Connoisseur's Corner

Connoisseur’s Corner: Flor Del Punto Dunhill Selección No. 305 (Circa 1970s)

Flor Del Punto Dunhill Selección No. 305
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Flor Del Punto Dunhill Selección No. 305 (1970)

Like Dunhill Selección Don Candidos and Don Alfredos, the Flor del Punto line was discontinued in the 1980s after the Dunhill brand was created. It’s really amazing how much refined, nutty character has developed in this large, toro-sized cigar, which bursts with rich layers of chestnut, almond and pecan. As the nuttiness becomes more intense, the smoke takes on a marzipan and praline character, but does so gradually. Underpinnings of cappuccino and brioche add elegance and a subtle sweetness. Kept in ideal conditions for decades, this is a smoke that burned slowly, drew perfectly and concluded in four solid ashes. Simply delicious.  —Gregory Mottola

Cohiba 1966 Edición Limitada (2011)
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Cohiba 1966 Edición Limitada (2011)

Power right from the first puff of this pigtailed, limited-edition smoke. It’s an opulent mix of chocolate, licorice, earth and spice, all working together in harmony. This has been one of Cuba’s finest ELs, consistently superb. —David Savona

H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 (1990)
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H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 (1990)

A slow starter, this claro-covered cigar stays in the woody, herbal realm for awhile before warming up to show sweet tea, caramel and a bit of dried cherry. The woodiness lingers, but a creamy, nutty undertone brings it all together. —Gregory Mottola

La Gloria Cubana Soberano (1993)
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La Gloria Cubana Soberano (1993)

This eight-inch-long smoke is a throwback to the days when La Glorias were made in a tiny factory in Miami. Chewy, herbaceous notes heavy with wood turn sweeter as it burns, picking up some toasted caramel. Bold and flavorful. —David Savona