Within the complex and often shifting landscape of premium Cuban tobacco, few events cause as much stir among connoisseurs as the discontinuation of a beloved format. In 2014, the Habanos portfolio was trimmed, resulting in the departure of the La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.2. This wasn't merely a standard production cut; it represented the final curtain call for a vitola that had served as a pillar of the brand for over half a century. For those who appreciated the nuance of traditional Cuban smoking, the loss of this specific size left a void that has been difficult to fill.
A Heritage Stretching Back Decades
The Medaille d'Or No.2 was not a modern creation designed to capture a fleeting trend. Instead, it was a fixture with roots deeply planted in the pre-1960 era of Cuban cigar making. This lineage placed it among the most established and historic releases within the La Gloria Cubana marque. To smoke one was to engage with a piece of history, experiencing a blend that had been maintained through decades of agricultural and political change on the island. Its longevity in the catalog was a testament to a classic profile that found a dedicated audience among the most traditionalist smokers.
The name itself, translating to "Gold Medal," hinted at the brand's aspirations toward excellence and recognition. While the brand itself has always occupied a somewhat niche, boutique position in the market compared to the global giants like Cohiba or Montecristo, this specific vitola was a workhorse for the line. It embodied the medium-bodied elegance that La Gloria Cubana is known for, offering a sophisticated smoking experience that relied on balance rather than brute strength.
The Specifications of a Classic Dalias
At the industrial level, the cigar was known by its factory name: Dalias. This format was once a mainstay in the Cuban industry but has slowly been phased out in favor of thicker ring gauges, making the No.2 a relic of a bygone sizing standard. The dimensions were distinctly elegant, measuring 170 millimeters (approximately 6 and 3/4 inches) in length with a ring gauge of 43.
In an era where modern preferences have shifted dramatically toward robust, thick cigars, the slender profile of the Medaille d'Or No.2 stood out as a refined alternative. The construction was entirely handmade, a fact that added to its prestige. The listed official weight of 11.86 grams speaks to the density and bunching skills required to produce such a long, slender format without it burning too hot or drawing too loose. It was a cigar that demanded time and patience, offering a substantial duration of smoking pleasure.
- Factory Vitola Name: Dalias
- Dimensions: 170 mm x 43 ring gauge
- Origin Era: Pre-1960 release
Traditional Presentation and Packaging
Part of the allure of discontinued Cuban cigars often lies in their presentation, and the Medaille d'Or No.2 was no exception. It was traditionally sold in varnished 8-9-8 boxes containing 25 cigars. This style of box, named for the arrangement of the cigars inside (eight on the bottom, nine in the middle, and eight on top), is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing and traditional methods of packaging in Havana. The varnished finish gave the boxes a distinct sheen, making them highly collectible items even after the cigars were gone.
Collectors also recall a secondary presentation that is now even rarer. For a period, a varnished flat 8-9-8 box containing 10 cigars was available. This smaller format offered a more accessible entry point for smokers who did not wish to commit to a full box of 25. However, this particular packaging option was retired around 2003, long before the cigar itself met its ultimate fate. Today, finding either of these boxes in good condition is a significant challenge for collectors.
The Final Curtain Call
Despite its deep history, the Medaille d'Or No.2 could not survive the modernization of the Habanos portfolio. The year 2014 marked its official discontinuation. The decision was likely driven by shifting market trends that favor shorter, thicker cigars, leaving the slender Dalias format behind. The departure of the No.2 meant that La Gloria Cubana lost one of its most iconic standard production sizes, reducing the brand's visibility in the regular production market.
Today, the Medaille d'Or No.2 exists only in the humidors of serious collectors and on the secondary market. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the "golden era" of Cuban cigar manufacturing, where slender gauges and long smoking times were the norm rather than the exception. While the brand continues with other formats, the specific character of the No.2 remains a cherished memory for those who were fortunate enough to experience it.
