La Gloria Cubana Cigars

The almost-angelic livery emblazoned on boxes on La Gloria Cubana cigars is something to behold.  It follows the usual trend of Cuban cigars from the same era – the brand was founded in 1885 – by proudly displaying the medals won for the blend in its early days, but it also carries fantastic imagery intended to reflect what the name suggests – Cuban Glory.  Cuba itself is represented by a maternal figure with the sun at her back and a standard proclaiming Pax (Latin for peace); at her feet are figures to represent the people of the island, happy and prosperous thanks to the combination of their own industry and the natural agriculture of the island.  Among a majority of brands named to pay tribute to the men who founded them, or who toiled to ensure the success of the industry, it is a refreshing change to see the nation itself honoured.

This maternal figure is represented again on the cigar bands, this time relaxing with a cigar and goblet in hand.  No doubt this moment of respite is assumed to have been well-earned; the cigar will naturally be Cuban and the goblet most likely full of local rum – an angel enjoying the produce of her own island.  Such romance and fanciful imagery is not the norm in the Habanos SA portfolio, and gives La Gloria Cubana an excellent stand-out from all the other brands.

Despite this unique and memorable dressing, this is a brand not too well-known.  It remained steadily popular in the days up until the Revolution, but disappeared for a period after the industry was nationalised.  In 1965 the name began to appear on boxes again – most likely due to the opportunities it afforded the government to promote Cuban glory on an international stage – with all the cigars being produced in the Partagas factory.

This rebirth did not see production numbers reach their earlier heights, however, and today La Gloria Cubana cigars have a reputation for being elusive.  At the start of 2022 only one vitola was in regular production; in the course of that year another La Casa del Habanos exclusive cigar and second regular production stick were announced.

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d’Or No. 4: This slender little panatela is the only survivor from the pre-revolution line-up of La Gloria Cubana.  At 32 ring gauge by 6 inches it is a mere slip of a stick, smoking for around 20 minutes.  The strength is medium, the flavour notes sweet and fruity – an excellent lunchtime cigar.

The very fact that La Gloria Cubana cigars are so rare is what makes them so appealing to cigar collectors.  By having such a small regular production the brand can make the occasional special releases feel even more special.  A respectable crop of Regional Editions have been issued over the past few years, while La Casa del Habanos have had their fair share of exclusive editions.

La Gloria Cubana LCDH 25 Aniversario Humidor:  2015 saw the 25^th anniversary of the La Casa del Habano franchise network, leading to a limited production of these exquisite humidors.  Finest cedar wood was shaped by the finest Cuban artisans into the shape of traditional colonial-era mansions; 2 new La Gloria Cubana vitolas were presented inside in batches of 15.  The 6 ⅛ inch by 52 ring gauge piramides and 48 ring gauge by 6 ¾ inches robusto extra were not seen before or since being included in this special box, making them an incredibly rare find for collectors.

La Gloria Cuban Britanicas Extra: This vitola – 48 ring gauge by 5 ⅜ inches, with perfecto tapering at both ends – was first used by Bolivar for a 2011 UK Regional Edition.  The same shape, originating from the same factory, was chosen again for these 2017 versions.  A sublime smoke, with flavours of biscuit, coffee and nutmeg.

Sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder, and the scarcity of La Gloria Cuban cigars on the market certainly piques the appetites and curiosities of aficionados whenever they do become available.  These are cigars suited to a glass of wine on a sunny day, or a moment of enjoying nature in solitude, away from the bustle of everyday life in the city.  They were created to celebrate the Glory of Cuba, and bring a slice of it to the world; they have succeeded in both endeavours.

Brand Founded: 1885

Strength: Medium

Construction: Handmade, Tripa Larga

Continuous Production Cigars: 1