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Stogie Reviews: La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 4 Maduro

9 Apr 2007

It’s been quite awhile since I’ve smoked a La Gloria Cubana, and that probably has something to do with the bad taste a few Corona Gordas left in my mouth. But since I’ve heard so many good things about the Serie R line, I recently took a mid-afternoon break with a No. 4 – and was not disappointed.

This stick weighs in at a stubby four and 7/8 inches by 52 ring gauge, and the taupe-colored Ecuadorian maduro wrapper is a bit bumpy and veiny. I wouldn’t say the cigar is unattractive, however.

Living up to its reputation as a full-bodied smoke, I took in heavy notes of wood, earth, and chocolate before striking the first match. After toasting the foot and taking a few puffs, the flavor had more of a kick than I had originally anticipated, producing black pepper and rich leather flavors. The slightest bit of harshness, but not what I’d call unpleasant.

After the first third of the cigar was complete, the taste began to mellow out, and this was a welcome change for me. While the flavor of the maduro wrapper was prevalent throughout, this is a surprisingly well-balanced smoke with a good equilibrium of salty and acidic tastes. I have to say, however, that a hint of sweetness would have been nice.

Physically, Serie R boasts tightly rolled Dominican and Nicaraguan binders and fillers – especially given the line’s large ring gauges. Expect the draw to require some effort, but also expect the ash to hold superbly strong (I only had to ash twice on several of these cigars).

Although the burn remains steady and even over the course of this one hour and 15 minute smoke, a few of these cigars have a tendency to extinguish themselves at random – even with frequent puffs. The band is also prone to tearing the wrapper, so take special care while removing it.

Don’t be dismayed, however, by this stogie’s shortcomings. At about $6.50, it packs a whole lot of flavor for the money. For rich, well-balanced tastes, I give the La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 4 Maduro a reputable four out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

Patrick A

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12 Responses to “Stogie Reviews: La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 4 Maduro”

  1. Padronnie Monday, April 9, 2007 at 6:08 am #

    these are some of my all time favorites. Frankly, I'm a little suprised it only got 4 stogies!

  2. Sam Monday, April 9, 2007 at 6:48 am #

    I have one of these in the humidor and was waiting for the right time- At first I found the ring gauge disturbingly large- glad to hear it smokes well. Looking forward to when the mercury gets over 40.

  3. Cigar Jack Monday, April 9, 2007 at 7:12 am #

    I haven't smoked one of these in awhile and I'm not exactly sure why… I've always enjoyed a Serie R.

  4. ER Doc Monday, April 9, 2007 at 7:07 pm #

    Also looking forward to having some of these. I have several that were gifts, but in the 7 3/4 x 63 size. I think your 1.25 hours of smoking the 4 inches will easily equal 2+ hours for me on this huge stick.

    Thanks for the review. Your recent reveiews have made me want to get my own out of the humidor and give them a try.

  5. Cigar Jack Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 2:49 am #

    Yeah that's why I haven't really picked these bad guys up as often, just take too long to smoke. The kids just don't let me have that much free time anymore.

  6. Patrick A Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 4:13 am #

    Thanks for all the good comments everyone.

    ER Doc and Cigar Jack, this is no doubt a slow-burning cigar, but also keep in mind that I'm a slow smoker. I like to take my time, as discussed in the following commentary:

    http://www.stogieguys.com/2007/01/01252007-stogie

  7. Doug Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 4:32 am #

    This is pretty much in line with mu experience with the cigar. Over all I enjoyed it… but I haven't gone out of my way to get another.

  8. Brian Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 5:55 am #

    The only one I've smoked so far had a pretty bad burn but I enjoyed the flavors enough to work through it. I didn't have to re-light but there were lots of touchups.

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  11. Mike Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 3:06 am #

    Too harsh for me.

Trackbacks and Pingbacks

  1. Stogie Spirits: Sam Adams - Wednesday, May 23, 2007

    […] The Black Lager is not one of my favorites. While very smooth, I found the chocolate flavors and grainy finish a bit unpleasant. Still, I know beer lovers who think this beverage is the best made by Sam Adams – so I think this is sort of a love it or hate it brew. If you’re having a pint of the Black Lager with a cigar, you’ll want something that accentuates the chocolate flavors. Try a full-flavored maduro like a CAO Brazilia, a Padron Anniversary (Maduro), or a La Gloria Cubana Serie R. […]