A. Flores Connecticut Valley Reserve

The man behind the Connecticut Valley Reserve cigars is Abraham “Abe” Flores, who, with PDR, is among the most renowned producers in the Dominican Republic. His experience working with respected brands such as La Palina and Kristoff also shapes the cigars he releases under his own name. A defining feature of the series presented here is, first and foremost, the signature wrapper from the U.S. state of Connecticut. Beneath it lies a Nicaraguan Jalapa as the binder. The filler is a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos, with Nicaragua making up a significantly larger share. Cigars with the same name and a similar composition were already introduced by him in 2015, with the wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos remaining unchanged. The only difference lay in the composition of the filler; in the earlier version, Dominican tobacco made up the majority. The cigars presented here, first released in 2022, are thus somewhat stronger and richer in their blend than their “predecessors.”

Abe Flores and the Signature Behind the Series

The A. Flores Connecticut Valley Reserve is aimed at aficionados who appreciate classic cigars with a modern balance. The series combines a distinctive Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper with a restructured filler in which Dominican tobaccos now clearly take the lead. The result is balanced longfillers that offer structure and depth without feeling heavy – ideal for those who enjoy a cigar with character that remains accessible.

Roja and Azul – Two Interpretations of the Broadleaf Character

The Connecticut Valley Reserve Azul uses the lighter, lower primings of the Connecticut Broadleaf and delivers a balanced profile with gentle spice and a creamy smoke. The Roja, on the other hand, relies on the darker, more powerful leaves from the upper part of the plant and comes across as noticeably more robust, with greater structure and depth. A series for connoisseurs who value subtle differences and enjoy making conscious comparisons. Abe Flores is a very personable character, and we’re always happy to welcome him here at Cigarworld Düsseldorf. Thanks to this close relationship, we’ve also sourced many highly popular vitolas of our Factory Overrun cigars from the Dominican Republic from him over the past ten years.