La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No.1

[Professor Twain]

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No.1 OSU MAY 02

I smoked this cigar while relaxing by my pool today, enjoying a sunny Florida afternoon. I have had this box for about a year, and I remember that at first I was unimpressed with these cigars, and had even considered selling them off. But I have increasingly come to appreciate them, and today this cigar really hit the spot. I paired this cigar with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, it was a great combination. This cigar is a little over 5 years old (OSU MAY 02).

The Medaille d’Or is 7 ¼ inches (185mm) with a 36 ring gauge, classified as a Delicados Extras (apparently the only current production cigar in this size). It has a beautiful, delicate, floral/sweet smell when cold. I clipped the cap and this thin ring gauged cigar had a nice, medium draw before lighting, and it had a smooth pale wrapper. It burned perfectly throughout and I had no need to correct the burn on this cigar at any time.

Immediately after lighting it up I tasted a great floral, lemon combination, mild and sweet. The first third of this cigar had a wonderful mild, sweet taste. At this point the cigar was reminiscent of a sweet lemon herbal tea with a touch of honey, soothing and relaxing.

During the second third, a rich spiciness was added to the lemon fruitiness of this cigar. The spice flavors were mild and sweet, floral, and grassy, with some kind of cooking spice added in, perhaps a touch of ginger, and I was reminded of times when I was a kid and used to pull the nectar from honeysuckle flowers.

During the final third of this cigar, the intensity of all of the flavors increased, but the spiciness grew, the ginger and lemon combination was superb, and this became a full bodied cigar. The flavors became very intense, and reminded me of a strong lemon grass soup, with ginger and peppers.

What a great cigar. The Medaille d’Or was everything I could ask for in a cigar, moving from mild sweetness to full bodied spiciness. I would rate this cigar 5 out of 6 smoke rings, a 93 on a 1-100 scale.

[stever]

Nice review. May be time to revisit this smoke.

[shrink]

By the mark, Twain! I haven't had an LGC in a couple years. I've just never warmed to the flavor profile. But I have heard that well-aged ones are the cat's meow. Have to try one.

[Colt45]

Thanks for the review PT. Another cigar I've not tried.

[El Presidente]

Lovely review Professor.

Aged LGC No 1

Citrus, mild, milk coffee....more citrus. Complexity and class.

[Professor Twain]

» Lovely review Professor.

»

» Aged LGC No 1

»

» Citrus, mild, milk coffee....more citrus. Complexity and class.

Hey Rob, tell us how the young ones are smoking, don't think I have seen a review of 06 or 07.

[Tampa1257]

Great review Professor!

[El Presidente]

» » Lovely review Professor.

» »

» » Aged LGC No 1

» »

» » Citrus, mild, milk coffee....more citrus. Complexity and class.

»

» Hey Rob, tell us how the young ones are smoking, don't think I have seen a

» review of 06 or 07.

To be honest I don't think I have seen an 05/07 as yet which sadly is a reflection of the lack of populatity of this cigar. I will keep my eyes out but if ex[perience is any gauge this is a 5 year cigar....it has always needed time.

[bassman]

Very nice review! My 97s are surprisingly strong. A cigar that gets very little discussion.