Purchased: 5-Pack Toro (6 X 50)
Price: $42.29
Store: FoxCigar.com
Buy Again: Yes
Box Worthy: Yes, but I’m not completely sure yet.
Experience Rating: 89
Okay, I admit it. I’m a fanboy of LGC. I’ve smoked a bunch of their lines, and I haven’t had a bad one yet. And this is yet another one to like. So why am I not sure of whether I’d buy a box or not? Simply because it’s completely different from what I’m used to with LGC. I see the logo and I’m expecting a certain rich, creaminess loaded with nuts, nougat, and espresso. But this? This takes on a completely different profile. It’s a little unsettling.
The thing about most LGCs is that they’re bold and packed with flavor, albeit a fairly narrow spectrum. You’d never call them nuanced or complex, but to me, that’s the beauty of them. You always know what you’re getting. But this Los Gloriosos tacks away from the main line, opting to sail a more nuanced and refined line.
The word most reviewers have used to describe this cigar is “balanced.” I’ve seen that term used often and a lot of the time I feel as if it’s a cop-out. But not in this case. There’s a lot going on with the cigar. Sometimes it’s spicy. Sometimes it’s sweet. Sometimes it’s earthy. Sometimes it’s like drinking an espresso. You see, these flavors don’t linger for very long.
For instance, I was expecting a hit of coffee when I lit it up. There was hint of it, but I got hit instead with gorgeous red pepper spice. But then, the spice all but disappeared for several puffs, giving way to earth and leather. Then floral notes kicked in. Then another quarter of an inch down, those flavors died down, then came the spice, which has since planted a stake in the ground and created a foundation. On top of this foundation is a swirling cloud of subtle flavors. This is something I’d expect from an ultra-premium cigar. It keeps me guessing.
Within the first half, here are the flavors I’ve identified: Coffee, leather, toast, cedar, flowers (like chrysanthemums), marzipan, cashews, damp earth, ollalieberry (it’s like a tart blackberry), juniper, pignoli nuts, black pepper (very subtle), cayenne pepper (kind of pronounced), salt, smoked meat, vanilla. Lots going on, with different combinations.
Another huge difference between this stick and other LGCs is the draw. Like all LGCs, the stick is solid. It feels like a baton leading me to think that it’s going to be packed like a regular LGC. But this isn’t at all the case with the Los Gloriosos. It draws like a freakin’ Padron with each easy puff producing copious amounts of smoke! With other LGCs, you have to work to get them to draw and oftentimes I spend the first third poking and prodding to get a decent draw. This stick, on the other hand, required none of that. Once I got it lit and burning straight, it just behaved itself and the draw was easy and smooth.
And as far as strength is concerned, though it’s said to be medium-full. It’s a solid medium, not every hitting past medium+ in the final third.
I’ve smoked four of these already, and they’ve all been consistent. The second half has been the sweet spot in all of them. The sweet components fade, and the savory and pepper components ratchet up. The flavor profile is still shifting but within a much narrower spectrum. Red pepper is the name of the game now. My lips and the tip of my tongue are tingling, like I just bit into a jalapeño pepper. It’s wonderful!
And as with all the sticks I’ve smoked thus far, when the last third hits, holy shit! Sweetness by way of plums entered the fray! This stick is definitely not lacking in surprise factor. Just when I thought it had settled into a groove, it went and shifted yet again. Yeah… I’ve decided. I’m going to buy a box!
What a job EP Carillo did with this blend! I’m hoping LGC ramps up production on these because I have a feeling that this line is going to take off.
Unco B's Stogie Diary 