La Gloria Cubana Domino 758, a Mike’s Cigars Exclusive

By Jeremy Hensley | October 24, 2014

Three weeks ago, I examined the Romeo y Julieta Primer Lote 770, a Mike’s Cigars exclusive, coming out of Altadis U.S.A.. Moving from one industry giant to another, but sticking with the Mike’s Cigar exclusive theme, I will be reviewing today the La Gloria Cubana Domino 758 coming out of General Cigar’s famed El Credito Cigar Factory in Little Havana.

Photo Credit: Mike’s Cigars

According to Mike’s Cigars:

This fantastic four country blend, featuring Nicaraguan, Honduran, Dominican Republic fillers, Nicaraguan binder and topped off with 3 year old Habano Ecuadoran Sumatra or Broadleaf Maduro wrapper with a small batch release accommodating 10 wonderful and affordable cigars in a ‘domino’ box that pays homage to their Cuban roots. With a wonderful smoke that’s both rich in culture and exceptionally tasty flavor.

While the vitola is stated as a churchill, the size is much larger than the traditional 7 by 47-50 size. As the name suggests, the Domino 758 measures in at 7 inches by 58 ring gauge. Blend tobaccos and wrapper choice of Habano Ecuadorian Sumatra and Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro are similar to the standard La Gloria Cubana line with Honduran tobacco as an added ingredient in the Domino 758 filler tobaccos.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Mike’s Cigars
Price: $72.95 for a box of 10
Vitola: Churchill
Size: 7 by 58
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan
Smoke Time:2 Hour and 10 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

The La Gloria Cubana 758 is one hefty cigar coming in at 7 inches by 58 ring gauge. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper is consistent in its medium to dark brown color. Mainly small veins run down the cigar with a only a few medium in size to be found. The wrapper leaf is coated in oils and a fine tooth that can be felt on the finger tips. Actually feels like a fine coarse sand paper.

Notes of dry fruit, chocolate, and a faint pungency are found on the wrapper, as big notes of raisin, honey and more chocolate come off of the foot of the cigar. Additionally, I am picking up some sort of chili powder. The aroma of the foot is just awesome. The double cap has been applied very clean and once cut presents a decent draw with rich notes of cedar, chocolate, and some holiday spices of nutmeg and clove.

First Third

A bit more toned down that expected, the 758 begins with deep savory notes of cedar and earth. Coffee and unsweetened cocoa dominate the long finish that leaves a chalky texture in the mouth. There is some mild black pepper that is causing a warming sensation on the palate but the smoke moves through the sinuses smoothly. Instead of gaining in intensity, the flavors have become even more mild after the first inch with no spice to be found. A touch-up is required as I exit the first third and the firm ash is holding easily past an inch.

Middle Third

I am pleased to report that the flavors are creeping towards medium. Some sweetness has joined the rich profile of toasted woodsy notes, clove and earth. The pepper spice has regained its footing in the profile. With the profile so mild early on and now only medium, I am surprised to feeling a nicotine kick in my gut. The earthy notes have transitioned to more diesel-like and the cocoa to a sweet chocolate. The burn is now edgy and the ash has become somewhat flaky.

Final Third

A small crack has formed in the wrapper just above the band. I am hoping that the tear doesn’t continue under the wrapper. Rich smoke is pouring out of the La Gloria Cubana 758. The earth continues to have a stronghold in the profile and coffee has made its way from the finish right into the center of the flavors. The mix between the rich smoke and coffee reminds me of an espresso. What a great way to finish up a cigar!

Wrap-up

I am not sure how to put words on my experience with the La Gloria Cubana Domino 758, but I will give it a shot. As a multi-course meal begins lightly and builds to a wonderful end with a sweet, rich dessert, so did this Mike’s Cigars exclusive. Beginning with a mild profile, the cigar developed to medium in the middle third and ended on a high note with medium/full, rich flavors. Only once did I have to correct the burn in over two hours of smoking. So a 10 second annoyance out of 7200 seconds of smoking is really no issue at all. Finding two hours to enjoy a cigar can be very difficult. But a backyard barbeque or just an evening smoke with friends where you know you’ll be going for awhile, the La Gloria Cubana Domino 758 may be the perfect cigar for the occasion.