The Flor de Selva N. 15 (2012 – 2022) is an interesting “experimental” release from the brand owned by Maya Selva. This is the classic version of No. 15 (for the review, click here), with the same blend, rolled in 2012 and left to age at the factory for ten years. The bands on these aged cigars are the old ones.
In addition to this, the product is released in a box of 20 cigars (at a suggested price of $395), ten aged cigars, and ten N.15s of more recent production (2022), precisely to offer aficionados the possibility of comparing them between them. In addition to this package, it is also possible to purchase a 2-piece cardboard pack, one for each No. 15.
The cellophane is yellowish, an unmistakable sign that the cigar has rested for a long time within it. Once removed from the cello, a shiny Colorado Claro wrapper with yellow reflections is revealed. The wrapper is smooth to the touch and has no evident veins. Construction and filling appear excellent, and the draw is slightly open.
- Country of Origin: Honduras
- Size: 54 x 140 mm (5.5″)
- Wrapper: Honduras
- Binder: Honduras
- Filler: Honduras
- Price: $ 19.75 | € 11.20
Flor de Selva N. 15 (2012 – 2022): in the cold draw, notes of wood and ripe fruit emerge, followed by nuances of nuts. The vividness of the aromas is surprising for a cigar with ten years of aging.
The opening brings a sapid smoke with a more attenuated sweetness to the palate, while it develops very intense balsamic aromas, followed by lesser notes of wood and toasted hints. The strength is medium-light (2/5).
In the central section, the wood becomes very intense, followed by mineral and spicy nuances. The strength increases becoming medium (3/5).
In the last third, the aromas settle on a triptych of wood, nuts and cocoa, all flavors of equal intensity. The smoke is very creamy in the mouth, with a palpable and round density. Strength remains unchanged.
Overall, the Flor de Selva N. 15 (2012 – 2022) offers a satisfying smoke and is very similar to the regular production No. 15 today. Going beyond the smoke itself, it would seem that the ten years of aging have changed it little or, at least, less than one would expect. Probably, the storage in a strictly controlled environment (the company precautions have nothing to do with the best dynamic humidification systems on the market) had a contained effect on the cigar. All of that aside, this particular product developed a creaminess in the final third, which is a rare element in most cigars.