Flor de D’Crossier Selection No. 512

D’Crossier Cigars is often known as “the best kept secret in the cigar industry” or “the best cigar you’ve never heard of”. But now, with solid release after solid release, people are starting to take notice. Add to that the recent announcement that Espinosa Premium Cigars has taken over distribution of D’Crossier cigars, and you have a serious winning combination! Where, once upon a time these cigars could only be traded for or bought in very select stores in the Florida area, now fans are able to experience the luxurious quality found throughout the D’Crossier lineup.

To coincide with the recent expansion, Pure Aroma Cigars, Inc. (D’Crossier parent company) has unveiled the new Flor de D’Crossier Selection No. 512 cigars for the 2015 year. This is a very interesting release for D’Crossier, as the brand is known for using expensive tobaccos and luxurious packaging, with cigars often ranging in the $11 – $25 price range. The Selection No. 512 aims to bring the high quality standards fans have come to expect, with an affordable price range of $6 – $7.

Cigar Breakdown: Flor de D’Crossier Selection No. 512

Often times when a brand wants to cut cost, the packaging is the first to go, this is not entirely true in the case of the Flor de D’Crossier Selection No. 512. D’Crossier owner Santana Diaz is known for his perfectionism and attention to every detail, throughout the blending and packaging process. Here, you will find a departure from the usual gold-lined cedar boxes. In a somewhat unconventional format, the cigars arrive packaged in sealed, tin jars, complete with a “pop top” tab opener.

Inside, you will find the jar is lined with Spanish Cedar and the cigars have been placed in pre-punched cellophane, allowing them to absorb the pleasant aromas of the wood. While similar designs have been used before, you really won’t find any other cigar packaged to this extent. Six sizes are currently available, arriving in jars of 15-20 cigars.

The cigars are banded in the familiar crimson red and gold bands, reading “Flor de D’Crossier by Santana & Ferrer, Est. 2008” and “San Jose”, replacing the “DC” crest found on all other D’Crossier cigars thus far. The wrapper is light and golden brown, with thin veins and appears very well-rolled. If you’ve smoked a D’Crossier before, you’ll be pleased to see the construction quality is up to par with other D’Crossier cigars. On the nose you’ll find notes of hay, pepper, and a hint of licorice.

Smoking Experience

On the first puff, I notice a toasted bread quality, with nuts and cream in the background. But on the second puff, there is a heavy dose of black pepper spice that zings its way through the nostrils, setting the smoke into motion! Santana has gone into the process of rolling his cigars with me before, describing a technique that involves “double stuffing” the powerful ligero leaf at the cigar’s foot, making for an intense blast to start the cigar—this is definitely noticeable on the 512.

Soon the heat settles down, revealing a very classic experience of hay, toasted nuts, and cream—there is also a distinct sweetness laying underneath each draw. It is not yet apparent, but this sweetness will soon give the smoke its driving character… The flavors are very understated—don’t get me wrong, there is a ton to sink your teeth into, but it’s a delicate smoke that asks to be treated as such. The body is medium and the strength only mild/medium.

Now more about that sweetness… it’s everywhere! Beginning as a background element, it becomes the driving force for most of the smoking experience. Brown sugar, vanilla, syrup—it is very similar to the thin, sweet glaze that is drizzled over sweet pastries. I should mention, this is not an infused-like sweetness, it is balanced by a subtle savory aspect and is very pleasant. Event the open tobacco on the head is sweet when pressed against your tongue!

From the midway point almost to the finish, the flavors take on slightly different qualities, such as salted caramel taffy, butterscotch, and toffee. The finish is very long, I found myself chewing the smoke long after it was gone in an effort to extract every bit of the lingering finish. Nearing the finale, you’ll find a returning spice and anise in the retro, as well as cashew nuts, salted butter, and a dark toasted bread.

Would I smoke this cigar again?

On a daily basis. This is one of the best values in a cigar I have smoked. I would recommend adding this to your core rotation, it can be smoked any time of day, though it’s best from morning until late afternoon. If smoking at night, use this as your starter cigar. I would offer this cigar to anyone looking for an alternative to the popular Cuban Cohiba Siglo cigars—no, it’s not as complex, but the profile is surprisingly similar.

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