La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.1 Vintage 2002
A high quality tasting, all in finesse...
Very little known to the general public, La Gloria Cubana is considered a real gem by experienced aficionados. Created in 1885, long before the Cuban Revolution, the brand stopped production during the Cuban Revolution and resumed production in 1965. In spite of this, La Gloria Cubana bears witness to more than a century of history and has always attracted a circle of loyal fans, who are traditionally among the most demanding aficionados. Its name, which can be translated as "The Cuban glory", clearly refers to its rich past.
La Gloria Cubana stands out for its elegance, especially through its illustrious "Medaille d'Or" line, presented in varnished boxes of 25 "8-9-8" cigars. This style of presentation was popularized by Partagás with its eponymous cigar, the 8-9-8, named after the three-row staggered arrangement.
In addition to its presentation, the Medaille d'Or line is characterized by an incredible complexity despite the small cepo size of the cigars that compose it, ranging from 28 to 43.
La Gloria Cubana now only offers two cigars in its catalog. The very rare Inmensos (exclusively for La Casa del Habano) and the Medaille d'Or No.4, the last survivor of the Medaille d'Or series. Last survivor, because originally the line was composed of 4 cigars, the Medaille d'Or No.1, No.2, No.3 and No.4, all introduced before the revolution.
Let's take a look at No.1, the longest of the series (185 mm), whose production unfortunately stopped in 2010. With a cepo of 36 and a length of 185 mm, the Medaille d'Or No.1 is a Delicados Extra, a unique vitola. Indeed, no other Habanos brand has already offered this particular vitola before. Although unique, the vitola belongs to the Long Panetela family, which is characterized by its slender appearance, which we find, all things considered, in its big brothers, Cohiba Lanceros, Montecristo Especial or Vegueros Especiales No.1.
Such a length for such a small cepo requires absolute rigor in the construction to avoid problems of pulling. Let's check while lighting this elegant cigar…
From the first draws of the cigar we are in the presence of what we expect from a Cuban cigar: earth, leather and spices. The draw and combustion are excellent to say the least.
Quickly, a hint of saltiness comes into play. This will be counterbalanced by the appearance of fruity and roasted aromas. The first part, complex, concentrates an incredible aromatic bouquet. The latter, perfectly balanced, makes the taste experience captivating.
The rest of the tasting does not offer any real aromatic evolution but a beautiful evolution of power. As if the purpose was to remind us that we should not "get used" to good things. Thanks to this rise in power, the Medaille d'Or No.1 keeps us on the edge of our seats until the end, without becoming powerful or even bitter.
With it, La Gloria Cubana offers, as usual, a very varied aromatic palette with notes of coffee, wood, leather and a beautiful earthy touch, all very pleasantly melted and balanced. The cigar is very well ventilated down to the last centimeter. The ash may lack a hint of structure but the combustion remains perfectly circular.
Located at the antipodes of the new trend of "short smoke", the Medaille No.1 is one of those cigars of the old school which seems to come from another time. It offers a tasting of great quality, all in finesse...
Cigars from the Medaille d'Or series have the reputation of having excellent aging potential. 18 years later, time has done its work and offers us this remarkable Long Panetela. An elegant cigar, both smooth and creamy, which we would gladly accompany with a double espresso after breakfast.
LA GLORIA CUBANA Medaille d'Or No.1 - Vintage 2002 - Box of 25
Vitola: Delicados Extra (36 x 185 mm)
Login to your online account to reserve your item
or contact us at +41 22 552 2799