Connoisseur’s Corner: La Gloria Cubana Medaille D’Or No. 2 (1993)
A slim, well-aged smoke that has a smooth and fine draw. It’s elegant—both in shape and in flavor—with mild-bodied, tasty notes that include wood, nutmeg, cinnamon and chestnuts. Delicious. —Marvin R. Shanken
This Dominican lancero, with its Ecuador Sumatra wrapper and Nicaraguan blend, was a limited edition released nearly a decade ago by Crowned Heads. It has an effortless draw, and brims with flavor, blossoming with notes of crushed peanut and toasty wood. The finish is smooth and long. A truly tasty smoke. —David Savona
I’ve had this cigar since it debuted at the 2017 Habanos Festival in Cuba. The Línea 1935 is supposed to be a super-premium Montecristo, and this draws like a dream. Five years has turned the Dumas into a salty, woody smoke with hints of toasted pecan. The briny character lingers on the finish. Very good now but it will be better in the future. —David Savona
Habanos discontinued the Punch Churchill more than a decade ago. These came from a standard dress box of 25. This big Cuban cigar is dominated by notes of burnt toast, with a light and peppery finish. It has few of the qualities of great Cuban cigars. Though it looked dark, oily and promising, the cigar is past its prime. Disappointing. —Marvin R. Shanken
