Commentary: What Is the Aroma of One Cigar Burning?

This started out to be about a cigar, but, like so many things involving the Internet, it evolved into something else altogether. What began as a simple search to get information on a cigar given to me about which I knew nothing led, instead, to a site I can only describe as a masterwork of cigar scholarship.

The website is called Zen & the Art of the Cigar. I had read reviews there numerous times, but failed to really explore the site. It was only after the incredible information that turned up as I was searching for the Gurkha European Selection Habano 2000 that I began to grasp what was there.

Interestingly, it has something in common with a Zen koan because, while I can describe it simply, that would utterly belie its complexity. What am I talking about? Well, you could say it‘s a list of all the Gurkha cigars, comprising, as I write this, 93 blends. But in reality there’s so much in addition to the basics. You’ll learn about wrappers, strength, vitolas and what’s an Internet exclusive. And more. Jamie Sprenkel is the man behind the site and the list, as well as others he has compiled and made available under the Manufacturer Spotlight link at the top of his site.

“The Gurkha listing took a while—probably several months off and on,” he said in an email. “And of course it requires constant updating, as Gurkha seems to release a new cigar a day.”

For cigar smokers, there’s more good news. Sprenkel tells me he plans to continue to add listings to his site as he finds time to do them. “I’ve been working on a Habanos list for quite some time,” he added.

While the name of the site might evoke an image of Buddha relaxing with a Churchill, the work done by Sprenkel—who noted that he’s not a Buddhist but sees “a lot of Zen in the cigar”—led me to another comparison. I think he’s the John James Audubon of cigars.

In any event, in case you’re wondering how I enjoyed the Gurkha that started all this, it was an enjoyable smoke. Mild to medium in strength, loose draw, flaky ash, and some interesting flavors. I’d give it three stogies.

-George E

photo credit: Gurkha