Behind every great marque lies a signature vitola; the Medaille d'Or No.4 is one of the most distinguished offerings within the La Gloria Cubana portfolio. This elegant cigar, known by its factory name "Palmitas," represents the refined character that has made its marque a favorite among discerning aficionados since well before the Cuban Revolution. As a current regular production cigar, it continues to uphold the traditions of fine Cuban cigar making.
History and Status
The Medaille d'Or No.4 boasts a heritage dating back to pre-1960 Cuba, making it one of the more historically significant cigars in continuous production. Its enduring presence in the La Gloria Cubana lineup speaks to its timeless appeal and the enduring quality of its blend. The cigar has remained in regular production since January 1, 1960, carrying forward decades of Cuban cigar craftsmanship.
Specifications
| Vitola | Palmitas |
| Length | 152 mm (6 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 32 |
| Official Weight | 5.68 grams |
| Construction | Handmade |
| Bands | Standard bands A and B |
Presentation
The Medaille d'Or No.4 is presented in a varnished 8-9-8 box containing 25 cigars, a classic presentation that showcases the slender elegance of this vitola. Historically, the cigar was also available in a varnished flat 8-9-8 box of 10 cigars, though this packaging format was discontinued around 2003. The standard bands A and B adorn each cigar, providing the traditional La Gloria Cubana visual identity.
Flavor Profile
With its slender 32 ring gauge, the Medaille d'Or No.4 delivers a distinctive smoking experience that emphasizes delicacy and refinement. The cigar has garnered consistently positive feedback from enthusiasts, achieving an overall rating of 4.16 out of 5 based on 61 reviews.
Ratings Breakdown:
- Elegance: 4/5
- Balance: 4/5
- Strength: 2/5
- Complexity: 4/5
- Aftertaste: 4/5
The Medaille d'Or No.4 presents itself as a mild to medium-bodied cigar, scoring notably low on strength while excelling in elegance, balance, and complexity. This profile makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated, nuanced smoke without overwhelming power.
Tasting Notes
Based on smoker reviews, the Medaille d'Or No.4 offers a rich tapestry of flavors. The most prominent notes include:
- Primary Notes: Fruit and wood dominate the flavor profile, reported by 39 and 34 reviewers respectively
- Secondary Notes: Cream (24), almond (19), and herbal qualities (18) provide substantial depth
- Supporting Notes: Spice (14), floral (12), and nut (12) elements add complexity
- Accent Notes: Citrus (10), pepper (10), lemon (6), cedar (4), and vanilla (4) appear throughout the smoking experience
Additional nuanced flavors reported include cherry, earth, coffee, shortbread, toast, and occasional hints of banana, butter, cake, grass, hay, honey, marzipan, spiced cake, and twangy stone fruit. This diverse flavor spectrum contributes to the cigar's reputation for complexity despite its gentle strength.