La Gloria Cubana Turquinos: A New Chapter of Cuban Elegance

Konstantin Denishev
Oct 11, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Mar 13

The La Gloria Cubana Turquinos marks a special addition to the La Gloria Cubana portfolio, introduced at the Festival del Habano XXIII in 2023. Named after Pico Turquino, the highest mountain in Cuba, the cigar symbolizes the brand’s rich heritage and the island’s natural beauty. This new vitola continues La Gloria Cubana’s tradition of crafting premium cigars for discerning aficionados while introducing something modern and accessible for today’s smokers.

The Flavour Profile

The La Gloria Cubana Turquinos offers a mild to medium-bodied profile that makes it a gentle yet flavourful smoke. From the moment it’s lit, you are welcomed by the signature Cuban notes of cedar and earth, which are present throughout the smoke. The first third starts with a smooth and creamy texture, offering hints of dried fruit and subtle sweet spices that gently tingle the palate.

As you move into the second third, the flavours deepen, with more complexity unfolding. You begin to notice the cigar’s creamy sweetness evolving into honeyed undertones and hints of cocoa. These flavours are delicately balanced, creating a refined, almost silky smoke. A touch of toasted nuts also appears, adding an additional layer of complexity that remains throughout the middle portion of the cigar.

The final third introduces a mild spiciness, with white pepper coming to the forefront, complemented by a gentle coffee note. The creamy finish maintains its elegance, and the earthy base flavour remains consistent, ensuring that the cigar ends on a satisfying note. Despite the increasing complexity, the Turquinos retains its smooth character from start to finish, making it an ideal smoke for a leisurely, thoughtful session.

Vitola Details

Factory Name: Gordito
Dimensions: Ring gauge 50 x Length 141 mm (5 1/2 inches)
Construction: Handmade
Bands: Classic La Gloria Cubana band with elegant finishing
Packaging: Available in 10-count boxes
Strength: Mild to Medium

The Gordito vitola offers an ideal format for both seasoned cigar aficionados and newer smokers. With a ring gauge of 50 and a length of 141 mm, this vitola allows for a slower burn and a more concentrated delivery of flavours, making it a perfect cigar for those who prefer a well-balanced smoke with moderate complexity.

The Experience: Aroma and Taste

From the moment you unbox the La Gloria Cubana Turquinos, you’re greeted by its rich aroma. The unlit cigar exudes an enticing blend of dried wood, honey, and a faint trace of spice, preparing you for what’s to come. Upon lighting, the cigar's construction becomes immediately evident, with a smooth and easy draw that produces a plentiful, creamy smoke.

As you move through the cigar, its complex flavour profile slowly reveals itself. The earthy base gives it a traditional Cuban feel, while the sweet and spicy undertones create a memorable smoking experience. The final third showcases a subtle kick, adding a mild peppery bite that enhances the overall flavour without overpowering the creaminess and nuttiness that defines the cigar's core.

The Importance of the Turquinos in La Gloria Cubana's Lineup.

The La Gloria Cubana Turquinos brings something fresh yet classic to the brand’s range. Historically, La Gloria Cubana has been a favourite for those who appreciate the refined balance between strength and elegance, and the Turquinos carries this reputation forward. Unlike some of the more robust Cuban offerings, the Turquinos is accessible to a wider audience, offering a smooth and complex smoking experience that is enjoyable without overwhelming strength.

The name Turquinos, taken from Cuba's tallest mountain, symbolizes this cigar as a pinnacle within the brand. It honors the natural beauty of Cuba and the tobacco-growing tradition, particularly the use of premium leaves from the famed Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río. This ensures that the cigar carries the distinct and aromatic qualities that aficionados have come to expect from the region.

Perfect Pairings

The mild yet complex flavour profile of the La Gloria Cubana Turquinos lends itself to a variety of complementary pairings. To bring out the cigar’s creamy and nutty notes, try pairing it with a glass of lightly aged white rum or a smooth cognac. The sweetness of these spirits enhances the honey and cocoa undertones present in the cigar.

For those who prefer a coffee pairing, a rich cappuccino or mild espresso will bring forward the cigar’s spicier and earthy flavours, creating a well-rounded experience. If you’re enjoying the cigar in the evening, a glass of Champagne or a light sparkling wine can provide an elegant contrast, balancing the creamy sweetness with a refreshing acidity.

Construction and Craftsmanship

The construction of the La Gloria Cubana Turquinos is flawless, reflecting the high standards of Cuban craftsmanship. Each cigar is perfectly rolled, with a smooth, firm wrapper and minimal veins. The burn is even and consistent throughout the smoke, with the ash holding well as a testament to its construction. The draw is smooth and effortless, allowing for a cool smoke that enhances the depth of the flavours as they develop.

A Modern Classic

The La Gloria Cubana Turquinos stands out as a modern representation of Cuban cigar-making excellence. It pays homage to the brand’s deep heritage while offering something fresh and new for today’s cigar enthusiasts. Its balance of flavours, easy draw, and approachable strength make it an ideal cigar for both relaxed, casual moments and special occasions.

Rating for La Gloria Cubana Turquinos

Here’s how the La Gloria Cubana Turquinos scores based on my rating system:

Appearance: 9/10 – Beautifully constructed with a classic and elegant band.
Aroma: 9/10 – Inviting scents of cedar, earth, and subtle spices.
Flavour: 19/20 – A well-balanced progression of creaminess, sweetness, and spice.
Draw: 10/10 – Smooth, effortless draw producing rich, creamy smoke.
Burn: 9/10 – Consistent and even burn, with a solid ash.
Construction: 10/10 – Perfectly rolled, with impeccable craftsmanship.
Strength: 7/10 – Mild to medium, making it accessible and enjoyable.
Finish: 9/10 – A creamy, slightly spicy finish that lingers pleasantly.
Overall Experience: 9/10 – A refined, enjoyable smoke that offers complexity without overwhelming strength.

Total Score: 92/100

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