Description
The almost-angelic livery emblazoned on boxes on La Gloria Cubana cigars is something to behold. It follows the usual trend of Cuban cigars from the same era – the brand was founded in 1885 – by proudly displaying the medals won for the blend in its early days, but it also carries fantastic imagery intended to reflect what the name suggests – Cuban Glory. Cuba itself is represented by a maternal figure with the sun at her back and a standard proclaiming Pax (Latin for peace); at her feet are figures to represent the people of the island, happy and prosperous thanks to the combination of their own industry and the natural agriculture of the island. Among a majority of brands named to pay tribute to the men who founded them, or who toiled to ensure the success of the industry, it is a refreshing change to see the nation itself honoured.
This maternal figure is represented again on the cigar bands, this time relaxing with a cigar and goblet in hand. No doubt this moment of respite is assumed to have been well-earned; the cigar will naturally be Cuban and the goblet most likely full of local rum – an angel enjoying the produce of her own island. Such romance and fanciful imagery is not the norm in the Habanos SA portfolio, and gives La Gloria Cubana an excellent stand-out from all the other brands.
Despite this unique and memorable dressing, this is a brand not too well-known. It remained steadily popular in the days up until the Revolution, but disappeared for a period after the industry was nationalised. In 1965 the name began to appear on boxes again – most likely due to the opportunities it afforded the government to promote Cuban glory on an international stage – with all the cigars being produced in the Partagás factory.
This rebirth did not see production numbers reach their earlier heights, however, and today La Gloria Cubana cigars have a reputation for being elusive. At the start of 2022 only one vitola was in regular production; in the course of that year another La Casa del Habanos exclusive cigar and second regular production stick were announced.
Sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder, and the scarcity of La Gloria Cuban cigars on the market certainly piques the appetites and curiosities of aficionados whenever they do become available. These are cigars suited to a glass of wine on a sunny day, or a moment of enjoying nature in solitude, away from the bustle of everyday life in the city. They were created to celebrate the Glory of Cuba, and bring a slice of it to the world; they have succeeded in both endeavours.
[LA GLORIA CUBANA] | [HABANOS]
