Gurkha Cigars?

[jdreynss]

I have a question about Gurkha Cigars.

What makes these so special?? I read lot of talk about them, and see that lots of people have them in their humidors. Are they really good? or rare?
Much like the Opusx, I cannot find them in my area... I have looked at a few B&Ms, and none to be found. Just curious.

Thanks,
Jason

[replicant_argent]

Much like any cigar, some like them, some don't, and to each their own.
One caveat that most agree with, though is that their MSRP is ridiculous.

I enjoy them occasionally, and like some better than others. I find the construction is mostly impeccable, and rarely have a draw or burn issue, flavors can range from blend to blend, but most are in the light/medium flavor range.

One of the most beautiful bands/packaging in the industry, if a bit ornate for some.
You can usually score them on the Devil site for not too much dough, in the 2-6 dollar per smoke range, depending on how lucky you get.

[CHRONO14]

They were once much more uncommon than they are now. Depending on the Gurkha you choose they are great. Take a look at the bst threads for samplers if your interested in some. There are plenty of people around here that love them and definitely more knowledgeable about them than I am though.

[roarknumber1]

I've tried several of them and have only found one or two that I liked; even less that I would spend money on.

[Gargoyle]

Yup, it all comes down to personal choice. For me, I know that most of the Gurkha line will have excellent construction (Fuerte wrapper is a bit delicate) and a good hearty flavor profile. I also like the fact that always seems to be something new because they run so small batches.

Agree that the MSRP is ridiculous and I have never paid anything close to that at the devil site... but I would be very careful buying these at a B&M if they use that as a basis.

[Darrell]

The snazzy packaging is the only thing Gurkha has going for them.

[NCRadioMan]

Agreed with the others, the best place to by them, way under msrp, is cbid. MSRP is crazy on these. Some are better than others but the quality and construction are usually very good because they are produced by the Torano family.

[c2000]

I liked them alot a few years ago,,I've tried other cigars that as good or in a lot of cases better..My favorite is the anniversary perfecto..


Jerry in Minnesota.

[Volt]

I'll echo the rest, it seems either people love them or hate them. I love them. The devil site is the only place to get them at an affordable price. Good looking cigars, I like the fancy bands/boxes they come in, they have always been a good smoking cigar, no burn issues.

[mustang1]

Yep. Packaging is what you are paying for. I personally haven't had one I liked. FWIW.

Not sure who actually makes them for K. Hansotia. I wanna say Torano, but I'm not sure. There are much better smokes for less, cbid or otherwise, IMHO.

[replicant_argent]

Originally Posted by mustang1

Yep. Packaging is what you are paying for. I personally haven't had one I liked. FWIW.

Not sure who actually makes them for K. Hansotia. I wanna say Torano, but I'm not sure. There are much better smokes for less, cbid or otherwise, IMHO.

Torano does. I always say I would like to do a blind taste test with someone that hates Gurkhas, and loves Toranos, and see what the results would be.

[mustang1]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

Torano does. I always say I would like to do a blind taste test with someone that hates Gurkhas, and loves Toranos, and see what the results would be.

I would have trouble distinguishing them as I really don't care for either of them.

Would be interesting to see if anyone could.

[Thumper2672]

I too am a Gurkha whore. And just as others have stated, they are hit and miss. All depends on which line you like. Personally, I like the G3, G5, Warlord and the Cognac infused Grand Reserve. Ones I have not tried yet, but want to are the Black Dragon, Class Regent and The Legend.

The problem is, IMHO is that with so many lines now, quality is not consistent. I love them, but the last few I had (X3 Ligero and Master Select) were just ridiculously bland. YMMV.

[AuburnFan1980]

The best, most consistent blends that I've tried in the Gurkha line are the Expedition and Legend. Most of the others I've had have had SERIOUS problems not only with burn, but with complete and total unraveling of the wrapper as well as often-times the binder splitting all the way down the middle. I also echo everyone else's comments about the ridiculous MSRP, and what's ironic is that C-bid sometimes has a Gurkha sampler literally called "The Ridiculous MSRP Sampler."

Jason

[yourchoice]

Some I really like, most I really don't. Two that I do like are the Doble Maduro, but moreso the Royal Brigade. My all time least favorite cigar I've ever had was a Gurkha VintageYMMV

MSRP is definitely crazy high. I recently "won" a dozen Royal Brigade's for $31. Well worth that price, IMO (on CI for $100)