The Gurkha Cellar Reserve and the Pinar Del Rio Habano Sun Grown are at the center of today’s two cigar reviews on Puff.com.

Gurkha Cellar Reserve Prisoner Churchill

The Gurkha Cellar Reserve was originally released at the IPCPR show in 2011 as a brick and mortar selection.  Since that time, the cigar has been made available through various retailers online.  As far as the Prisoner Churchill format is concerned, it was added to the line in September 2012 as a replacement for the original Churchill format.  While the Prisoner Churchill boasts the same overall measurements as its predecessor, it carries a Salomon shape.  According to Gurkha, they went with the Salomon shape in response to customer feedback as a way to increase the line’s popularity even further.  The Cellar Reserve has received many high ratings from cigar publications in the past, so I am expecting some pretty good things out of this Prisoner Churchill that I am about to smoke.

The Gurkha Cellar Reserve Prisoner Churchill (odd name, I know) measures 7 x 54.  The cigar also comes in the following sizes: 4 x 58 Koi, 5 x 58 Solara, 6 x 58 Hedonism, and 6 x 60 Kraken.  The Cellar Reserve’s composition begins with a filler of Dominican tobacco that has been aged for 15 years.  An aged Dominican Olor binder comes next, and a Criollo ’98 wrapper finishes things off.  The strength of the Cellar Reserve is listed as medium to full-bodied.

The Cellar Reserve Churchill is an attractive stick that features a mottled dark brown wrapper.  It is quite oily and has a very rich and inviting appearance.  The Salomon shape is rather unique as well.  Some medium-sized veins are present and the cigar feels firm to the touch.  A large white band sits near the head that features the cigar’s name as well as various descriptive details.  If I had to compare the band to something, I would say that it’s reminiscent of a label that you would find on a wine bottle.  I notice a pre-light aroma that is spicy and a cold taste of cedar.

Once in action, the Gurkha Cellar Reserve Prisoner Churchill exhibits a cool burn with plenty of smoke.  The draw is just right and the burn is even for the most part.  I do need to apply a couple of occasional touch-ups, but that is about it in terms of maintenance.  The gray ash is on the flaky side.