La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No. 3: OSU SEP 02: JL/LGC Review Comp 2016

[archosaur]

I love a panatela, so of course La Gloria Cubana is one of my favorite marcas.

The Medaille d’Or #3 was the first cigar that I ever really hunted for.  Listed as discontinued in 2010 (with a bunch of other classics), but I believe the rumors of its demise started in 2009, and at that time there were not a lot of boxes around.  I missed a few on LFTH and sort of became obsessed with it.  I missed a few more times but finally got my hand on a few singles due to the kindness of others.

I’ll never forget the first one I smoked.  It was one of those great cigar experiences that I continue to chase.  I was on the patio relaxing after a tough week, reading Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian, and smoking that divine first LGC #3.  Waves of complex spices washed over my palate, just as intense as the violent imagery of the book.  It is still a top 5 cigar experience for me.

Eventually, persistence paid off and I scored a box of the ‘02s.  I find that I am rationing them, as pretty much every single one has been an outstanding 90+ experience, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever luck into another box.

 

This example was no different.  A little tight on the draw through the first half inch, but otherwise absolutely first rate construction.  It's amazing that they can (or used to ) roll something smokeable in this slender format.  It burned like only a well seasoned cigar can.  I could let it sit for 90 seconds or more, and with a couple puffs the cigar would spring back to life…but I found myself gently sipping from it every 30 seconds or so, greedy for the flavor hit.

Mild body, full flavor.  Ultra smooth on the palate and retrohale, not a hint of harshness of any kind, to the nub.  I find that when smoking a great cigar, I don't have the ability to do a conventional, structured review.  I just jotted a few thoughts down as I reveled in the experience....flavors/aromas noted: baking spices, aromatic wood, leather, dried apricot, café au lait, flowers.  The lit end smelled like fresh baked bread.  I’d give it a 97, best cigar in at least two years.

 

[Philc2001]

Great review. Thanks.

[FalseCast]

Great review and I'm reading Blood Meridian tonight. I love me some good LGC. 

[TomF]

I'd give my left nut for one of those.

[Sean3]

Nice review.

[RijkdeGooier]

These are really wonderful smokes?

[golfgar]

Bravo, nice review.  Miss those smokes.

[archosaur]

Thanks all!

[JohnS]

Your review makes me hope and pray for another production run of LGC No.3's soon! Great stuff! 

[miurajus]

Amazing review!  Great storytelling, and boy do I love a low maintenance cigar!  That wrapper looks awesome for going on 15.