La Gloria Cubana
La Gloria Cubana is a historic Cuban cigar brand known for its limited regular-production portfolio and frequent use in special commissions. Founded in 1885, it remains a small but highly regarded house within the Habanos S.A. catalogue. The brand appeals primarily to experienced smokers who appreciate its medium-strength profile and elegant formats.
La Gloria Cubana: Medaille Dor No 4
History and Standing
Established in Cuba in 1885, La Gloria Cubana has always maintained a modest output compared to the larger global brands. This low production volume has fostered a dedicated following among collectors who seek out its distinctive vitolas. The brand operates on a smaller scale, ensuring that its releases remain carefully measured rather than mass-produced.
The brand's reputation is built on consistency and a classic Cuban flavour profile, typically classified as medium in strength. Over the decades, it has transitioned through various ownerships before becoming part of Habanos S.A., yet it has retained its boutique character. Because its regular production is highly focused, La Gloria Cubana is frequently selected by regional distributors for exclusive, limited-edition cigars. These regional releases often feature vitolas not seen in the standard catalogue, adding to the brand's presence across Europe and the UK.
The Core Range
The modern La Gloria Cubana core range is defined by a highly selective offering, focusing on a few distinct formats rather than a wide array of sizes. The most enduring of these is the Medaille d'Or No.4, a classic slender cigar that has been part of the portfolio for decades. This Palmitas format is a slim panetela, measuring 152 mm in length with a slender 32 ring gauge. Maintained in the catalogue since before 1960, it is traditionally presented in 25-count dress boxes or 5-count cardboard packs, requiring exceptional skill from the torcedor to roll correctly.
In 2022, Habanos S.A. introduced the Turquinos to the regular production line. This robusto extra, known in the factory as a Gordito, measures 141 mm by a substantial 50 ring gauge. Available in 25-count dress boxes, the Turquinos brought a thicker, modern format to the traditionally slender La Gloria Cubana range. Both cigars deliver a medium-strength smoke, though the stark contrast in their dimensions offers two different ways to experience the brand.
La Gloria Cubana: Turquinos
Limited, Regional and Special Releases
Due to its boutique status and historical pedigree, La Gloria Cubana is a favoured brand for special commissions. Regional Editions (Edición Regional) are particularly prominent, as distributors in specific markets select the brand for unique vitolas tailored to local preferences. Notable examples include the Glorioso, a UK Regional Edition from 2008, and the Sublimes, released for the Israeli market in 2022 from a 2020 commission. Other European releases include the Invictos Italy Regional 2017 and the Glorias RE 5th Avenue 2015.
The brand has also seen use in La Casa del Habano (LCDH) exclusive releases, such as the Inmensos and the forthcoming Glorias. These cigars often utilise larger formats or revived historical vitolas, presented in distinctive packaging. For collectors, securing these limited runs requires attention to release schedules and relationships with specialist merchants. The variety of regional releases under the La Gloria Cubana name makes it an interesting focus for those building a diverse humidor.
Collecting and Authenticity
When acquiring La Gloria Cubana, particularly discontinued lines or older regional editions, provenance is paramount. Collectors should always inspect the factory stamp and box code on the underside of the box. These codes verify the date and location of manufacture, which is crucial for determining the age and potential smoking window of the cigars. As a brand known to age well, a verified box from the early 2000s or before is highly sought after by serious smokers.
For buyers in the UK, seeking out boxes with the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp provides an additional layer of assurance regarding storage and supply chain integrity. Given the value of rare releases, it is also sensible to be familiar with how to spot fake Cuban cigars. Pay close attention to the printing quality of the brand's ornate, gold-embossed band and the correct alignment of the tax stamp. Proper storage in a verified, climate-controlled environment is essential, as the delicate wrappers of vitolas like the Medaille d'Or No.4 are easily damaged by fluctuations in humidity.
Key Vitolas and Specifications
Medaille d'Or No.4 — Factory Name (Vitola de Galera): Palmitas — Length: 152 mm (5.98") — Ring Gauge: 32 — Format: Parejo
Turquinos — Factory Name (Vitola de Galera): Gordito — Length: 141 mm (5.55") — Ring Gauge: 50 — Format: Parejo
At MokaCigar
At MokaCigar, we regularly source and verify both core production and rare releases from this historic house. Our current holdings feature the UK Regional Edition La Gloria Cubana Glorioso 2008, which is presently in stock for collectors. We also periodically secure the classic Medaille d'Or No.4, the modern Turquinos, and international commissions such as the Sublimes Israel 2020, Invictos Italy 2017, and LCDH exclusives like the Glorias and Inmensos. View our verified inventory on the La Gloria Cubana shop page.
In our cellar
In stock now:
Sold-out archive (8 releases, enquiries welcome): La Gloria Cubana Glorias LCDH, La Gloria Cubana Glorias RE 5th Avenue 2015, La Gloria Cubana Inmensos LCDH, La Gloria Cubana Inmensos LCDH, La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'or No.4, La Gloria Cubana Sublimes Edición Regional Israel 2020 (released in 2022), La Gloria Cubanas Turquinos, La Gloria Invictos Italy Regional 2017.