« Productivity Update | Main | Tweets for 2008-04-16 »
Smoke Blog: La Gloria Cubana
By Mike | April 16, 2008
I’d never heard of La Gloria Cubana before I received this robusto in a set, but I’m always willing to try something new. This particular cigar had a rich, brown wrapper and a sturdy feel. A hint of spice came off the cap when I lit up. My first impression was good.
That didn’t last long. It took some doing to light this cigar, and that spicy flavor intensified and stabbed at the tip of my tongue for a minute or two. Next it refused to smoke evenly, and insisted on canoeing after a few attempts at solving the problem with the lighter.
I was just about to chuck it in the fire pit when it mellowed. Halfway through, the burn evened itself out and the bitter spice went away. Despite the canoeing early on, the ash clung on at an awkward angle for nearly half the smoke before a wind gust knocked it off.
The cigar was much better from there on, and I smoked it down to my fingers. It seems strange to me that the characteristics could take a 180-degree turn halfway through, but that’s exactly what this La Gloria Cubana did. I’m wondering if the tip dried out for whatever reason, or if it was just a bum smoke. I did struggle with my humidor over the winter, but it’s been fine for weeks now, at least a month or so.
If I can find some reviews saying they’re typically as good as the second half of the smoke, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a few more. Until then, I’ll continue to stick with my Reserva Reals.
Topics: Smokes |