward, Nick Foulkes & Jemma Freeman together on the trip, pictured here with Hector Luis at his finca.

Drawing on this rich history, the Selectos No. 3 is a worthy addition to the brand's timeline and a deserving addition to any collection. Ready to enjoy now, these cigars have the capacity and pedigree to age as well as the rare cigars that provided the sample profile for the successful reimagining of the brand.

La Flor De Cano Selectos No.3 is available to purchase in our St James's store or online here