La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1

Description

There’s something magical about finding yourself on the terrace of Hostal Conde de Villanueva in Old Havana, watching the colonial buildings catch the golden hour light while nursing a glass of aged rum. The narrow cobblestone streets below buzzed with that distinctive Cuban energy, and I’d just picked up something special from the hotel’s cigar collection – a stick so slim and elegant it looked more like a piece of art than tobacco.

The La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 isn’t just another cigar in the extensive Cuban lineup. This discontinued beauty represents one of the most unique vitolas you’ll encounter, and honestly, it’s a smoking experience that demands your full attention. At 7.25 inches long with just a 36 ring gauge, this Delicados Extra vitola challenges everything you think you know about how a premium Cuban should smoke.

Flavor Profile: A Journey in Three Acts

The opening third hits you with complexity right from the first draw. There’s this distinctive burnt, wet, smokey wood character that might catch newcomers off guard – it’s not the typical creamy Cuban opening many expect. But stick with it. The smoke delivers a fascinating interplay of cedar and leather notes, with just enough spice to keep your palate engaged. I’ve found that the thin ring gauge intensifies these initial flavors, creating an almost concentrated essence of what La Gloria Cubana represents.

Moving into the middle section, something beautiful happens. The harsh edges smooth out completely, revealing layers of floral and citrus notes that dance across your palate. The cedar becomes more refined, less raw. Nutty undertones start emerging – think toasted almonds rather than heavy walnuts. This is where the cigar truly shines, delivering that classic Cuban elegance that makes the brand established in pre-revolutionary Cuba so revered among aficionados.

The final third transforms again, developing a thick, caramel sweet finish that’s never sickly or overwhelming. There’s a pleasant twang and spice that builds in the back of your throat – not harsh, but definitely present. Some smokers find this intensity off-putting, but I’ve always appreciated how La Gloria Cubana is bold enough to deliver a finale with personality. The length of this vitola means you’ll spend quality time in this final phase, and the flavors remain clean right to the nub.

Construction and Appearance

Rolling out of the legendary Partagas factory in Havana, the Medaille d’Or No. 1 showcases the kind of craftsmanship that separates Cuban cigars from the rest of the world. The wrapper displays a gorgeous Colorado shade with butterscotch coloring that catches light beautifully. It’s smooth to the touch, with minimal veining and an oily sheen that speaks to proper fermentation and aging.

The construction is remarkably consistent for such a slim vitola. At just 8.90 grams, there’s not much tobacco here, but every leaf counts. The draw is typically firm but not tight – exactly what you want from handmade premium cigars. The burn line stays relatively even, though the thin gauge means you’ll need to be mindful of your smoking pace. Rush it, and you’ll get harsh. Take your time, and it rewards you handsomely.

The bands maintain the classic La Gloria Cubana aesthetic – elegant gold and red coloring that reflects the brand’s prestigious heritage. Since this was discontinued in 2010, you’re looking at boxes that were produced in the traditional varnished 8-9-8 presentation of 25 cigars. Finding authentic examples today requires patience and a reliable source.

Technical Specifications

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

The Medaille d’Or No. 1 isn’t for beginners – let me be clear about that. This slim vitola demands respect and experience to fully appreciate. If you’re coming from milder cigars or you’re used to the forgiving nature of larger ring gauges, this might overwhelm your palate. The intensity builds quickly, and there’s nowhere to hide from the tobacco’s full character.

Experienced smokers who appreciate unique vitolas will find this fascinating. It’s perfect for those special moments when you want something different from the standard robusto or churchill options. I’d recommend it for afternoon smoking sessions when you have time to focus – this isn’t a cigar for multitasking. The slim profile makes it ideal for smokers who want a long smoke without the commitment of a massive ring gauge.

Collectors should definitely seek these out. With production discontinued since 2010, authentic examples are becoming increasingly rare. Regional editions and special releases often generate buzz, but sometimes the real treasures are these discontinued standard production cigars that showcased a manufacturer’s range.

Perfect Pairings

Given the cigar’s medium to full strength and complex flavor evolution, pairing choices become crucial. I’ve had excellent results with aged rum – specifically Havana Club 15-year or Ron Zacapa 23. The caramel notes in quality rum complement that sweet finish beautifully, while the alcohol content doesn’t overpower the delicate smoke.

For whiskey lovers, try a smooth single malt like Glenfiddich 18 or Macallan 18. The sherry cask influence in these whiskies plays nicely with the nutty, spicy characteristics. Avoid peated Scotches – they’ll clash with the cigar’s refined profile. Bourbon works too, but stick to wheated varieties like Maker’s Mark 46 rather than high-rye expressions.

Coffee pairing requires finesse with this vitola. A medium roast Cuban coffee or a quality Colombian single-origin works well. Avoid espresso – it’s too intense and will mask the cigar’s subtleties. For wine enthusiasts, a well-aged Rioja or a medium-bodied Bordeaux provides enough complexity without overwhelming the tobacco. The iced tea pairing mentioned in some circles works surprisingly well on hot days, particularly with slightly sweetened black tea.

Storage and Aging Potential

Like all premium Cuban cigars, the Medaille d’Or No. 1 requires careful attention to storage conditions. Maintain humidity between 65-70% and temperature around 65-68°F for optimal preservation. The slim vitola makes these particularly sensitive to humidity fluctuations – too dry and they’ll smoke harsh and fast, too wet and you’ll struggle with draw and burn issues.

These cigars have shown excellent aging potential over the years I’ve been monitoring them. The initial harshness in the first third mellows beautifully with 2-3 years of proper storage. Proper storage techniques become even more critical with discontinued cigars like this – you can’t just replace them if storage goes wrong.

For long-term aging, consider the slim profile when organizing your humidor. These can easily get overlooked behind larger cigars, and their delicate construction means they should be stored carefully to avoid damage. Cedar aging trays work particularly well for protecting slim vitolas. If you’re serious about cigar preservation, investing in a quality humidor setup is essential – proper humidor configuration makes all the difference with premium tobacco.

Cutting and Lighting Technique

The slim 36 ring gauge requires a delicate approach to preparation. Use a sharp guillotine cutter and make a clean, confident cut about 2mm from the cap. Don’t overthink it – these thin cigars don’t leave much room for error, but they also don’t need aggressive cutting. A punch cutter works excellently here and often provides better draw consistency than guillotine cuts on slim vitolas.

Lighting demands patience and a soft flame. Butane torch lighters work, but keep the flame low and rotate slowly. The thin profile means the heat reaches the filler quickly, so there’s no need for aggressive toasting. Cedar spills provide the most even light if you have them available. Take your time with the initial draws – let the cigar establish its burn pattern before settling into your smoking rhythm.

Temperature control becomes crucial with this vitola. Mastering proper smoking technique really matters here – draw too frequently and you’ll overheat the tobacco, leading to bitter, harsh flavors that mask the cigar’s elegance. Aim for one draw every 30-45 seconds, and don’t be afraid to let it rest if it starts running hot.

Authentication and Sourcing

With discontinued cigars, authenticity becomes paramount. Genuine La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 cigars feature specific band characteristics and packaging details that counterfeiters often miss. The original bands should show crisp printing with clear gold foil details. Colors should be vibrant, not faded or muddy. The paper quality should feel substantial, not thin or flimsy.

Original packaging used varnished 8-9-8 boxes of 25 cigars with specific Cuban government seals and factory codes. Be extremely cautious of loose singles or repackaged cigars – the provenance becomes impossible to verify. Pricing should reflect the rarity – if deals seem too good to be true, they probably are. The Cuban cigar market has specific patterns and pricing structures that legitimate dealers understand.

When sourcing these rare cigars, working with established dealers who understand authentication and proper storage becomes essential. The tobacco’s journey from Cuba’s premier growing regions through to your humidor involves numerous quality control points, and experienced dealers know what to look for at each stage.

Is the La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 still in production?

No, this vitola was discontinued in 2010. While the Partagas factory occasionally produces small batches, it’s no longer part of regular production. Finding authentic examples requires patience and connections with reputable dealers who specialize in discontinued Cuban cigars.

How does this compare to other La Gloria Cubana vitolas?

The Medaille d’Or No. 1 is significantly slimmer and longer than standard offerings like the Medaille d’Or No. 4. This creates a more intense, concentrated flavor experience with less room for error in construction or smoking technique. It’s definitely on the more challenging end of the brand’s spectrum.

Why is the ring gauge so small compared to modern trends?

This represents traditional Cuban cigar making from an era before the large ring gauge trend. The 36 ring gauge delivers pure tobacco flavor without the mellow characteristics that larger vitolas provide. It’s actually closer to how premium cigars were traditionally sized, emphasizing skill in both manufacture and consumption.

What’s a fair price for authentic examples today?

Given the discontinued status and increasing rarity, expect to pay premium prices – often 2-3 times what they sold for during regular production. Pricing varies significantly based on storage conditions, provenance, and remaining supply. Always verify authenticity before committing to high-dollar purchases.

Can beginners enjoy this cigar?

Honestly, I’d recommend building up experience with milder, more forgiving vitolas first. The slim profile and medium-full strength create a challenging smoking experience that beginners might find overwhelming. Start with standard production robustos or coronas, then work your way up to unique vitolas like this once you’ve developed your palate and technique.