La Flor De Cano Short Robustos

That Moment When Everything Clicked: My La Flor De Cano Short Robusto Experience

It was a muggy Tuesday evening in Miami, probably 2019 or maybe early 2020—honestly, the years blur together when you’re chasing good smoke. I’d just finished a brutal day of meetings and ducked into this little Cuban café I knew. The owner, Carlos, had been holding onto some la flor de cuba cigars in his personal humidor, and he slides this Short Robusto across the counter with that knowing grin. “Try this one, amigo. Different animal entirely.”

First draw? Holy hell.

I’ve been smoking cigars since ’98, and I thought I knew what to expect from the La Flor De Cano marca. Boy was I wrong. This little torpedo of tobacco hit me with this wave of complexity that I honestly wasn’t prepared for. Not complexity like those overhyped boutique sticks that try too hard—this was elegant complexity. Refined. Like the difference between a street musician and the philharmonic.

First Impressions: Construction and Cold Draw

Let me back up a second. The construction on these Short Robustos is absolutely dialed in. I’m talking about wrapper leaves that feel like silk—no joke, I’ve handled literal silk that was rougher. The Vuelta Abajo tobacco they’re using for the wrapper has this gorgeous colorado color with just enough oil to catch the light without being greasy.

Cold draw gave me hints of what was coming: cedar (obviously), but also this weird leather-and-honey thing that I’d never quite experienced before. My buddy Mike—he’s been collecting Cubans longer than I have—always says the cold draw tells you everything you need to know. He’s not wrong here.

The band comes off clean if you’re patient about it. Don’t rush it like I did with my first one (learned that lesson the expensive way). These aren’t cheap smokes, so treat ’em right.

The Flavor Journey: Why This Isn’t Your Typical Cuban Experience

Okay, here’s where it gets interesting. Most reviews break cigars down into thirds, like some kind of academic exercise. That’s not how you actually smoke a cigar, though. Flavors ebb and flow. They surprise you. They disappoint you sometimes. The La Flor De Cano Short Robusto? It’s got this beautiful arc that builds and evolves without any jarring transitions.

Right off the light, you get this creamy sweetness that reminded me of café con leche. Not overwhelming—just this gentle introduction that lets you know you’re in for something special. The draw was absolutely perfect on every single one I’ve smoked (and I’ve gone through about two boxes over the past couple years).

About an inch in, things start getting more complex. The sweetness is still there, but now you’ve got these earthy undertones coming through. Not dirt-earthy—more like walking through a forest after rain. Carlos wasn’t kidding when he said these were a different animal. Most la flor de cuba cigars I’d tried before were good, solid smokes, but nothing that made me sit up and take notice like this.

The middle section is where this cigar really shines. I started picking up notes of roasted almonds, maybe some vanilla bean, and this incredible leather quality that wasn’t harsh or bitter. My palate’s not the most sophisticated—I’m not one of those guys who claims to taste “hints of Himalayan sea salt” or whatever—but even I could tell this was expertly blended tobacco.

Here’s something interesting: the strength builds gradually. It’s not a mild cigar by any stretch, but it doesn’t knock you over the head either. I’d call it medium to medium-full, but in the best possible way. It’s got presence without being aggressive.

The final inch or so (and yes, I smoke these down to the nub when I can) brings in some spice—not pepper spice, more like baking spices. Cinnamon, maybe nutmeg? And the sweetness comes back stronger, tying everything together beautifully.

What I Pair With These (And What Actually Works)

I’ve tried these with everything from Cuban coffee to aged rum to single malt scotch. Some combinations work better than others, obviously.

Best pairing I’ve found? A good añejo rum. Specifically, I love these with Ron Zacapa 23. The caramel notes in the rum play beautifully with the sweetness in the cigar, and neither one overpowers the other. I stumbled onto this combination by accident during a poker game last year and it’s been my go-to ever since.

Coffee works too, but you’ve got to be careful about timing. Too early in the smoke and the coffee can mask some of the more subtle flavors. About halfway through is perfect—the cigar’s developed enough complexity to hold its own against a strong espresso.

Whiskey’s trickier. I tried these with a Macallan 18 once and it was a disaster—way too much competition. But a lighter Highland single malt? That can work. Glenlivet 12 isn’t fancy, but it doesn’t fight with the cigar.

Here’s my controversial take: skip the cognac. I know, I know—everyone says Cuban cigars and cognac are a match made in heaven. Maybe for some cigars, but not these. The cognac’s too sweet and covers up all the beautiful subtlety you’re paying for.

Who Should Smoke These (And Who Shouldn’t Bother)

If you’re new to cigars, these probably aren’t for you. Not because they’re too strong (they’re not), but because you won’t appreciate what you’re getting. It’s like giving a nineteen-year-old a bottle of Château Margaux—they might enjoy it, but they’re not really tasting what makes it special.

These are for the intermediate to advanced smoker who wants to experience what Cuban tobacco can do when it’s properly aged and blended. If you’ve been smoking for a few years and you’re ready to step up from your usual rotation, this is a great place to start.

Also perfect for the experienced smoker who thinks they’ve tried everything. I’ve shared these with guys who’ve been collecting Cubans since the ’80s, and they’re always surprised. It’s not a marca that gets a lot of attention, which is honestly part of the appeal.

Skip these if you only smoke full-bodied cigars. If you need that Nicaraguan punch or you’re not happy unless your cigar’s kicking you in the teeth, look elsewhere. These are about finesse, not power.

Storage Tips and Insider Knowledge

These age beautifully if you’ve got the patience. I’ve got a few from 2018 that are smoking even better now than they did fresh. Store them at 65-68% humidity—any higher and you risk losing some of the complexity.

Here’s something most people don’t know: these benefit from a longer rest period after shipping than most cigars. I learned this the hard way when I smoked one straight out of the box after a long journey from Cuba. It was good, but not great. Let them sit in your humidor for at least a month if you can stand the wait.

Another tip: if you’re buying a box, smoke one immediately and then wait six months before touching the rest. The difference is remarkable. Cuban tobacco needs time to marry and settle, especially with a blend this complex.

Quality control has been excellent in my experience. I’ve never had a plugged draw or construction issues, which is more than I can say for some other Cuban marcas that shall remain nameless (looking at you, Romeo y Julieta).

The Bottom Line on La Flor De Cano Short Robustos

These aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s fine by me. More for those of us who appreciate subtlety over sledgehammer strength. They’re not cheap, but they’re worth every penny if you’re looking for a smoking experience rather than just a nicotine delivery system.

I keep coming back to these because they reward attention. Light one up when you’ve got time to really focus on it. Don’t waste them as yard work cigars or while you’re distracted by the game. These deserve your full attention, and they’ll reward it.

Would I recommend them? Absolutely. Are they perfect? Nothing’s perfect. But they’re damn close to what I want in a Cuban cigar: complexity without confusion, strength without aggression, and quality that’s consistent from box to box.

Common Questions About La Flor De Cano Short Robustos

How long do these take to smoke? About 45 minutes to an hour if you’re not rushing. Don’t rush them—half the point is slowing down and enjoying the experience.

Are they really Cuban? Yes, these are genuine Cuban cigars made with Cuban tobacco. Don’t confuse them with some of the Dominican brands using similar names.

How do they compare to other Cuban marcas? More subtle than Montecristo, more complex than H. Upmann, less aggressive than Bolivar. They occupy their own space in the Cuban hierarchy.

Should I age them? They’re smokeable immediately but really shine with some age. If you’re buying a box, try one fresh and save the rest for later.

What’s the best time to smoke one? Late afternoon or evening. These have enough complexity to hold your interest but aren’t so strong they’ll keep you up at night.

Trust me on this one—give these a try if you get the chance. Carlos was right. They’re definitely a different animal, and in the best possible way.