The brand La Gloria Cubana was originally a Cuban cigar brand. The non-cuban version was started in 1972 by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Sr., the father the E.P. Carrillo that still makes cigars today. In 1999 Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. sold the brand to General Cigar and remained with the company till 2009.
While this isn’t the first time E.P. Carrillo has came back to do a cigar with General under the La Gloria Cubana name, the Coleccion Reserva is the first one to be made in his factory Tabacalera La Alianza. The blend uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and binder and filler coming from Nicaragua. The line is available in three sizes: Robusto 5 1/2 x 54 – $7.59 msrp, Torpedo 6 x 54 – $8.29 msrp, and Presidente 7 1/2 x 54 – $8.99 msrp. All come in boxes of 20 count.
This cigar’s appearance has a rough appearance but at the same time a nice silky dark brown wrapper. Fairly large veins on the wrapper with a very large dark stripe of filler going through the foot. The wrapper has a very sweet smell to it with some sweet raisin on the foot.
First Third
The first few draws give off a slight bitterness along with a blast of pepper. As the cigar settles in I am getting a graham cracker sweetness with an espresso finish. Also getting a bit of dried fruit. The first third is coming along great as those sweet notes are going great against the espresso finish.
The Second third begins without too much change, just a slight notch up strength-wise. A little further in, the sweet graham cracker turns to more of a cedar note. Getting a bit more spice on the retro.
Final Third
The Final Third has the spice ramp up on the tongue as well as the retro. Getting a bitter espresso with charred wood notes.
Half way through the charred wood goes away and a nice sweetness comes back. Hangs in as the primary note until the cigar turns bitter and I put it down.
I have had this cigar resting for a bit and finally took time to light it up. The cigar had some great flavors going on but I did have to touch up the cigar quite a bit as it kept trying to go out on me. Overall I enjoyed the time I had with this cigar and would for sure pick up some more in a different size.
Quick Review: La Gloria Cubana | Coleccion Reserva Robusto
Quick Cigar Review: La Gloria Cubana | Coleccion Reserva Robusto
Summary
I have had this cigar resting for a bit and finally took time to light it up. The cigar had some great flavors going on but I did have to touch up the cigar quite a bit as it kept trying to go out on me. Overall I enjoyed the time I had with this cigar and would for sure pick up some more in a different size.
