La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1

Description

Seven and a quarter inches of Cuban elegance, wrapped in a ring gauge that demands your respect. The Medaille d’Or No. 1 is the flagship of La Gloria Cubana’s celebrated “Golden Medal” line—a cigar designed for aficionados who find typical Habanos too aggressive and seek refinement over raw power. Discontinued in 2010, this long panetela has become a collector’s prize, proof that Cuban tobacco can whisper as eloquently as it roars.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The thin ring gauge concentrates flavors immediately. Sweet hay and fresh grass announce themselves on the first draw, joined by delicate cedar notes dancing in the background. Floral tones emerge—not perfumed or artificial, but the genuine aromatics of well-fermented tobacco leaf. There’s a whisper of citrus peel, bright and clean. The smoke is light, almost airy, yet carries surprising complexity. Take your time here; rush a 36 ring gauge and you’ll punish yourself with heat.

Mid-Section: This is where the Medaille d’Or reveals its soul. Cedar takes the lead, warm and inviting, while a beautiful caramel sweetness develops underneath. Toasted almonds appear, that signature La Gloria Cubana nuttiness that defines the marca. The floral character persists, now accompanied by what reviewers call a “forest floor” quality—damp wood, earth, morning dew on leaves. Light leather notes emerge alongside hints of graham cracker. The body remains firmly medium, the strength gentle but present.

Final Third: A subtle transformation occurs in the final inches. Spice awakens—white pepper on the retrohale, cinnamon warmth on the palate—providing welcome contrast to the preceding cream and sweetness. The hazelnut notes intensify. Some draws bring maple syrup sweetness, others lean toward roasted coffee. The cigar maintains its composure, never turning bitter or harsh if you’ve respected the slow pace it demands. The finish lingers with vanilla and aged wood.

Flavor Profile

The Glory of Cuban Tobacco

La Gloria Cubana—”The Cuban Glory”—was founded in 1885 and has always represented the more refined side of Havana production. The Medaille d’Or series, meaning “Gold Medal,” was created specifically for markets that found traditional Cuban blends overwhelming. This wasn’t compromise; it was mastery of a different art. Where other marcas punch, La Gloria Cubana persuades. The brand’s production at the historic Partagás factory ensures the same rolling expertise applied to bolder blends serves these gentler expressions.

Perfect Pairings

• Champagne: A dry Brut or Blanc de Blancs—the wine’s acidity complements the cigar’s floral notes while bubbles cleanse the palate between draws.
• Tea: First-flush Darjeeling with its muscatel character, or a light oolong. The cigar’s delicacy deserves equally refined accompaniment.
• Coffee: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, naturally processed—its berry brightness echoes the cigar’s fruity undertones without overwhelming the subtle flavors.
• Digestif: Cognac VS or VSOP. Save the XO for bigger cigars; here you want complementary elegance.

Ideal For

The Medaille d’Or No. 1 speaks to experienced smokers who’ve moved beyond chasing strength and now appreciate nuance. It’s the morning cigar for those who can’t stomach a Partagás Serie D before noon, or the choice for extended conversation where the smoke should accompany rather than dominate. The long format demands commitment—this isn’t a quick smoke—but rewards patience with a journey through Cuban tobacco’s gentler expressions. Beginners will find it approachable; veterans will find it sophisticated. Age a box three to four years and watch subtle become sublime.

Collector’s Note: With production discontinued since 2010, the Medaille d’Or No. 1 grows rarer each year. Well-stored examples from the final production years are smoking beautifully now, their flavors married and mellowed. If you find a box, consider it an investment in future pleasure.