La Gloria Cubana Medaille D’Or No. 4

La Gloria Cubana Medaille D’Or No. 4

There's a particular kind of patience required to roll a 32-ring gauge cigar with this kind of consistency—a patience that the rollers at Fernando Pérez Germán have mastered over generations. The La Gloria Cubana Medaille D'Or No. 4 doesn't announce itself with brute force. Instead, it whispers with the confidence of a brand that has been doing this since 1885, when the gold medal on its band actually meant something to the smokers of Havana.

The Medaille D'Or name carries weight—literally translating to "Gold Medal"—and it speaks to a time when La Gloria Cubana earned recognition at international expositions, back when Cuban cigars were establishing the standard by which all others would be measured. This particular vitola, the Palmitas, represents something increasingly rare in modern Cuban production: a slender, elegant format that demands attention rather than demanding time. At six inches with a 32 ring gauge, it offers a focused smoking experience that concentrates the Vuelta Abajo tobacco's character into a tight, expressive channel. The brand itself has always embodied a certain generous boldness—the kind of cigar that shows up with plenty to say and no pretension about how it says it.

What makes the No. 4 special isn't just its dimensions but its place in the La Gloria Cubana portfolio as a study in balance. Where other Cuban marcas might lean into power or finesse, La Gloria Cubana has historically planted its flag in the territory of abundance—flavors that arrive generously, without apology, yet never overwhelm. This is a cigar for smokers who understand that medium-bodied doesn't mean medium-flavored.

First Light

The opening delivers exactly what the format promises: concentration. Hazelnut emerges immediately, distinct and warm, backed by a cedar foundation that feels almost creamy in texture. There's a floral quality threading through the first puffs—something like dried orange blossoms—that distinguishes this from heavier Cuban profiles. The draw is deliberate, requiring just enough effort to make you work for it, and the reward is a smoke that coats the palate evenly. A whisper of black pepper sits at the edges, present but never taking center stage.

The Journey

The second third reveals the cigar's structural intelligence. As the burn line progresses, the hazelnut deepens into something closer to toasted almond, while the cedar takes on a spicier character—think white pepper rather than black, with a subtle sweetness that calls to mind honey-drizzled toast. The savory notes that reviewers often mention begin to surface here, a briny quality that adds dimension without crossing into harshness. The combustion remains even producing a firm ash that holds well past the one-inch mark. This is where the La Gloria Cubana personality shines through: big flavors delivered without bluster, each element distinct yet integrated.

The Finale

The final act brings everything into sharper focus. The wood notes intensify, shifting from cedar to a drier, more resinous character—pencil shavings and pine forest floor. The spice ramps up proportionally, never overwhelming the core hazelnut and almond sweetness that has anchored the experience from the start. A curious fruitiness appears in the last inch, something between dried apricot and candied lemon peel, adding a final layer of complexity. The finish lingers with cedar and a touch of vanilla cream, clean and satisfying.

Who It's For

The Medaille D'Or No. 4 is built for the smoker who appreciates elegance over excess—someone who might reach for this during a mid-morning break or as a contemplative evening companion when time doesn't permit a full robusto commitment. It's ideal for experienced aficionados who understand that the slender format offers a different kind of intensity, one that rewards attention and punishes distraction. This is also a fine entry point for those curious about La Gloria Cubana's distinctive flavor signature without committing to a full box.

Pairing Suggestion

A well-aged Cuban coffee with a touch of sugar complements the hazelnut and cedar beautifully, while a dry amontillado sherry will draw out the savory, briny notes that emerge in the second third.