My Father Flor de las Antillas San Andres

Ah, the latest expression from the incomparable Garcia family! While the original Flor de las Antillas is a legendary Nicaraguan Sun Grown masterpiece, this new San Andres iteration promises to be a dramatic, and perhaps darker, twist on a classic.

The Presentation: A Cloak of Darkness

The first thing to command your attention is the wrapper—a genuine Mexican San Andres leaf. It is a deep, rich Oscuro shade, almost black, with a luxurious, velvety texture and a visible, oily sheen. This is a dramatic departure from the reddish-hued Sun Grown, giving the cigar a more foreboding and seductive appearance. The signature, softly box-pressed shape feels substantial in the hand, hinting at the generous volume of aged Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos it encases.

The Aroma and Cold Draw: Anticipation Builds

Bring it to your nose, and the unlit aroma is a symphony of rich, dark notes. Expect a powerful bouquet of cacao, espresso bean, and deep earth, underlined by a subtle, dried-fruit sweetness—a hallmark of quality San Andres tobacco. The cold draw, often a window to the journey ahead, should offer a dense profile of dark chocolate, a whisper of baking spice, and a lingering, natural tobacco sweetness.

The Smoke: A Richer, More Intense Experience

Upon lighting, the original Flor de las Antillas' characteristic spice is likely transformed. The San Andres wrapper takes the stage, delivering a bold, medium-to-full-bodied experience right from the first puff.

• First Third: Expect an immediate richness. The smoke will be dense and chewy, coating the palate with flavors of dark mocha, molasses, and a profound, earthy core. The signature Garcia Nicaraguan pepper will be present but beautifully integrated, perhaps a deeper, less sharp profile thanks to the wrapper.

• Second Third: The blend should open up, showcasing the complexity of the aged Nicaraguan filler. Layers of leather, cedar, and toasted almonds will emerge. The natural sweetness of the San Andres leaf will remain a constant, balancing the bolder, more potent Nicaraguan core.

• Final Third: The cigar will likely culminate in a powerful, satisfying finish. Notes of dark fruit, intensified espresso, and a lingering, sweet-and-spicy finish will remain on the palate. The construction, as expected from My Father, should be flawless, delivering a razor-sharp burn and a perfectly cool draw right to the nub.

This My Father Flor de las Antillas San Andres is not just a cigar; it is a declaration. It’s a richer, darker, and more intense homage to the original "Flower of the Antilles"—a perfect pairing for a robust single malt scotch or an aged rum.