Gurkha Cigars - General Notes

[mgkrebbs]

Caveat: It is perhaps unwise to discuss a brand of cigars as opposed to individual "models" but wisdom has never been my strength.

There are many opinions on the merits and faults of the Gurkha line of cigars in this forum. Some point out, accurately, that there is level of packaging gimmickry and absurd pricing that is almost never actually paid. I find both of these aspects to be true in, varying degrees, for most of the "boutique" brands such as CAO, Rocky Patel, and Graycliff. Gurkha is more prone to these excesses as noted by the carved-wood treasure chests, Cognac/whiskey soaks and, worst of all, the "pre-Castro Cuban baloney box". These issues aside, the bottom line is what I'm buying and how much I'm paying. I am usually able to get Gurkhas for a fraction of their list price so cost is not a real factor.

PROS:
1. Flavor: I have enjoyed the flavor for just about every one I've tried. I usually pick the medium to strong (based on CS reviews) and the tobacco typically has interesting flavors throughout. Of particular note are the Estate series shaggy, the Fuerte, and the Royal Brigade.
2. Tobacco quality: Most of their sticks are rolled with top-notch leaves and I've never seen a prominent stem that I recall. There are other brands that have silkier wrappers but I believe that Mr. Hansotia picks flavor over texture in this regard.

CONS:
1. Construction: I don't think I've ever smoked a Gurkha that didn't require some touch-up along the way. I know that sometimes, especially with the oscuro wrappers, the flavorful blends don't always burn the most evenly. That aside, I've had more canoes with this brand than any other. One thing I've found is that, no matter where I buy them, it is always best to leave Gurkhas in the box for at least 3 months. I know that many folks practice this for all their smokes, but it seems to be more important with these.
2. Brand proliferation: It seems to me that they pump out new models faster than a Brazilian disco. This is exacerbated by their constant reuse of the same bands. I have to put little notes in my box to recall which one I'm smoking. I don't think it's asking too much to have an ID on the band for a premium cigar.

BOTTOM LINE: I like 'em and I'll keep on trying the new ones and revisiting the old.

[krisko]

I tried to get into Gurkha and stronger cigars but I couldn't do. Glad that you like them but I think my new sig will be...


[SIZE=4]Life is too short to smoke Gurkhas![/SIZE]

Nah, I need a cool 'Padron Whore' graphic like I've seen some members have.

[Bruzee]

Originally Posted by mgkrebbs

Caveat: It is perhaps unwise to discuss a brand of cigars as opposed to individual "models" but wisdom has never been my strength.

There are many opinions on the merits and faults of the Gurkha line of cigars in this forum. Some point out, accurately, that there is level of packaging gimmickry and absurd pricing that is almost never actually paid. I find both of these aspects to be true in, varying degrees, for most of the "boutique" brands such as CAO, Rocky Patel, and Graycliff. Gurkha is more prone to these excesses as noted by the carved-wood treasure chests, Cognac/whiskey soaks and, worst of all, the "pre-Castro Cuban baloney box". These issues aside, the bottom line is what I'm buying and how much I'm paying. I am usually able to get Gurkhas for a fraction of their list price so cost is not a real factor.

PROS:
1. Flavor: I have enjoyed the flavor for just about every one I've tried. I usually pick the medium to strong (based on CS reviews) and the tobacco typically has interesting flavors throughout. Of particular note are the Estate series shaggy, the Fuerte, and the Royal Brigade.
2. Tobacco quality: Most of their sticks are rolled with top-notch leaves and I've never seen a prominent stem that I recall. There are other brands that have silkier wrappers but I believe that Mr. Hansotia picks flavor over texture in this regard.

CONS:
1. Construction: I don't think I've ever smoked a Gurkha that didn't require some touch-up along the way. I know that sometimes, especially with the oscuro wrappers, the flavorful blends don't always burn the most evenly. That aside, I've had more canoes with this brand than any other. One thing I've found is that, no matter where I buy them, it is always best to leave Gurkhas in the box for at least 3 months. I know that many folks practice this for all their smokes, but it seems to be more important with these.
2. Brand proliferation: It seems to me that they pump out new models faster than a Brazilian disco. This is exacerbated by their constant reuse of the same bands. I have to put little notes in my box to recall which one I'm smoking. I don't think it's asking too much to have an ID on the band for a premium cigar.

BOTTOM LINE: I like 'em and I'll keep on trying the new ones and revisiting the old.

I have tried and been very happy with all of my Ghurka cigars to this point. I have never had a construction/burn issue. I agree that most of the major brands have this outragious price when you see them at the B&M down the street. But we always find a way to pay less.

[bwalker2us]

It wasn't until recently that I wanted to try the Ghurka. After reading all the love/hate post I had to see what the talk is all about so I picked up some Gurkha Class Regent Nepalese Warrior at auction for a good deal. Because I'm a mild to med strength cigar fan these are a little over the top. They are a little strong for my taste but overall I do enjoy them and I try to some one a month or so. I will have to try some of the other Gurkha's out there....

[tallypig]

I have had good luck with all of the Gurkha lines that I have tried. I have not experienced any canoeing or other associated problems. Of interest, all of the ones that I have regularly smoked are larger ring gauges. Could the larger size be a potential factor?

[massphatness]

Props on an excellent, well-reasoned and balanced take on the Gurkha family. It's a refreshing alternative to "Gurkhas suck ass"

[texasbadbob]

I'm a big fan of Gurkha cigars. Yes they are overpriced at the retail level, and yes they can way over due the packaging, and yes they come out with way too many new lines, but the ones I've tried were quality tobacco well made tasty smokes at least imho !

[gnukfu]

Originally Posted by massphatness

Props on an excellent, well-reasoned and balanced take on the Gurkha family. It's a refreshing alternative to "Gurkhas suck ass"

You're a whore and a slut, why should we listen to you?

I like the Class Regent/Ancient Warrior Gurkhas. Umm the Beast isn't too bad. I had a Warlord the other day and put it out halfway through, it's not for me. Cleansed the palate and lit up a RASS, mucho niceo!!!

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by mgkrebbs

CONS:
1. Construction: I don't think I've ever smoked a Gurkha that didn't require some touch-up along the way. I know that sometimes, especially with the oscuro wrappers, the flavorful blends don't always burn the most evenly. That aside, I've had more canoes with this brand than any other. One thing I've found is that, no matter where I buy them, it is always best to leave Gurkhas in the box for at least 3 months. I know that many folks practice this for all their smokes, but it seems to be more important with these.

Too much humidity. Gurkha's are made by Torano. And their rep for quality is second to none.

[orca99usa]

I really enjoyed your review. I especially liked your angle of stating both the pros and cons. I have sampled several Gurkhas and I'm not that impressed, frankly. I wouldn't turn down one if somebody gave it to me, but there are none in my humidor right now. My experience is that they are more hype than substance. They do a great job of marketing, but it takes more than slick names to keep me buying. I totally agree about the bands. You should be able to tell what stick you are smoking by the band alone.

[JGIORD]

I am one of those that get confused with all the different choices, especially when they all look alike.

Prices are a bit high for me, but I have to confess that I don't really search them out. I had the Expedition and thought it was a decent smoke, but nothing to write home about. The Chateau Real was better IMHO.

I may need to look a bit further into this brand. I have seen that many of the sizes are bigger than I prefer.

[garyatmaui]

First, I know this is not the proper forum to offer this, but I am taking advantage of a bunch of Gurkha lovers in the same spot.

PM me if you are interested
I have some Gurkhas that I would like to trade. They are an OK cigar for me but not something I will go back to.
I have a total of 7
1- Beast
2- Legends
2 - Regents
2 - I am not sure about possibly Gran Reserve

If you are interested in trade I will send pics.
I am looking for for a one to one trade for:
Oliva V - Double Robustos, Toros, or Torpedoes
Taboo Exotic Maduro "OB" Grande 6X60
Camacho Legend Ario natural

Any mix of the above

[ChasDen]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Too much humidity. Gurkha's are made by Torano. And their rep for quality is second to none.

Call me a Gurkha whore if you want but half of what I have is made up of Gurkha's and Rocky's stuff. I have had some burn issues but find they are mostly related to the stuff being too wet. Since most of the Gurkha's that I have had come from CI or CBid they tend to be wet. Lots of rest and/or dry boxing solved most of it for me.

As for the OP review Right on.

Who cares if they say it should sell for 8 to 12 bucks. I have never paid that so for what I spend they are are a very good cigar.

Chas

[Volt]

Originally Posted by massphatness

Props on an excellent, well-reasoned and balanced take on the Gurkha family. It's a refreshing alternative to "Gurkhas suck ass"

[Volt]

Originally Posted by mgkrebbs

Caveat: It is perhaps unwise to discuss a brand of cigars as opposed to individual "models" but wisdom has never been my strength.....
....BOTTOM LINE: I like 'em and I'll keep on trying the new ones and revisiting the old.

Very well written. Line one SHOULD say it all, but what's amazing is I really like all Gurkhas I have tried. Only the Regent do I place in the "fair" column. I tried a Warlord this weekend and I see a hunt for many more. Cbid does place most of the more common ones (Legends, Regents, Master Selects, etc) in the affordable range. The MSRP really has no bearing on the cost of these until you reach the Beayty/Black Dragon, ... types. Luclily I recently picked up (thanks Joe) some new to me sticks to try.

I do like the fancier bands, boxes, etc. First consideration is always the taste, second contruction and if all is well I do like a good looking presentation. That includes the bands and box, why not have it look as goos as it smokes?

Excellant thread regardless of the brand.