I love love love Cubao one of my favorite smokes. Probably the closest thing I smoke that compares to a Cuban.
Not a big fan of the Gurkas. I feel like they are too mass produced. I am a full bodied smoker but I want them to be smooth as well and of the Gurkas that I have had they seem to be harsh and by the middle to end taste like shit.
Miranda makes a good smoke and the label looks familiar, I will have to try.
As for the others you mentioned Padron is my go to cigar, I have never had a bad one. They are the epitome of consistent quality and taste. La Gloria I prefer the R, I have tried three N's and wasn't overly impressed.
Lately I have been on an Oliva kick. The series V and Nub Maduros. Also Brickhouse and La Gloria Cubana EE have been flowing. I just recently tried the new Air Bender by La Flora Dominicana it was meh, I probably wouldn't waste my time again.
I tend to agree wiff you on teh Gurkhas. I've had some shitty, bland or mediocre ones in the past, but this one is pretty good. I'm down to my last 5, and I've resorted to treating them like my OpusX or Cuban stash now... At least, until I can find another supply of 'em.
La Gloria Wavell Maduro was my staple cigar for years. In fact, anything by El Credito has been fairly good. Although, I don't know what's happening since Ernesto turned the company over to General and left to start his own company. I find the quality slipping, and the prices have been increasing. Regarding Ernesto, his new cigars aren't bad. I've smoked a few now. The very first one was a little under-aged, and I could sense too much ammonia in the filler. The last several have been pretty good.
Oliva's have been hit or miss to me. I do like the Serie V, but the others have just been alright.
Regarding La Flor Dominica, I've been a fan of their Ligero and Double Ligeros for years. The Chisels work well for me. As for the Air Bender, I thought the exact same thing as you. It wasn't what I was expecting, and I thought it was a little bland compared to their others. I also think the Coranado is very good...
Tarheel's been smoking those damn Tatianas lately. Every time he comes around, it smells like he's making cookies or brownies. And, he luvs teh grape cigars...