Description
Why This Cigar Deserves More Attention Than It Gets
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since the late 90s – my first trip to Havana was a revelation – and I keep coming back to La Gloria Cubana’s Medaille d’Or line. Here’s the thing: while everyone’s obsessing over the latest Cohiba releases or chasing Behike allocations, they’re sleeping on what might be one of the most underrated vitolas in the Cuban portfolio. The La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 is a cigar that doesn’t scream for your attention, but once you light it up? Man, it’ll make you rethink what you thought you knew about this brand.
I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about this stick – from its construction and flavor profile to how it stacks up against comparable cigars. And I’ll be honest with you: this isn’t a cigar for everyone, but for those who appreciate a certain elegance in their smoke, it might just become your new regular.
The La Gloria Cubana Legacy and What Makes This Vitola Stand Out
La Gloria Cubana has this interesting position in the Habanos portfolio. It’s not flashy like Cohiba, not as historical as Partagás, but it’s got this loyal following of aficionados who know. The brand dates back to the mid-1800s, and while it’s seen ups and downs over the decades, the current incarnation under Habanos S.A. produces some genuinely impressive smokes.
The Medaille d’Or line – which translates to “Gold Medal,” in case your French is rusty – was introduced to showcase the brand’s ability to produce longer, more refined vitolas. And the No. 1? It’s a substantial smoke, not some quick lunch break cigar. This is the format for when you’ve got time to really settle in and pay attention. The tobacco comes from the Vuelta Abajo region, which if you’ve been around Cuban cigars for any length of time, you know that’s the gold standard. That rich, volcanic soil produces wrapper leaf with this incredible aroma and oil content that you just can’t replicate anywhere else.
Thing is, this cigar appeals to a specific type of smoker. If you’re someone who appreciates medium to full-bodied profiles with complexity that actually evolves as you smoke – not just marketing speak – then keep reading. This isn’t for the “I only smoke Lanceros” crowd or the beginners still figuring out the difference between Connecticut and Maduro wrappers.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Double Corona |
| Length | 7.6 inches / 194 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – What Actually Happens When You Light This Thing Up
Okay, so let me walk you through what happens when you smoke one of these. I had one last Thursday evening – perfect weather, sitting on my back patio with a glass of rum nearby.
The cold draw gives you this preview of what’s coming: cedar, definitely cedar, with hints of that classic Cuban twang. Not harsh, but present. The wrapper has this slightly oily sheen to it, and the construction? Solid. I mean, you’d hope so with a Cuban cigar, but I’ve been disappointed before. Not with this one.
First third hits you with earth and leather notes right away. It’s not subtle about it either. There’s this creamy undertone that balances everything out – and I know “creamy” gets thrown around a lot in cigar reviews, but this actually has that texture to the smoke. The burn line stayed pretty much razor-straight, which isn’t always a given even with premium Habanos. The ash held on for about an inch and a half before I tapped it off. White-gray color, firm structure. All good signs.
The second third is where things get interesting, and honestly, where this cigar earns its keep. The flavors start developing more complexity. That initial earth and leather mellows slightly, and you start picking up some spicy notes – not pepper bomb spicy, more like baking spices. There’s also this subtle sweetness that comes through, almost like cedar wood with honey. The retrohale – if you’re into that, and I am occasionally – gives you more of that spice along with this incredible aroma that fills your sinuses. My buddy Carlos calls it “the good burn.” He’s not wrong.
Final third doesn’t fall apart on you like some long-format cigars tend to do. I’ve smoked too many double coronas that finish bitter or harsh, but the Medaille d’Or No. 1 maintains its composure. The strength builds a bit here – you’re definitely in full-bodied territory now – but it’s never overwhelming. The leather notes come back stronger, there’s still that cedar presence, and it finishes smooth. Clean. I smoked mine down to about an inch remaining, which for a cigar this size, that’s saying something about how enjoyable it stayed throughout.
The draw throughout the entire smoke was what I’d call perfect – just enough resistance to make it interesting but not so tight you’re working for it. And the smoke output? Generous. My patio smelled amazing for hours afterward.
How It Compares to Other Premium Long-Format Cubans
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 | Medium to Full | 90-120 minutes | Evening smoke with time to spare; pairs beautifully with aged rum |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona | Medium | 90-110 minutes | Daytime smoking; milder profile for those who want length without intensity |
| Partagás Lusitanias | Full | 100-120 minutes | Experienced smokers only; bold flavors that don’t apologize |
Real talk: if you’re comparing these three, the La Gloria sits in this sweet spot. The Hoyo is too mild for my taste most days – it’s nice, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t have the character. The Partagás Lusitanias? That’s a powerhouse, and some days that’s exactly what I want. But the Medaille d’Or No. 1 gives you complexity and strength without beating you over the head with it.
What to Drink With It and When to Smoke It
I’ve paired this cigar with different drinks over the years, and here’s what actually works. Forget the wine pairings people always suggest – I mean, if you’re into that, fine, but let me give you what I’ve found through actual experience.
Dark rum is your friend here. Specifically, I love this with a well-aged Cuban rum – Havana Club 15 Year if you can get it, or even their 7 Year works beautifully. The sweetness and oak notes from the rum complement those cedar and leather flavors in the cigar without overwhelming them. The spice notes play off each other too.
If rum’s not your thing, try a good single malt Scotch. Something with some age on it – I’m talking 12 years minimum. The smoky, peaty notes (depending on which region you prefer) can create interesting contrasts with the earthiness of the tobacco. I had one with a Lagavulin 16 once – okay, so that might have been overkill, but it was someone’s birthday, and the combination was memorable.
Coffee? Sure, but only if it’s a really good Cuban espresso or a strong dark roast. The bitter notes can work, but you need quality coffee to stand up to this cigar without clashing.
As for when to smoke it: this is an evening cigar, period. You need time, you need the right setting. I’m talking after dinner when you’re done with responsibilities for the day. A weekend afternoon if you’re feeling indulgent. Not a cigar for smoking while you’re doing something else – it demands your attention, and honestly, that’s part of the appeal.
Storage and Aging Considerations
Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: this cigar actually benefits from some aging. I know, I know, you want to smoke it right away. But hear me out. If you can stash a few in your humidor and forget about them for six months to a year? The flavors mellow and integrate in a way that’s genuinely noticeable.
Keep them at 65-68% humidity and around 65-68°F. I run mine at 65/65 because I prefer a slightly drier smoke, but that’s personal preference. The cedar notes become more pronounced with age, and that spice mellows into something more refined. I’ve got one box that’s been sitting for almost three years now, and I’m saving them for special occasions. No joke, they’ve developed this incredible complexity.
And speaking of limited edition considerations – while the Medaille d’Or No. 1 isn’t technically a limited release, La Gloria Cubana isn’t as mass-produced as some other Habanos brands. When you find them, especially if they’ve got some age on them already, grab a few.
How long does it take to smoke a La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1?
Plan for 90 to 120 minutes, depending on your smoking pace. This is a substantial cigar at 7.6 inches with a 47 ring gauge, so it’s not a quick smoke. I usually budget about two hours when I light one up, which makes it perfect for those evenings when you’ve got time to really settle in and enjoy it without rushing. If you’re someone who smokes quickly, you might finish closer to the 90-minute mark, but honestly, you’d be missing out on the nuances by hurrying through it.
Is the La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 suitable for beginners?
I’ll be honest with you: probably not. The medium to full body strength combined with the length makes this challenging for someone new to cigars. If you’re just getting into Cuban cigars, I’d recommend starting with something shorter and milder – maybe a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 or a Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill. That said, if you’re an experienced smoker of non-Cuban premiums and you’re ready to explore fuller-bodied Habanos, this could work as a step-up cigar. Just make sure you’ve eaten something first and have a good drink nearby.
What flavors should I expect from this cigar?
The dominant notes are earth, leather, and cedar – classic Cuban profile stuff. But there’s more going on beneath the surface. You’ll pick up creamy textures in the smoke, especially in the first and second thirds. The middle section develops some nice spicy characteristics, think baking spices rather than pepper heat. There’s also this subtle sweetness that comes through, almost honey-like at times. The final third brings back stronger leather notes with that cedar presence maintaining throughout. The aroma, especially on the retrohale, is where the full complexity really shows itself. Every cigar is slightly different based on age and storage, but these core flavors are consistently present.
How does this compare to other La Gloria Cubana vitolas?
The Medaille d’Or No. 1 sits on the fuller end of the La Gloria Cubana spectrum. If you’ve smoked the Serie R No. 5, for example, you’ll find this has more body and a longer smoking time. The Medaille d’Or line in general represents La Gloria’s premium offerings – they’re using quality tobacco and the construction is typically excellent. The No. 1 specifically gives you that long-format experience that lets the flavors really develop and evolve over the course of the smoke. Some people prefer the No. 2 or No. 4 in the same line for shorter sessions, but the No. 1 is my personal favorite when I’ve got the time. It’s just more satisfying to smoke through the complete flavor journey.
Should I age these cigars before smoking them?
Okay, so this is where I get opinionated. Yes, absolutely age them if you can exercise the patience. I know that’s hard when you just bought a box of premium Cubans and they’re sitting there calling your name. But here’s the thing – smoke one fresh to get a baseline, then put the rest away for at least six months. The difference is genuinely remarkable. The spice mellows, the cedar becomes more pronounced, and everything just integrates better. I’ve got some that are three years old now, and they’re spectacular. Keep them at proper humidity (I prefer 65%) and stable temperature, and just forget about them. Your future self will thank you. That said, they’re perfectly smokable fresh too – don’t let anyone tell you they need years of age to be enjoyable. That’s snob talk.
What’s the best time of day to smoke this cigar?
Evening, no question. This isn’t a morning cigar – the strength and length make it better suited for after dinner or late afternoon at the earliest. I usually light one up around 7 or 8 PM when I’m done with everything I need to do for the day. Weekend afternoons work too if you’ve got a lazy Saturday or Sunday and want to really indulge. The key is you need time and you shouldn’t be on an empty stomach. Have a good meal first, get yourself a proper drink, and settle in somewhere comfortable. This is a cigar for relaxation and contemplation, not for multitasking. Trust me on this – I tried smoking one while working in my office once, and it was a waste of a good cigar.
How should I store La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 cigars?
Standard Cuban cigar storage applies here: maintain 65-68% relative humidity and keep the temperature stable around 65-68°F. I personally run my humidor at 65/65 because I like a slightly drier smoke with better burn characteristics, but anywhere in that range works fine. Use boveda packs or a reliable humidification system – don’t guess at it. Keep them away from strong-smelling cigars if you store different brands together, though honestly, Cuban cigars have such distinct aromas that cross-contamination isn’t usually an issue. And here’s a tip I learned the hard way: don’t store them at the top of your humidor if you open it frequently. The temperature fluctuations up there can affect them. Middle or bottom shelf is better for long-term aging.
Bottom Line – Is This Cigar Worth Your Time?
Look, I’m not going to tell you this is the best Cuban cigar ever made. That would be ridiculous, and honestly, “best” is subjective anyway. But what I will say is this: the La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 is a seriously underrated smoke that deserves more attention than it gets. If you’re someone who appreciates a well-constructed, complex Cuban cigar with classic flavor profiles and enough body to keep things interesting – and you’ve got the time to properly enjoy a longer vitola – this should be on your radar.
The construction is consistently solid, the flavor progression actually happens rather than just being marketing copy, and the overall experience is genuinely satisfying from start to finish. Between you and me, I keep a box of these in my humidor at all times, and that’s saying something given how many cigars are competing for that space.
If you’re ready to explore what La Gloria Cubana can do when they’re firing on all cylinders, grab a few of these. Smoke one fresh, age the rest if you can manage the wait, and see for yourself why this cigar has such a loyal following among those of us who know. You might just find your new regular evening smoke.
