Cigar Review - La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro
I was looking at some reviews that I did earlier this Fall (in much nicer weather than now) and came across this one that I think you'll like - for the La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro.
When Smoked: October 2023
Obtained from: local cigar shop
Size: Toro (6 inches x 52)
Approximate cost: US$9.00
See ratings below
La Gloria Cubana is an iconic brand, having originated in Cuba in the late 1800’s. After the Castro revolution, the LGC brand owner fled Cuba but (like many Cubans forced out of the country) did not have the financial resources to continue the brand. He ended up selling the rights to E.P. Carrillo who turned La Gloria Cubana into what was arguably the first blockbuster “boutique” cigar brand in the 1990’s.
Specs on this cigar - a very dark Maduro wrapper that is quite shiny and oily. Toro sized, with the classic LGC band in red and black.
This cigar was a little trip down memory lane for me. The first (and most recent) Serie R Maduro I smoked was about eight years ago. Not sure if it was the setting (I found a little bar in downtown San Francisco that allowed cigar smoking) or if it was the cigar, but I remembered that stick for eight years. I have been a fan of the original LGC (now called the Classic) but have had less-than-good experiences recently - so I shied away from the Serie R as well.
But I decided to give one a try again for this review.
Around Halloween time, there was an unusually nice day, so I decided to take one last trip to one of my favorite beaches in the general area where I live. A little town called Oconomowoc (which is a mouthful too say if you’ve never tried it - Oh-Con-Oh-Mo-Wock). As the video shows, I had the park and beach mostly to myself.
This is billed as a full body cigar, but the Maduro smoothness kind of takes the edge off. I’m going with 8.5/10 for body - this is not overpowering but does have a pronounced peppery kick.
This was a challenging day for an outdoor smoke. Pretty windy and gusty. I was impressed that the Serie R held up very well - a straight burn with no re-lights needed.
Although construction was excellent, I was not impressed with the flavor. Woody, peppery, once In a while a bit of vanilla maybe - overall what I would call forgettable.
Overall smoking experience for the LGC Serie R maduro is 7.5/10. Certainly not terrible, and at a $9 or so price point, it isn’t a bad value. But like I said, pretty forgettable.
Some cigars don’t make the video cut. I have a growing catalog of written-only reviews that you can find at cigarscigarscigars.com
12 дек 2023
