Information:
Country: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habana 2000
Filler / Binder: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
Length: 6”
Ring: 50
Background: If La Gloria
Cubana feels like it’s been
around forever, its likely because it has been. Originally created back in 1885,
the LGC brand has withstood the test of time while under various overarching
labels. As is with Romeo Y Julieta, LGC has made a consistent product and worked to reinvent their
image while still keeping to much of the history that brought them to present
day. The LGC RF No. 21 is no exception to that rule – released in June of this year as
an
exclusive for Famous Smoke Shop.
But what’s the “F”
stand for in RF? Fibonacci. The cigar is an ode to Fibonacci – making a cigar
that is equivalent to Phi (the perfect number. Making a cigar that, in essence,
captures a perfect balance and structure to make for an incredible cigar
experience.
Appearance
(0-20): The La Gloria
Cubana has a nice rich look to the wrapper. It’s rustic to some extent, with
some minor veins but nothing too overassertive and no real discolorations to
note. The band follows the traditional style for LGC, but adds some additional
yellow and red coloration below the Serie RF branding. It’s enough to catch
your eye without being obtrusive. Overall it’s the kind of cigar I may
gravitate to from a casual look standpoint, though it wouldn’t be the first one
I would look at.
Score: 17
Construction (0-20): We have already established there are no
real issues in terms of veins, so there’s a plus to begin already. The stick is
firm to the touch with no discernable gaps… again a plus. Now the cut - zero
residue of any kind with a completely clean edge (as shown in the picture),
which means huge positives. The draw was tight initially, but loosened up a bit
during the smoking experience. The ash held on for about an inch and a half per
clip, so it was adequate though not outstanding.
Score: 18
Strength (0-20): Listed as medium strength, I would
personally see this one as closer to the medium to full range. It definitely
creeps up on you.
Score: 16
Flavor (0-20): Pepper. I thought about leaving that as
the only flavor comment but it wouldn’t actually do this justice. From initial
light until about 1/3 of the way in, the cigar is a concentrated pepper bomb
that will awaken your senses for sure. Ever eat way too much horseradish or
wasabi in one bite? It’s that kind of nasal blast that you can expect on the
retrohale. Thankfully, that’s not the only flavor here, but simply the
predominant one. As the first third begins to conclude, the pepper that was so
aggressive drops back and this becomes a smooth, creamy, and sweet smoke. There
is a slight bitterness with a coffee flavor and woodsy hints that will pop up
from time to time. This continues through the entire remainder of the cigar,
but the pepper returns again in the final third to add a sense of coherence and
completion.
Score: 18
Value (0-20): As a 6x50
with good flavor, construction, etc… the $7.25 is spot on the money, with some
real upside.
Score:
17
Additional
Notes: Provided by the folks
at Famous Smoke. Paired with water.
Overall (0-100): Scoring an 86 doesn’t inherently
make a stick bad for any reason, and this exclusive from Famous is an exact
example of why. It may not be the prettiest stick in the cigar shop, hit the strength
perfectly, or quite reach the value where it would be a complete bargain… but
honestly it’s a solid smoke from all fronts. If you like a well-constructed
cigar with some interesting (but aggressive) flavors – this
one may be for you. The pepper blasts surely aren’t for everyone, but if
you can weather the storm through the first third, you’ll find a delightfully
well balanced smoke with a lot of interesting flavors that meld well together. Truth
be told, I plan on picking up a few more of these…
Score: 86
