The Gurkha brand is beloved in the cigar industry because of the attention to detail in its cigars and variety of flavors. The brand has not been around for too long but has nevertheless established an excellent reputation and inventory of unique cigars.
From their robust flavors to their careful rolling, there is so much to enjoy about Gurkha cigars. They also have the distinction of making the most expensive cigar in the entire world, which we will discuss in this article.
Whether you love Gurkha and want to know more about the cigar brand or are deciding if the cigars are worth trying, check out this guide to Gurkha cigars!
The Gurkha Reputation
The Gurkha reputation is definitely a good one. It is known for its cigars being meticulously crafted. They are rolled by the best in the business, and they have incredibly high rolling standards.
Its tobacco plants are cared for by expert growers and get the best nutrients to grow robust and delicious flavors. Every aspect of the cigar-making process is well-crafted, from the soil the plants grow in to the aesthetic of the final cigar. Gurkha prides itself on how meticulously it crafts its cigars and its distinct and satisfying flavors.
How Long Have Gurkha Cigars Been Around?
Gurkha cigars made their debut in 1990, and their first batch of cigars sold out very quickly.
While they began in 1990 officially as the company they are today, Gurkha cigar history goes back over a century, where they were meticulously crafted and rolled. The brand’s revival in 1992 has brought great success and recognition to the name, making it one of the most popular cigar brands of the early 21st century.
Where Are Gurkha Cigars Made?
Gurkha cigars are made in the Dominican Republic, specifically in the Tabacalera Las Lavas region. The cigars are crafted by professional rollers that take care and pride in their work.
However, the tobacco plants used to make most Gurkha cigars are not in the Dominican Republic. Many of their tobacco plants are grown and cared for in Nepal around the Himalayan mountains, where the air and water are very pure.
What Does “Gurkha” Mean?
Gurkhas are the names of soldiers from Nepal recruited into the British Army. These soldiers are well-known for their loyalty, professionalism, and bravery in everything they do. The connection between these soldiers and cigars is the quality each possesses.
Gurkha soldiers are meticulously trained, just like how the cigars are wrapped and crafted with care. Both Gurkha soldiers and Gurkha cigars strive for perfection at all times.
5 Best Gurkha Cigars
If you want to know which Gurkha cigars you should try, consider one of these five cigars from the brand. These are not the most expensive cigars Gurkha makes, but these are some of the most accessible for the average cigar enthusiast.
1. Gurkha Cellar Reserve Especial 18 Year Kraken
The Reserve Especial 18-Year Kraken has a distinct and unforgettable flavor that you will want to tell your friends about. The cigar uses old-aged Dominican tobaccos and a Nicaraguan Criollo 1998 wrapper, fostering robust and delicious flavors.
This Reserve cigar is one of the newer smokes offered by Gurkha and was rolled out in 2014, pun intended. They come in an aesthetically pleasing box and can be found online from Gurkha, but you can also find them in most cigar or tobacco stores with high-end products.
Whether you want to enjoy a cigar amid a blizzard or poolside on a hot summer day, this Gurkha cigar is a must-try for cigar smokers who enjoy a deep flavor.
2. Gurkha Cellar Reserve Limitada 15 Year Kraken
The Cellar Reserve Limitada 15 Year Kraken is another lovely cigar from Gurkha’s coveted Cellar Reserve collection. The cigars in this collection are known to be rich and immaculately rolled, making them a favorite among cigar smokers.
The flavor palette of this cigar is fascinating, with rich notes of chocolate, spice, and raisins. These ingredients create a sweet taste with the initial puff yet also deliver an abundance of warm spices that sit in your tongue.
The cigar includes a variety of Dominican tobaccos, including filler and binder to create a unique mix of flavors. The tobacco is aged and cured for a minimum of 15 years, creating a truly pleasant taste. Plus, these cigars come in a sleek and stylish black box to add to the decadence of this experience.
3. Gurkha Classic Havana Blend Robusto
The Classic Havana Blend Robusto features a delicious Nicaraguan blend that many cigar enthusiasts are partial to. Nicaraguan blends are less common in Gurkha cigars than Dominican tobacco but are equally delicious.
Many traditional cigar lovers enjoy the Gurkha Classic Havana Blend Robusto because of the classic cigar look and the deep Nicaraguan flavor that you can’t get just anywhere.
For a milder cigar experience, this Havana Blend is robust yet subtle, making it the ideal medium-strength cigar from Gurkha.
4. Gurkha Heritage Robusto
The Gurkha Heritage Robusto cigar is a special cigar that brings a variety of tobaccos together for a deep and different flavor. The tobaccos come from Nicaragua, Pennsylvania, and the Dominican Republic.
The mix of tobaccos offers a complex flavor with notes of sweet and savory. Ingredients like chocolate, spice, and coffee foster a luxurious taste for a full-bodied smoke, ideal for a cold day or post-dinner treat.
Most cigar smokers love this combination of tastes on their palette because it brings a unique taste to their cigar smoking experience.
5. Gurkha Warlord
The Gurkha Warlord features a Connecticut Broadleaf binder with a Nicaraguan filler. The Warlord is considered part of Gurkha’s special collection that contains a limited supply, so if you want to try one, don’t hesitate to make the purchase.
Many people may call this a breakfast cigar because of its delicate balance of flavors. It has notes of espresso, nuts, spices, and cream for a warm but interesting flavor. Pair this cigar with your morning cup of joe or enjoy it as an evening smoke for a wonderful smoking experience.
The Most Expensive Cigar in the World
Gurkha manufacturers and stores the most expensive cigar in the entire world. The cigar is called the Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar, and it costs $1 million before tax. After tax, they can cost up to $1.4 million!
The Gurkha Royal Courtesan is no joke. It’s the Rolls Royce of cigars, wrapped in gold leaf and decorated with five karat diamonds for a truly luxurious look. The tobacco is grown and cured with the utmost care. These tobacco plants thrive in the Himalayan mountains of Nepal and are watered exclusively with pure Fiji water. The tobacco is cured and infused with Remy Martin Black Pearl Louis XIII, a $165,000 liquor bottle.
Only the most talented and experienced rollers are permitted to roll the Royal Courtesans. And they even have to do it blindfolded! The blindfolds heighten their other senses, especially their haptic senses, as they roll the perfect cigar.
If you are fortunate enough to purchase one of these smokes, it will be delivered to you by an attendant wearing crisp white gloves that hands you the cigar at your door. The Royal Courtesan is the pinnacle of fancy when it comes to cigars, and while most people will never be able to enjoy it, a cigar aficionado can always dream!
Conclusion
Most cigar enthusiasts have tried at least one if not more Gurkha cigars. They have unique flavors that will delight your palate and offer a wonderful smoking experience every time. You can expect consistency in every cigar roll, which many smokers appreciate.
Plus, there’s no reason to deny that getting the fancy box is always fun! Gurkha loves to foster a feeling of luxury and class, which is why so many of their cigars come in beautiful boxes you’ll want to keep forever.
