Flor de Selva – Premium Cigars from Honduras with a French Signature
The cigars by Flor de Selva stand out for two remarkable features: their unique origin story – and a visionary woman at the helm. Maya Selva, whose full name is Maria-Pia Selva, originally comes from France and founded her own cigar brand in Honduras in 1995. But what leads a Frenchwoman to build a tobacco company in the heart of Central America and establish Honduran cigars in Europe? The answer lies in her family background: her grandfather – a devoted cigar lover – sparked her passion for the craft of tobacco early on. His preference was exclusively for cigars from Honduras. Inspired by this, Maya decided to combine her Honduran roots with her European sensibility.
Maya Selva and Zigarrenwelt – The Path to International Success
What began as an idea soon became a mission: Maya traveled to Honduras to get a first-hand impression of the local cigar culture. But the first tastings were disappointing – the products did not meet her expectations in terms of flavor.
Instead of getting discouraged, Maya made an ambitious decision: she wanted to become part of the production process herself – with the goal of creating cigars that reflected her own standards of quality. She spent a full year learning the traditional cigar craft in all its facets. She was significantly supported by Nestor Plasencia, owner of one of Central America’s most renowned cigar manufacturers. This encounter led to a close partnership that laid the foundation for the brand’s later success.
Flor de Selva Cigars – The Essence of Honduran Craftsmanship
In 1995, the time had finally come: the first shipment of Flor de Selva cigars was exported to France. This marked the beginning of the success story of a brand that now delights aficionados around the world. Today, the company employs more than 200 people at its factories in Honduras and Nicaragua. Each year, over one million cigars are produced by hand – with a steadfast commitment to quality and authenticity.
Brand Diversity with a Distinct Signature
Flor de Selva stands for unadulterated tobacco quality and masterful craftsmanship. The characterful tobacco blends, developed by Maya herself, provide a range of flavors that is second to none. The portfolio now includes 13 formats, many of which have received international awards. One standout is the “Tempo” format, whose intense flavor is rounded out by subtle roasted notes – bold, yet always elegant.
Also from the same house are the Cumpay cigars and the top-selling product from Honduras: Villa Zamorano.
Flor de Selva cigars are occasionally confused with Flor de Copan, but apart from their country of origin, the two brands have little in common. In Germany, Flor de Selva is distributed by Kohlhase & Kopp – a name also associated with other renowned brands like De Olifant, Santa Damiana, and Rocky Patel. The Flor de Selva collection now includes a wide range of formats – from slender Panetelas to majestic Churchills. Variants with dark Maduro wrappers also complement the lineup.
