La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No. 3

I recently picked up this Habano in a box pass, being interested both because I have never had a La Gloria Cubana, and the fact that it is quite an odd vitola (it could easily be mistaken for a Ticonderoga  No. 2).  The wrapper has a veiny leather texture, and the pre-light draw was not as tough as I'd thought, though with some definite tug.  Lighting up I get creamy, nutty notes with a bold woody flavor.  As I move into the first third a bitter, smokey spice joins the mix.  Though the draw still has some pull, it opens up a bit half way through as a pronounced cedary spice and bergamot tea dominate the now background wood and cream.  The smoke has a velvet-like texture and finish, and a very nice tight, layered ash. 

I really liked the complexity and combination of flavors in this dainty little smoke.  Don't be fooled by the size, this thing packs a nice medium body and is stuffed with flavor.  The construction, minus a tight draw to begin with, was spot on.  My only gripe would be a bit of harshness towards the last third.  I would rate this stick an 89 with possible room for improvement in a few years.  Not a box cigar for me, but definitely one I would like to have around.

Juan Lopez Obus French Regional Edition

In 2006 and again in 2007, the Juan Lopez Obus was released by Habanos for France.  I haven't heard or seen many reviews on this cigar, and after my buddy brought me one back from his trip to France, I thought it would make for a good review. 

Smoking outside with some coffee today.  Cut is a Xikar and lit with matches.

Pre-light - The wrapper is light brown with some noticeable veins and a leathery texture. There is a faint tobacco flavor on the pull. 

First Third - The Obus opens with some creamy wood flavors, in a lighter medium body.  The burn and ash are prefect thus far and it is producing some nice clouds of smoke.  Some earthy, cedary, and even dried leaf flavors join the mix after a quarter inch and mesh nicely with the wood.  Some floral flavors in the background are interesting as well.

Second Third - The creamy flavor from the first third has really opened up, with the cedar, wood and even some nutty flavors blending well for a quite complex smoke.  My ash lasted a good inch and a half before dropping, and the burn continues to be pretty straight.  The smoke itself is very smooth and has an unbelievably cool finish. 

Third Third - This third continues with the smooth complexity that the first two thirds had, the wood taking the lead flavor wise at this point.  Tasting some more of the cedar and leaf flavor, I'm reminded of fall (my favorite cigar season).  D/A/B are all on par down to the end, as I nub this gem.

Conclusion and Score - This was a real change of pace cigar for me.  The complex flavor combination offered different but exciting notes for my palate.  The initial woody flavor lead the pack the whole time while the cedar, earth, nut, and dried leaf mingled throughout the stick.  The construction was very good, and the smooth, cool finish was refreshing.  I would rate this cigar a 92, being one of the best REs I have had the opportunity to smoke.  If you can nab one, it is definitely worth it!