My Weekend Cigar Review: La Glora Cubana 8th Street 2023

A “Cubanesque Smoking Experience” That’s Positively 8th Street

This La Gloria Cubana 8th Street blended for 2023 is the second collaboration between STG’s Justin Andrews and the El Titán de Bronze factory in Little Havana, Miami. The first 8th Street cigar was a Toro released in October of 2022. That cigar had a dark blue color scheme, while the Corona Grande has a more Miami-ish orange and blue pastel color scheme.

“It was pleasure to work with Sandy Cobas and her team to blend a new expression of La Gloria Cubana 8th Street,” said Andrews. “We stayed true to a classic La Gloria profile and replicated a Cubanesque smoking experience by way of the cigar’s size.”

El Titán de Bronze owner Sandy Cobas added: “This second 8th Street cigar allows us in some small way to continue honoring the Cuban expatriate cigar rollers who practice their craft in Miami, most especially at El Titán de Bronze, and who are committed to keeping the traditions of the homeland alive.”

Cigar Details:

Factory: El Titán de Bronze - Miami, Florida
Size: 6½” x 48 Corona Grande
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Oscuro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

Presented in boxes of 10

La Gloria Cubana 8th Street Cigar Review

Starting with the Ecuador Habano Oscuro wrapper, the leaf was even in color, embossed with a few random veins, and offered a sweet hay aroma. Both of my samples were firmly rolled and the triple seam caps cut perfectly. The prelight draw was excellent, issuing a mostly nutty flavor.

Once lit, the initial draws were salty, nutty, and sweet right out of the gate with a peppery finish that leveled-out at about the first inch. Baking spices began to emerge at that point, too. The mouthfeel was creamy and mellow while the body and strength began at medium. By the first inch, the woody and nutty layers settled-in with a less-spicy finish and a pleasant floral aroma. Tart fruit and sweet tobacco notes also arrived.

Closer to the midsection, more flavor notes emerged including leather and roasted coffee beans. The tartness increased, reminding me of lemongrass. The flavors switched up often, but the smoke remained balanced. Retrohales were smooth and mostly nutty.

At midway, the body continued at medium but the strength kicked up closer to full. Woodier notes began to dominate, too, as some sweet tobacco managed to squeak through. I had begun to appreciate the complexity this cigar offered.

In the final inches, the cigar maintained its smoothness, balance, and medium body. However, the overall strength was full-on, and it was delivered in a very sneaky fashion. It didn’t hit me until after I put the cigar down, so, take it slow.

Was La Gloria Cubana 8th Street Weekend Worthy?

The La Gloria Cubana 8th Street 2023 is another example of the excellent blends La Gloria has done in the past several years. It’s also another example of El Titán de Bronze’s stellar blending and rolling skills in what’s more of a luxury class cigar for La Gloria Cubana.

I liked this Corona Grande’s dimensions, its nutty, woody, and spicy character, and how the flavors threw a lot of change-ups. Additionally, the 6½” by 48-ring format was specifically chosen to “replicate a Cubanesque smoking experience” due to its popular Cuban shape. However, even without that particular experience I thought the 8th Street 2023 was pretty exceptional. It’s also a long smoke with some well-hidden strength. Letting it breathe between draws for a minute or two allowed the flavors to caramelize and get better control of the strength. All-in-all, the La Gloria Cubana 8th Street 2023 rang the bell for me on just about every count.

Please Note: Gary’s review was based on his experience and that your mileage may vary.

The first La Gloria Cubana 8th Street cigar was a Toro released in October of 2022 - Check out the review video