Flor de Florez Cabinet Selection Churchill
The Florez family ran their cigar plantation for more than 30 years until the 1960s when, as an outspoken member of the people's revolt against Castro, Carlos Flores was forced to pack up his family and flee to the United States. When settled in Miami, he first moved production to his Kitchen Table! Joined by his fellow expatriates, they rolled cigars in Carlos' kitchen, trading stories of Cuba and catching up on updates of the family and friends they were forced to leave behind. The resulting product of the Flores' kitchen table gained acclaim in Miami long before the rest of the cigar industry caught on when Carlos began to market the line in the 1980s. At that time production was moved to Honduras and since then, the brand has been highly rated in both Smoke Magazine and Cigar Aficionado.

Panel Review:
Note supple construction, an excellent draw and creamy, rustic earthy notes in this well crafted cigar. We found it to be a fairly complex smoke, starting creamy, but building to a medium spiciness. Several members of the panel picked up notes of coffee beans and a natural chocolaty-sweet taste.








Havana Sunrise Emperador Toro
The entire Havana Sunrise product line is manufactured at the company's tiny Miami-based factory, located in the heart of Little Havana. Each smoke is meticulously hand-rolled by the company's dedicated staff of Cuban Master Rollers and aged in Spanish cedar in Cuban tradition. The line is blended from a premium Cuban seed Dominican, Honduran, and Ecuadorian tobaccos. Our panel found these medium-to-full-bodied cigars to offer an exceptionally rich flavor and aroma that should satisfy even the most discriminating smokers. The line includes 11 shapes and is offered in both maduro and natural wrappers.

Panel Review:
First note a silky smooth wrapper. We didn't find and soft spots and each cigar reviewed was well constructed. Look for a mild to medium-bodied cigar that wouldn't be a bad choice to begin your day. Note a slight hint of spiciness, but mostly pure tobacco flavors that indicate proper aging. Overall, we found this toro to be a quality cigar that far exceeds the vast majority or boutique cigars on the market today.








La Habanera Churchill
Founded in 1902, the La Habanera Cigar Company has the distinction of being the oldest cigar manufacturer in the Dominican Republic. The line enjoys a worldwide reputation, from both the prestige bestowed upon it by cigar aficionados and from the numerous accolades it's claimed over the years. Generations of experience and a very wide range of sizes and shapes, available in both Connecticut and Indonesian wrappers, just about ensures that a truly enjoyable cigar awaits you.

Panel Review:
Note that this well-constructed cigar has no soft spots and that the wrapper is quite oily with every sign of proper aging. We found the La Habanera Churchill to be a bit stronger than expected... which was a pleasant surprise! Look for it to be creamy and smooth throughout. We all wondered why the brand doesn't have more of a U.S. presence!








Lord of Jamaica Toro

Rolled by the same folks that give you the highly respected Montecristo and H. Upmann brands, The Lord of Jamaica line is hand rolled under the direction of Robert Gore at the Altadis factory in Maypen, Jamaica. While brands such as Royal Jamaica and Macanudo call themselves "Jamaican" brands, the line you'll have the chance to try this month is one of the few "Jamaican" brands that is actually rolled there. The line is available in five sizes (three of which salute the British heritage of Jamaica), and available in maduro or Connecticut shade wrappers.

Panel Review:
We found this smoke to fit into the characteristically mild Jamaican profile, yet it offered a medium bodied taste and a hint of spice as well. The panel thought this one was quite smooth and that it was really perfect for someone who likes pure tobacco flavors. Overall, a great cigar for those just getting into smoking or those that simply prefer a mild smoke!








Miami Havana Torpedo
Hand rolled in the Tabacalera Oliva in Esteli, Nicaragua, the Miami Havana line is rolled in limited quantities primarily for the lucky patrons of the Miami-Havana cigar shop! Luckily for us, we had an inside connection and were able to secure a custom deal for our members. Sporting an attractive Sumatran wrapper, this tasty torpedo is full-bodied and flavorful.

Panel Review:
Note a spicy, yet semisweet wrapper that adds a real complexity to the overall smoke. Always a difficult shape to roll, this cigar has clearly been touched by experienced hands. Some panel members thought it more medium-bodied, other voted "full" so we'll have to let you cast the deciding vote! This is one that will only improve with age so if you're not in a rush, you might want to secure it away in your humidor for a while.

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