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Hello and welcome back once again to another pair of reviews on Puff.com. Today we are going to take a closer look at the compact La Gloria Cubana Reserva Figurados Felicias Maduro and the medium to full-bodied 5 Vegas Cask-Strength II to see if either is worthy of a spot on your to-smoke list.
La Gloria Cubana Reserva Figurados Felicias Maduro
La Gloria Cubana released its Reserva Figurados line in 2004. The line consists entirely of cigars in the Figurado shape, as it is said to be favorable when it comes to maximizing complexity. In addition to the use of the Figurado shape, these special medium to full-bodied cigars also undergo specific aging to increase their appeal.
The Reserva Figurados Felicias Maduro measures 4 7/8 x 49. Other sizes in the line include the 6 1/4 x 57 Regalias Perfectos, 6 1/2 x 49 Flechas Especiales, 7 1/4 x 54 Selectos de Lujos, and 7 1/4 x 56 Piramides Clasicas. The cigar's filler features a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos that have been aged for four years. The binder is also Nicaraguan, and a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper tops things off. La Gloria Cubana also offers the line in a Natural version that comes with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. Prior to construction, all of the tobaccos used to make the Reserva Figurados are aged together in cedar bins for six months. Once the aging is complete, the cigars are handmade by special Grade 7 master rollers. Finally, additional aging takes place for three months in cedar chests.
The most noticeable aspect of the Reserva Figurados Felicias Maduro is its shape. It's a rather stubby smoke, so I am expecting it to be ideal for a quick lunch break. The wrapper is very dark and has a considerable amount of oil on the surface. The band near the head is attractive, and the Figurado shape seems to be executed to perfection. There are a few small veins that are visible, but that is it. The cigar is firm to the touch, and it appears to have solid construction, as expected. After all, only Master 7 rollers were allowed to put their hands on it. Before putting it into action, the cigar has a spicy cold taste. The scent, however, is more on the sweet side of things.
After lighting, the Reserva Figurados Felicias Maduro continues to impress with its burn. The draw is easy. Some nice solid white ash is formed. The burn is even for most of the smoke, and it only requires a few minor touch-ups. Smoking time hovers around 45 minutes total.
