Cigar Aficionado

If you've decided to finally take that vacation to Italy this summer, there's a special smoke waiting for you—the La Flor de Cano Casanova, the country's newest Regional Edition cigar.

Measuring 4 3/8 by 50 ring gauge, it's a short robusto format perfect for strolling the ancient streets of Rome, contemplating the Coliseum or puffing away under the umbrella of an outdoor café while you're waiting for your second espresso.

Astute observers will notice the band. The composition is the same red, white and gold ring that used to come on the old La Flor de Cano Cristales, which were sold in glass tubes but discontinued in the 1970s. Diadema S.p.a., Italy's distributor of Cuban cigars, brought back the old design and had it reminted in beautifully embossed clarity and brilliance.

Italy tends to use long-retired vintage designs for its Regional Editions. Recall releases like the Punch Diadema, La Escepcion Don José and Ramon Allones Short Perfectos, which were all adorned with re-issued, antiquated bands.

For Italian cigar smokers, the Casanova is a notable release, as it's the first time Flor de Cano has been imported into the country.

The La Flor de Cano Casanova should cost 10 Euro each (about $11.19), and comes in boxes of 10. Only 6,000 boxes were produced, so if you like it, bringing back a box or two shouldn't be a problem. Unlike smuggling in tomatoes, you can now bring Cuban cigars home from Italy without having to hide them in your Gucci Loafers.