As cigar folk here in the UK, we are fortunate to have esteemed importers like Hunters & Frankau (H&F), the exclusive distributor of Cuban cigars in our country, bringing exceptional cigars to our local shops, hotels, restuarants and private clubs.
Recently, they launched their latest release: the La Flor de Cano Selectos No. 3, a UK-exclusive Regional Edition cigar.
For those unfamiliar, since 2005, H&F, alongside other Habanos distributors, has been selecting lesser-known Cuban cigar brands to feature in exclusive Regional Editions. These cigars, crafted in vitolas (a specific size and shape of a cigar) new to the brand, are available only in their respective markets. H&F was a pioneer in this initiative with the Ramón Allones Belicoso Fino. Over the years, the concept has evolved—boxes are now numbered, and the cigars carry a second band indicating their region, in our case: Exclusivo Reino Unido.
This marks the third time La Flor de Cano has been chosen to create a UK Regional Edition lineup. H&F first selected the brand for a Short Robusto (2010), followed by a Grand Corona (2013). Now, they have introduced the Selectos No. 3, a Lonsdale-sized cigar (6 1/2 x 42), released in a limited run of 5,000 numbered boxes—totaling 125,000 cigars.
The brand’s standard range is handmade with short filler, using tobacco from Semi Vuelta as well as Vuelta Abajo in Cuba. For Regional Editions – an important distinction – all cigars are long-filler handmade with tobacco exclusively from Vuelta Abajo.
Short filler refers to chopped tobacco leaves, commonly found in machine-made cigars and considered lower quality. Long filler uses whole tobacco leaves, found in premium cigars.
A brief history of La Flor de Cano
La Flor de Cano was established in 1932, initially targeting the Spanish market with machine-made cigars. However, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the brand briefly ventured into long-filler sizes, including a Robusto, a Churchill, and a Grand Corona, produced at the Moncada Factory. This direction sparked interest in markets like the UK, causing auction prices for the brand to soar, especially for Short Churchills.
Check out this video of Ana Lopez and Sean Crowley from Hunters & Frankau in conversation with cigar influencer Kirby Allison, delving deeper into the history of this cigar and exploring its rich background 👇.
The presentation of the Selectos No.3 pays homage to the brand’s heritage. The cigars are elegantly bundled with a classic yellow ribbon, and the box is adorned with green ink, a distinctive touch among Habanos cigars.
The packaging also includes a papaleta, a label reminiscent of vintage 1930s designs. This meticulous attention to detail not only enhances the presentation but also contributes to the aging process.
You may be curious as to why a cigar from 2023 is considered “new” in the UK. The timeline for Cuban cigars is quite unique 😃, and this particular case is no exception—marked for 2023, packaged in 2024, and finally arriving in our hands in 2025.
The staggered release of Cuban cigars can be attributed to several factors, including the limitations associated with hand-rolling, stringent quality control measures, and logistical challenges. Additionally, increased demand and regulatory delays often extend the supply chain. While the wait may be considerable, it ultimately ensures that the cigars are meticulously aged and prepared for optimal enjoyment.
The launch
As always, H&F pulled out all the stops to celebrate the release of a new cigar. Three simultaneous tasting events were held across the United Kingdom on 6th February, exclusively for H&F’s trade customers, in London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
London
The UK cigar scene was well represented at The Churchill Bar & Terrace in London, where Mitchell Orchant of CGars Ltd and Edward Sahakian of Davidoff of London joined others in sampling the new La Flor De Cano cigar.
Watch this delightful video from the event:
Manchester
The event also took place at the cigar terrace of the Dakota Hotel in Manchester.
glasgow
And at the cigar terrace of the Dakota Hotel in Glasgow.
The cigars were then available to us the British public from February 7th, through La Casa del Habano shops, Havana Cigar Specialists, and select hotels, restaurants, and private clubs.
Soho Whisky Cigar Launch Event
I had the privilege of attending a launch of the cigar at Soho Whisky Club on 11th February, it was hosted by Jimmy McGhee, Ana Lopez, and Jose Antonio Cejas Diaz of Hunters & Frankau. Being invited to such a gathering was a real honour 🙏.
Upon entering, guests were handed our cigars for the evening to sample: two Flor De Cano Selectos No. 3 cigars, along with a booklet explaining more about the cigar, a cigar cutter, and a cigar lighter.
This was my second visit to the Soho Whisky Club, located on Old Compton Street in Soho, London (you can read about my first visit here). Since my last trip, the club has undergone a stylish refit, and it definitely looks much more sophisticated than before.
I took a seat in the heated outdoor cigar terrace were we cut and lit our cigars. There was food on the table and drinks were sampled. Recognising a few familiar faces including Eray who used to run a cigar blog called Cut The Cap! Was great hanging out.
As the introductory talk began, Jimmy McGhee shared insights about the cigar. I’ve attempted to capture much of what he said above.
It was also amazing hearing Ana Lopez speak in public after hearing so much about her – she is a bit of a legend when it comes to her cigar experience. It was also nice to meet Jose Antonio Cejas Diaz.
Whenever I go to these events, I’m always struck by the little bits of information I pick up about cigars. I was initially unsure about the distinction between short filler and long filler; this regional edition has a long filler, while Flor De Cano typically feature short fillers. It may be basic knowledge, which I feel a bit niave mentioning, but like I always say I’m no expert at this. Learning something new all the time – no matter how basic it might seem. When I got home – I went down a YouTube rabbit hole – learning more about the topic. Cigar influencer Jasim does a good video on this…
One thing I forgot to ask was why this Flor De Cano didn’t come with the cedar wrapping, unlike the previous Flor De Cano Petit Corona I had smoked. I had thought that cedar wrapping was standard for all Flor De Cano cigars.
My thoughts on the cigar…
This La Flor de Cano Selectos No. 3 cigar was perfectly humidified, feeling soft. I find this to be the ideal way to savour it.
The details:
Vitola: Cervantes
Length: 6½”
Ring Gauge: 42
Flavour: Medium
Smoking Time: 45-60 Minutes
For me this cigar started off with a delightful sweetness to it, accompanied by a hint of light pepper in the first third. As I moved into the second third, that sweetness carried on, blending with some light floral notes. In the final third, the flavors shifted a bit, with a bit of spiciness while the floral notes remained present. I really appreciate how the flavors of this cigar evolve throughout the smoke, something I find more often with Cuban cigars than with their non-Cuban counterparts.
I found myself relighting the cigar quiet a few times, but I think that’s mainly because I get so caught up in the conversation – so it goes out whilst I’m chatting.
As I was in the presence of H&F I was also probing about future cigars and it sounds like they have something in the pipeline coming soon which sounds like it will go down with the UK cigar community.
My rating: 7.75 out of 10
A cigar journey with floral notes shining through—a great new one to try.
While I enjoyed the cigar, I prefer a thicker ring gauge. I also have high expectations for Cuban cigars and naturally compare new releases to others I’ve recently smoked—especially the exceptional Diplomaticos Leal Cuban Regional cigar, which was pure perfection. In comparison, this one doesn’t quite reach the same level of excellence. Which is probably an unfair comparison, but I feel super lucky to have had the chance to sample the La Flor de Cano Selectos No. 3 cigar and to have spent a wonderful evening filled with great conversation and fantastic company.
Other events still to take place…
I highly recommend attending cigar events to explore new cigars. One coming up at the end of the month is at Surrey Cigars:
La Flor de Cano Selectos No. 3 UK Regional Edition 2025 Launch Event
Keen to try this cigar?
For those looking to add the La Flor de Cano Selectos No. 3 cigar to their humidor, it’s available at various retailers. A quick online search shows slight price variations, with singles typically ranging from £39 to £45.
- Single Cigars:
- Box of 25 Cigars:
In the meantime I’ll leave you with this…
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