Let's talk about the La Gloria Cubana Serie R No 8 Natural - the muscle car of cigars with its intimidating 70 ring gauge and 7-inch parejo shape. This Dominican-made heavyweight comes in boxes of 15, priced around $175 per box. The Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper glistens with natural oils, hiding a powerful blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers that delivers medium strength with deceptive smoothness.
The initial puffs reward patience - cedar notes emerge through creamy smoke with a caramel sweetness that clings to the palate. Airflow feels surprisingly open for such a thick ring gauge, producing medium-bodied smoke with minimal heat buildup.
At the halfway mark, the flavor profile shifts gears. Coffee grounds and black pepper take center stage, balanced by lingering brown sugar sweetness. The burn line holds steady despite the large diameter, though occasional touch-ups maintain even combustion.
The last third introduces leathery tannins and dark chocolate bitterness. Nicotine strength builds gradually, creating a warm chest sensation that pairs well with the cigar's earthy undertones. Most smokers tap out with 2 inches remaining as tar accumulation intensifies.
This giant requires a deep V-cut or punch to manage airflow. Pair with sweetened black coffee to counterbalance the earthy finish. Optimal smoking time: 90+ minutes. Let rest 6-8 weeks after delivery for best combustion - fresh boxes tend to burn unevenly.
