Description
La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1: A Distinguished Cuban Masterpiece
When collectors speak of legendary Cuban vitolas that have stood the test of time, the conversation inevitably turns to La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1. This exceptional cigar represents everything that makes Cuban tobacco legendary: meticulous construction, complex flavor evolution, and a smoking experience that commands attention from the first draw to the final inch. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado seeking to expand your humidor or a discerning smoker ready to explore Cuba’s finest offerings, understanding what makes this particular vitola special will deepen your appreciation for premium Habanos craftsmanship.
Product Overview: Heritage Meets Excellence
La Gloria Cubana has carved its niche among Cuba’s elite brands since its establishment in 1885. The Medaille d’Or line—translating to “Gold Medal”—earned its prestigious name through exceptional quality that captured international recognition at various tobacco exhibitions throughout the early 20th century. The No. 1 vitola stands as the line’s flagship format, offering generous dimensions that allow the carefully selected Vuelta Abajo tobaccos to express their full character.
This isn’t a cigar for rushed moments or casual smoking. The Medaille d’Or No. 1 demands time, attention, and the right setting to fully appreciate its complexity. It’s crafted for the experienced smoker who understands that Cuba’s finest offerings reveal themselves gradually, layer by layer, rewarding patience with an unforgettable journey through earth, leather, and refined spice. The substantial ring gauge provides a cool, comfortable draw while the length ensures a smoking time that extends well beyond an hour, making it perfect for those occasions when you want to truly savor the moment.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Gran Corona |
| Length | 9.25 inches / 235 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Ligero and Seco blend |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 120-150 minutes |
The Tasting Experience: A Journey Through Cuban Terroir
The cold draw reveals the first hints of what’s to come—a subtle sweetness underlaid with cedar and faint leather notes. There’s a pleasing resistance that promises excellent construction, and the aroma from the unlit foot carries that distinctive Cuban hay character mixed with barnyard earthiness.
First Third: The Introduction
Light toasting brings immediate rewards. The initial draws deliver a creamy smoothness that belies the strength building beneath. Cedar dominates the opening, joined quickly by subtle pepper that tingles on the palate without overwhelming. There’s an underlying earthiness that grounds the experience, reminding you of the rich Vuelta Abajo soil where these leaves matured. The leather notes present themselves on the retrohale, adding depth and sophistication. The burn line establishes itself evenly, and the ash begins forming in a solid, light-gray structure that holds confidently for over an inch.
Second Third: The Evolution
Here’s where the Medaille d’Or No. 1 truly distinguishes itself. The flavor profile opens considerably, with the pepper becoming more pronounced—not harsh, but definite and purposeful. The creamy texture persists, now enhanced by coffee undertones and hints of dark chocolate. The earth notes deepen, and there’s a mineral quality that emerges, characteristic of premium Cuban tobacco. The leather transforms from subtle background to co-star, weaving through each draw with refined elegance. The strength builds noticeably but remains balanced, never crossing into aggressive territory. Experienced smokers will recognize the hallmark of well-aged Cuban filler working in perfect harmony.
Final Third: The Grand Finish
The conclusion of this impressive vitola maintains all the complexity you’ve come to expect while intensifying the overall experience. The full strength announces itself clearly now, though the creamy texture prevents any harshness. Spicy notes become more prominent, dancing alongside the persistent leather and earth. There’s a subtle sweetness that emerges—perhaps molasses or dried fruit—adding another dimension to the finish. The cedar returns stronger, and the retrohale delivers concentrated flavor that showcases the wrapper’s quality. The cigar remains cool and flavorful right to the nub, a testament to the expert blending and construction. The ash, while requiring occasional attention, continues displaying that coveted light-gray color indicating proper combustion and quality tobacco.
How It Compares: Context Among Cuban Classics
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 | Medium-Full | 120-150 minutes | Long contemplative sessions, special occasions |
| Montecristo No. 1 | Medium | 60-75 minutes | Classic Cuban experience, more accessible strength |
| Partagás Lusitania | Full | 90-120 minutes | Bold flavor seekers, after hearty meals |
Perfect Pairings: Elevating the Experience
The Medaille d’Or No. 1’s complexity and extended smoking time call for equally sophisticated accompaniments. A well-aged rum—think Havana Club Selección de Maestros or Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo—complements the cigar’s spicy and earthy notes while the spirit’s sweetness balances the tobacco’s natural strength. For whisky enthusiasts, a sherry-cask finished single malt provides beautiful synergy with the leather and cedar characteristics.
Coffee lovers will find that a robust Cuban espresso or a quality aged cognac creates delightful flavor bridges, particularly in the cigar’s second and final thirds. This isn’t an early morning smoke—save it for late afternoon or evening when you can dedicate two to two-and-a-half hours to the experience without interruption. The cigar shines after a substantial meal, its strength and complexity cutting through with purpose while the creamy texture soothes the palate. Consider it for celebratory moments, reflective evenings, or whenever you want to mark an occasion as truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 in my humidor?
Maintain your humidor at 65-70% relative humidity and 65-70°F for optimal aging. These larger vitolas benefit from slightly lower humidity (around 65%) to ensure even burn and prevent draw issues. Allow the cigars to rest at least two weeks after receiving them before smoking, though aging for several months or even years will enhance the complexity and smooth any rough edges.
Is the Medaille d’Or No. 1 suitable for newer cigar smokers?
While the strength builds to full-bodied in the final third, the creamy texture and gradual evolution make it more approachable than its size might suggest. However, the extended smoking time and developing strength profile make this better suited for smokers who’ve progressed beyond mild cigars and are comfortable with medium to full-strength Habanos. It’s an excellent cigar to graduate to rather than start with.
What’s the best way to cut such a long cigar?
Use a sharp double-blade guillotine cutter and remove just enough of the cap to expose the filler—typically about 1/16 to 1/8 inch. With the 47 ring gauge, you want to maintain the wrapper’s integrity while creating an adequate opening for the draw. Avoid punches on this vitola as they may restrict airflow given the length, and never tear or bite the cap on a cigar of this caliber.
How does aging affect the Medaille d’Or No. 1’s flavor profile?
Aging mellows the spicy pepper notes while enhancing the cedar, leather, and earthy characteristics. With 2-3 years of proper storage, the creamy texture becomes even more pronounced, and subtle complexities emerge—think hints of cocoa, coffee, and natural tobacco sweetness. The strength perception softens slightly while the overall refinement increases substantially. These cigars have excellent aging potential extending well beyond five years.
Are Medaille d’Or cigars considered limited edition?
No, the Medaille d’Or line is part of La Gloria Cubana’s regular production, though availability can fluctuate based on tobacco harvests and production schedules. Unlike limited edition Habanos releases that use special vitolas or vintage tobaccos, the Medaille d’Or No. 1 maintains consistent production standards using the brand’s traditional blend specifications. That said, larger formats like this aren’t produced in the same volumes as more popular sizes, so securing boxes when available is advisable.
What occasions are best suited for this cigar?
The 120-150 minute smoking time makes this ideal for unhurried celebrations: weddings, graduations, significant business achievements, or milestone birthdays. It’s also perfect for contemplative solo sessions when you want to disconnect and truly focus on the smoking experience. The impressive size and distinguished brand make it appropriate for sharing special moments with fellow aficionados who’ll appreciate its quality. Weekend afternoons, golf outings, or fishing trips provide the time investment this cigar deserves.
How does the Vuelta Abajo wrapper contribute to the flavor?
The Vuelta Abajo region produces Cuba’s finest wrapper tobacco, and it shows in the Medaille d’Or No. 1. The wrapper contributes the refined leather notes, subtle sweetness, and that characteristic Cuban earthiness that distinguishes Habanos from other premium cigars. It provides the creamy texture on the palate while the spicy pepper notes come primarily from the ligero filler leaves. The wrapper’s quality also ensures even burning and contributes significantly to the aromatic experience on the retrohale.
Final Thoughts: A Cigar Worth Your Time
The La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 1 isn’t simply a cigar—it’s an investment of time that returns dividends in flavor, complexity, and pure smoking pleasure. From the first creamy draws through the spicy, full-bodied conclusion, this distinguished vitola showcases why Cuban tobacco maintains its legendary status. The expert construction, premium Vuelta Abajo tobaccos, and thoughtful blending create an experience that rewards experienced palates while offering enough approachability for adventurous intermediate smokers ready to explore larger formats.
Add this exceptional cigar to your humidor for those moments that demand something truly special. Your patience will be rewarded with over two hours of evolving complexity, refined strength, and the unmistakable character that only authentic Cuban craftsmanship can deliver.
