Description
When You Want a Cuban That Commands Respect
I still remember the first time someone handed me a Medaille d’Or No. 1. It was at a small lounge in Miami—can’t remember the name anymore, honestly—and this older gentleman just slid it across the table with a knowing smile. “Try this,” he said. “Most people go for the Soberano, but this? This is different.” He wasn’t wrong. That was probably 2008? Maybe 2009. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that cigar changed how I thought about La Gloria Cubana completely.
The thing about the Medaille d’Or No. 1 is that it doesn’t show off. It’s not trying to impress you with some fancy presentation or marketing hype. It just sits there in your humidor, looking pretty unassuming, until you light it up and realize—oh. Oh, this is why people who know their stuff keep coming back to this vitola.
What Makes This Stick Stand Out
La Gloria Cubana has always been that marca that flies slightly under the radar. Not as flashy as Cohiba. Not as universally recognized as Montecristo. But anyone who’s spent real time exploring Cuban cigars knows the brand punches way above its weight class. Founded in 1885—yeah, we’re talking serious pedigree here—La Gloria has been quietly producing some of the most satisfying smokes from the Vuelta Abajo region for well over a century.
The Medaille d’Or line itself? It’s named after the gold medals the brand racked up at international exhibitions back in the day. And no, that’s not just marketing fluff. These cigars earned those accolades because they delivered something special: complexity without aggression, richness without overwhelming your palate.
This particular vitola—the No. 1—is for smokers who want substance. Not beginners, though if you’re adventurous, go for it. This is medium to full-bodied territory, with enough going on that you’ll want to actually pay attention instead of just puffing away while scrolling through your phone. The wrapper leaf comes from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region, and you can tell. That slightly oily sheen, the perfect give when you roll it between your fingers—it’s just quality tobacco, plain and simple.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Medaille d’Or No. 1 |
| Length | 7.6 inches / 193 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 43 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Experience—From Light to Last Puff
Right off the bat, even before you toast the foot, the cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming. Cedar, definitely. Some hay-like sweetness. A touch of that earthy Cuban character that’s hard to describe but you know it when you taste it. It’s like the smell of aged tobacco leaves in a well-maintained humidor—if you know, you know.
First third hits different depending on your palate, but here’s what I consistently get: warm toast and cream, leather that’s been sitting in the sun, and this underlying sweetness that keeps it from being too heavy. The burn line? Usually razor-sharp if you’ve stored it properly. I’ve had maybe two or three that needed a touch-up out of dozens smoked over the years, which tells you the construction is solid. The ash holds for a good inch, sometimes more, with that grayish-white color that signals quality tobacco.
Then something interesting happens around the second third—and this is where the Medaille d’Or No. 1 separates itself from more one-dimensional smokes. The sweetness I mentioned? It starts playing off these deeper, nuttier notes. Roasted almonds maybe. Some people say they get coffee, and yeah, I can see that. There’s also this peppery spice that creeps in through the retrohale. Not overwhelming. Just enough to keep things interesting. Actually, scratch that—it’s more than interesting. It’s compelling. The kind of complexity that makes you slow down and actually think about what you’re tasting instead of just mindlessly puffing.
The final third is where it shows its strength. Not gonna lie, this is where some smokers might find it a bit much if they’re not prepared. The body definitely ramps up. You get more earth, more spice, and that sweetness from earlier takes a backseat to something richer and darker. Espresso notes, maybe some dark chocolate if I’m being generous with my tasting notes—though I always feel a bit pretentious saying stuff like that. But yeah, it finishes strong. No harshness though, which is the mark of good Cuban tobacco. Even when it’s pushing full-bodied territory, it stays smooth. Balanced. The kind of finish that makes you sit back and just appreciate what you’ve smoked for the last two hours.
Speaking of which—and this is important—you need time for this cigar. This isn’t a quick smoke. You’re looking at an hour and a half minimum, probably closer to two hours if you’re savoring it properly. Rush it and you’ll miss half of what makes it special. I learned that the hard way during a rushed business lunch once. Never again.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 | Medium-Full | 90-120 min | Extended contemplative sessions, experienced smokers |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Medium | 60-75 min | Those wanting similar elegance but shorter commitment |
| Ramón Allones Gigantes | Full | 120+ min | Smokers wanting more power and similar length |
What to Pair It With—And When
This is an evening cigar. Period. Don’t waste it on a morning smoke when your palate isn’t ready for what it’s offering. I typically reach for mine after dinner, usually with a couple fingers of aged rum—Havana Club 15 Year if I’m feeling fancy, though a good añejo tequila works surprisingly well too. The agave sweetness plays nicely with those nutty notes in the second third.
Coffee? Absolutely. A strong espresso or Cuban coffee if you can get it. The bitterness cuts through beautifully. Some folks pair it with cognac, and I get that—there’s definitely enough richness in the cigar to stand up to it. Just avoid anything too peaty or heavily sherried; it’ll overwhelm the more delicate flavors early on.
Occasion-wise, this is my go-to for when I actually have time. Weekend afternoons on the patio. Long conversations with old friends. That’s when this cigar shines. It demands your attention in the best possible way, so give it the setting it deserves.
How long should I age a Medaille d’Or No. 1 before smoking?
Honestly? They’re pretty good right from reputable sources, but if you’ve got the patience, six months to a year makes a noticeable difference. The flavors integrate better, that spice mellows just enough, and the overall experience smooths out. I’ve got some with five years on them that are absolutely singing right now, but I’m probably biased since I love aged Cubans.
Is this too strong for someone who usually smokes medium-bodied cigars?
Not necessarily, but you might want to tackle it on a full stomach. It starts medium and builds, so if you typically smoke Hoyo de Monterrey or milder Romeos, you’ll be fine in the first two-thirds. The final third is where it gets serious. Just don’t make it your first cigar of the day, and you’ll be alright.
What’s the best way to cut this long, thin vitola?
Straight cut works perfectly fine—that’s what I use 99% of the time. The 43 ring gauge means you’re not dealing with a ton of real estate at the cap, so a clean straight cut gives you plenty of draw. V-cut could work too if that’s your preference, but I’ve never felt the need. Just use a sharp cutter and don’t hack at it like you’re chopping vegetables.
How does this compare to the La Gloria Cubana Soberano?
Great question. The Soberano is the famous one in the lineup—bigger ring gauge, more popular—but I actually prefer the No. 1. It’s more refined, less in-your-face. The Soberano gives you power and boldness from the start, while this one takes you on more of a journey. Different moods for different smokes, but for my money, the No. 1 is the more sophisticated choice.
Can I smoke this at a hotter temperature or does it need specific conditions?
Cuban cigars in general are finicky about heat, and this long, lean vitola especially so. Smoke it slow. If you’re puffing like a freight train, it’ll get harsh and bitter real quick. That 43 ring gauge means less tobacco mass to absorb heat, so patience is key. Cool, measured draws. That’s the secret. I usually aim for a puff every 45 seconds to a minute.
What humidity level should I store these at?
I keep mine at 65% RH, which is my standard for all Cubans. Some people go higher, but I find 65-67% is the sweet spot. Any higher and the burn gets wonky, any lower and you risk the wrapper cracking on these longer vitolas. Temperature around 65-70°F if you can manage it. Nothing revolutionary, just solid humidor maintenance.
Are these still being produced regularly or are they hard to find?
They’re still in regular production, but La Gloria Cubana isn’t exactly flooding the market like some other brands. You might need to look around a bit or wait for stock, but they’re not discontinued or anything. Definitely not as readily available as your Cohibas or Montecristos, which is kind of a shame because more people should be smoking these, but it also means you’re getting something a bit more special when you do find them.
Final Thoughts on This Cuban Classic
The La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s a cigar for when you’ve got time, when you want something with real character, and when you’re ready to actually engage with what you’re smoking instead of treating it as background noise. The construction is consistently excellent, the flavor progression keeps you interested for the full two hours, and it manages to be both powerful and refined—which isn’t easy.
Will it blow your mind like trying a perfectly aged Cohiba for the first time? Probably not. But it’ll definitely earn a permanent spot in your rotation if you give it a fair chance. That’s been my experience anyway, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual suspects in the Cuban cigar world, this is absolutely worth your time.
