The first thing I notice when taking a look at the Serie R Maduro No. 5 is it very dark wrapper. It's almost black and has a decent amount of oil. The cigar has quite the toothy appearance which tends to give it some character. The red, gold, and yellow band is easily visible over the dark wrapper, and it displays the La Gloria Cubana logo and the Serie R name. This Serie R is built like a tank and has zero hints of soft spots. Prior to lighting, there's a tasty aroma of chocolate and a cold taste of wood.

After lighting, the Serie R Maduro exhibits a burn that's far from perfect. The draw is a bit tight, but there is a good volume of smoke that's emitted. The burn does stray and needs the lighter's attention from time to time. The ash is gray and very solid in its form.

While the burn characteristics of the Serie R Maduro leave something to be desired, La Gloria Cubana did a superb job with its flavor profile. The cigar hits you with a burst of spicy pepper from the onset that let's you know you are in for a ride. That pepper is joined by leather in the first third. The second third offers more spice that combines with some delicious chocolate. The cigar tends to get a bit milder and then closes things out in the final third with notes of earth and coffee.

Despite its burn issues, the La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro No. 5 was an enjoyable smoke. This is thanks to its full bouquet of flavors from start to finish. The cigar is probably too strong for beginners, but full-bodied followers should find it to be just what the doctor ordered. The Serie R Maduro comes in boxes of 24. A single costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $6 to $7. It's not cheap, but the Serie R is worth a try if you are looking for something that packs a punch and is also full of flavor.

The La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro No. 5 earns a rating of 3.5 out of four stars.