Flor de Cano Elegidos ~24 (FSRFEB25)

[HenryMartin]

In these turbulent cigar times of economic uncertainty, supply scarcity and market lunacy, I compare a trifecta of cheap and cheerful cigars.

Habanos Wars Episode II:

“Attack of the Short-Fillers”

First up is the notorious Quintero. A daunting slim-line Brevas that delivers an encouraging cold draw of alluring Cuban characteristics. Upon lighting the Quintero is anything but subtle, a myriad of flavours dominated by earthy tobacco. All through half-way the Quintero is consistent without changes - surprisingly smokable. Towards the end despite the somewhat higher intensity, the cigar remains comfortable to smoke, inoffensive and still giving a whiff of Cuban character between two puffs to another. In the end, the question beckons, would I ever have another? The answer is Yes! Why? Because in this economy, why say no to a free Cuban cigar!

Second up is a personal cheap and cheerful favourite of mine – the Jose Piedra Cazadores. A cigar that introduces itself with Cuban characteristics at cold draw but one that is rather subdued. The Cazadores is always a bit too soft to touch but the draw is rarely plugged and if anything, uncuban in its consistently loose draw. This means the Cazadores is an easy-going cigar, especially for the novice but also appropriate for those playful occasions. Without much transition, the Cazadores personifies the Piedra profile, an aromatic cigar rooted with Cuban characteristics. A simple cigar to share, to enjoy, to discard, to do as one wish.

The third cigar is the subject giveaway – the Flor de Cano Elegidos. One that didn’t give too much away at cold draw, as if secretive of what it had in store. Upon lighting the Elegidos was in fact, delicious. It burned slow and had a rustic nuance to its flavours. Towards half-way the Elegidos remained consistent, stereotypical of short-filler cigars but because of its subtle nuances, it had me entertained throughout. So much so that this facet of its persona has somewhat swayed me from my favouritism of the Cazadores. Upon reflection, there is a lingering insinuation that the Elegidos may contain the superior blend, it has that sourness associated with a Juan Lopez or perhaps even a young Partagas, which is neither good or bad – just subjective.  

All cigars are I believe, from 2024 and all in all enjoyable. As for this amateur review, it credits the Flor de Cano Elegidos as the King of the Short-Fillers shootout. There is little to separate between the Cazadores and Elegidos but ultimately, the depth in flavour of the Elegidos made for the more engaging smoke. Please do feel free to prove me wrong.

[avitus]

Thanks for the review! Funny thing is I would never even consider buying Quintero or José L. Piedra five years ago. But last December, I visited Cuba and brought back couple packs of Quintero Favoritos (Tubos) & José L. Piedra Petit Caballeros and was very surprised with great flavours & quality considering the price point ($34 for 12 pack of Petit Caballeros at Duty Free). Will definitely buy more next time.