In Our Memory Of: La Gloria Cubana Tainos

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Although La Gloria Cubana have produced some remarkable cigars in the last few years, it is still one of the less popular brands in the market today. The brand was eshtablished in the late 19th century, taking a long break around the revolution and being re-introduced to the market in 1965. Many have said that the La Gloria Cubana were introduced in the market as a milder alternative to the Partagas cigars. Although mild, the La Gloria Cubana cigars pack floral and fruity flavours.

A La Gloria Cubana that I had recently was the Glorioso, a beautifully constructed cigar, mild to medium bodied with oodles of floral and fruity flavours. If the Taino tastes similarly, we will be on a winner!

Appearance 14 / 15

One thing that has always grabbed my attention is the wrapper on all the La Gloria Cubana cigars. All the Gloriosos, Deliciosos and Inmensos I have seen recently, as well as this Taino, have all had beautiful, light wrappers, with plenty of oils and veins that can hardly be seen. The bunch is firm and consistent and the triple cap is neat and rounded. Sweet, floral aromas emerge from the foot and the wrapper of the cigar and the prelight draw is perfect.

Flavour & Body 23 / 25

From the first draw the Taino presents sweet, fruity flavours, married with subtle spices. Not too long after, it unfolds and array of flavours: hazelnuts, vanilla, cinammon, honey, wood and espresso, all in perfect harmony and depth, and a creamy and spicy finish. The body is mild to medium and so far it smokes like a dream. A tiny bit of ammonia hits the back of the throat, but with such a flavour orgy on the palate, it goes unnoticed! On the second third the sweetness gradually subsides and wood, coffee, spices and vanilla take over. The body is medium and the ammonia is almost gone. The subsiding of flavours continues on the last third as well. Any hint of sweetness and creaminess has now vanished, and the woody flavours have taken over. Some bitterness also appears, mainly because of the burn issues I will mention further down.

Draw & Burn 21 / 25

The cigar lights up easily and draws very well all the way through, producing some thick, creamy smoke. The burn is very good in the first two thirds, with the Taino burning effortlessly and the thick, grey ash holding well. However, in the last third some burn problems appear; the cigar starts going out and requires several touchups in order to get going again. This goes on until the finish and spoils the otherwise great impression

Overall 33 / 35

The La Gloria Cubana Taino is a hugely underrated cigar, a hidden gem. A gem that we will not be seeing around for too much longer. Smoke it fresh and enjoy its impeccable construction, flawless appearance, great complexity and balanced flavours. Age it for five years and it will get even more refined, dismissing any unpleasant flavours. Even though I like my cigars to have a bit of a kick, I thoroughly enjoyed this milder Taino.

TOTAL 91 / 100

Verdict:
Do yourself a favour and get some of these. They are hard to get, always have been, but finding them will not get any easier!