Cigars.ie

The Lonsdales of Christmas, Day 17 - La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’ or No.2

La Gloria Cubana is another one of Habanos small brands, that accounts for less than 0.5% of the total exported cigars. It was registered in 1885 and since 1945 all La Gloria Cubana cigars are made in the Partagas factory. The blend is considered to be similar to the Partagas blend, but lighter. The brand specializes in thinner vitolas and the standards of their quality have always been very high. The only Lonsdale the brand has produced so far is the Medaille d’Or No.2 and it is the Lonsdale we will be reviewing today.

The Medaille d’Or No.2 is a Dalia, measuring 6.7″ in length by 43 ring gauge. Like the Partagas 898, it is presented in 3 layers in a varnished box. The 3-4-3 version of the packaging was discontinued in 2003.  The cigar I will be reviewing today is from 1998; with 13 years of age, it should be good to smoke now.

Appearance 14 /15

The No.2 is a good looking and well constructed cigar, with a soft, smooth and attractive, light brown colorado wrapper that has very little veins and no wrinkles. The green tone on the wrapper shows that this cigar has more than 10 years of age. The bunch is firm and consistent, and from the foot the cigar looks well packed. The cap is rounded, perfectly applied, and snips off cleanly. Floral aromas are present on the foot of the cigar and the test draw is firm, with earthy and grassy notes.

Flavour & Body 20 / 25

The No.2 kicks off with a slightly bitter, vegetal flavour and salty tones. It is mild and the flavours are not assisted by the tight draw. Smoking into the first third , the dominant flavours are grass and earth, with tones of spices and fruits. Interesting, but mild and very tight. The second third is very similar; tight draw, mild flavours and very little smoke. The cigar finally wakes up in the last third. The body is now medium, with flavours of earth, grass, dark wood and tobacco. Although it has lost some flavours, it has gained in strength and depth. The finish is long and bitter, slightly sweet. It smokes until the very end, without getting hot or harsh.

Draw & Burn 18 / 25

The draw is very tight from the beginning, which mutes almost all the flavours. The burn is even and despite the draw problems, the cigar stays lit. It produces very little smoke, until the last third, when the draw opens up and it finally starts smoking as it should have from the start. The ash is thick and dark grey, with good texture, and stays on the cigar for more than an inch.

Overall 29 /35

I was quite disappointed from this cigar, mainly because of the poor draw. La Gloria Cubana are known to be well constructed, but the older, thinner vitolas have often had draw problems. Unfortunately, I had one of these cigars. It is a pity, as on the first and second third the flavours were there, but getting anything out of the cigar was a struggle… The last third was enjoyable and with a better draw, this cigar would have scored a lot higher.

TOTAL 81 / 100