Let's talk about this punchy 54-ring gauge stogie from La Gloria Cubana's famed Serie R lineup. At 5.5 inches of Dominican craftsmanship, the No.5 Natural delivers medium-bodied smoke with a price tag that won't make your wallet cry - $209.30 for 24 sticks. That's under $9 per cigar for a box that's become many enthusiasts' weekday warrior smoke.
The first third hits with dry earth and cedar shavings - classic Dominican filler notes - followed by white pepper spice that tingles the lips. Burn lines stay razor-sharp through this stage, requiring no touch-ups. At the 25-minute mark, the core profile emerges: espresso grounds and baker's cocoa dancing with leather undertones. Retrohales push through cinnamon heat, while the Nicaraguan binder contributes black walnut bitterness.
Final third brings mineral notes reminiscent of limestone caves. Some pick up caramelized sugar on the back palate, but the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper keeps sweetness restrained compared to maduro versions. Smoke production stays moderate - dense plumes without overwhelming volume. Pair with black coffee to accentuate the coffee bean flavors.
Construction earns its stripes - firm pack with minimal veins in the golden-brown wrapper. Though labeled "natural", the Ecuador-grown Connecticut leaf shows darker hues than typical shade-grown varieties. Box code hunters note better performance from stock aged 8+ months, allowing the Dominican filler's earthy notes to mellow.
Watch humidity levels - keep this stick between 65-68% RH. The 54-ring gauge tolerates slightly drier conditions better than thinner vitolas. A straight cut works better than V-cut for maximizing the complex flavor transitions.
