The Stogie Guys

A few months ago I won a five-pack of Gurkha Ancient Warriors on Cigarbid. To be honest, I hadn’t really paid much attention to the picture, description, or dimensions of the stogies. I just figured they were Gurkha Ancient Warriors.

Then the package arrived. The sticks were so large I checked the return address to make sure they hadn’t been sent from Hillerich & Bradsby. The purple band was offset by a wrapper at the foot that ran more than three inches up the 7.5 inch cigar. Glancing at all the printing on it, I was surprised there wasn’t a second page.

After identifying K. Hansotia & Co. as the manufacturer and noting “A Century Of Tradition,” the label announced that this was a “Special Edition / Private Stock / Limited Vintage / Brazilian Blend / Ancient Warrior.” Try writing that on your next order form.

Well, I began to wonder just what these 50 ring gauge behemoths were. I looked up the Ancient Warrior on Gurkha’s site and there was no resemblance. Then I put in a call to the Beach Cigar Group in Miami that’s listed on Gurkha’s site as the contact. I didn’t know if that was the name of the actual manufacturer or the wholesaler or distributor or what, but I figured they could tell me about the cigar. And maybe they could. But after leaving a bazillion unreturned voice-mail messages, I gave up.

I sent an email to SteveR at CBid asking about the sticks. He replied almost at once. This Ancient Warrior, he wrote, is “very different from the one you will find on the Gurkha web site…made exclusively for us.”

He said the blend is Cuban-seed Brazilian tobacco with a Brazilian maduro wrapper. The “regular” Ancient Warrior has a Nicaraguan binder and Dominican and Honduran filler, according to Gurkha’s site.

OK, so then I knew what I had. Now I should move along or this review will end up almost as long as the cigar.

The prelight aroma was light and pleasant; touched by flame, it was even nicer. The smoke was silky and smooth. From start to finish, there were many tastes: a little pepper, some leather, hay, cedar, caramel, vanilla.

But, let’s face it, smoking a cigar that long can seem more like a job than a pleasure. When I clipped the head, I halfway expected it to reveal rings instead of tobacco.

On the other hand, of the four I’ve smoked, one was plugged beyond repair, but the other three burned fine. Remarkably fine, I’d say, for a stick that size. They didn’t get hot and the draw was OK throughout.

I paid $15 for the five-pack and, since it was one of two orders, the shipping made for a pretty low total.

Rating the cigar is difficult because of all the considerations. But I think you’d have trouble finding a better bargain if you like a cigar that looks like Bobby Abreu should take it to the on-deck circle.

As for me, I can’t see spending that much time smoking one cigar again, so I finally came down to a rating of three out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–George E

Tags: cigars

Check this week’s Friday Sampler for a chance to win George’s final Gurkha “CBid” Warrior.

It’s a good thing this Gurkha Class Regent Torpedo sports one of the manufacturer’s typically distinctive bands. Otherwise it might be mistaken for a block of chocolate candy. The dark Habana 2000 wrapper looks nearly good enough to eat.

But this box-pressed beauty is better for smoking.

This particular stick was a gift from Stogie Guy Patrick S, who said he got it from CBid. He generously passed it along when we met last month in Ybor City.

My experiences with Gurkha have been fairly limited, so I had no real preconceptions when I clipped and lit this one. Before even beginning to concentrate on the taste, I was bowled over by the smoke: incredibly thick, rich, and creamy. Few cigars can match the level of smoke produced by the Regent. It really did hang in the air as if you could slice it with a knife.

After blowing a few smoke rings, I began to concentrate on the taste. There was an initial sharpness that smoothed out about a third of the way down, replaced for a short period by a sweetness and then a nuttiness. As the gray ash grew, the tobacco taste began to meld with a warm, earthy tone. In the final third, hints of caramel came and went.

According to Gurkha, the cigar has a Habana 2000 Indonesian binder and Dominican filler. They call it medium to heavy; to me, it was closer to medium on the scale.

The draw was fine, and the heavy smoke continued throughout. A roomful of politicians puffing these Gurkhas could set a new standard for smoke-filled rooms.

The only problem I encountered involved the burn, including a little canoeing about halfway down. But I was able to correct that fairly easily with a touch up light.

All in all, this is a very satisfying cigar and one I plan to smoke again. It also got me interested in exploring more of the Gurkha line. I give this stick four out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–George E

In our last Friday Sampler we told you about a deal that included eight name-brand cigars and a humidor for just $15. Never ones to talk the talk without walking the walk, today’s Stogie Review is the Gurkha Gurkha Connecticut Reserve Robusto #4, one of the eight cigars included in that heavily discounted deal.

Having never had a Gurkha before, I was looking forward to this review based on the excellent reputation that Gurkha has built up. Unfortunately I would be a little disappointed by this toro shaped “robusto” (6″ x 50 ring gauge).

The cigar had an attractive Connecticut wrapper, except for two strange black blemishes. I clipped it with the double guillotine and gave it a proper light with some wooden matches.

After a few nice puffs I decided that, given I was smoking on my front porch, I saw no need for the band, which would only get in the way once I got to the very end of the cigar. (For more on removing the band see here.) This proved to be a big mistake.

Almost instantly after removing the band, this thin shade grown Connecticut wrapper curled up exposing the grayish-brown binder. I repaired the wrapper as best I could using the magical glue-like powers of saliva, but the result was very crude: Part of the wrapper had fallen off completely while other parts were out of place, leaving binder exposed. Likely due to these construction issues, multiple touch-ups were required.

Aside from these major problems, I very much enjoyed the cigar. It had a mild to medium creamy caramel flavor with slight nutty tastes. It reminded me a little of the Romeo y Julieta Vintage (a stogie that’s rated very highly). The flavor was consistent all the way through, and the Gurkha had a nice easy draw.

Unfortunately, the awful construction cast a dark shadow over all of this cigar’s positive characteristics. (I’m hopeful that the other one of these that I have in my humidor proves this poor construction is an abberation.) Had the cigar held together it could have been a three and 1/2 or even a four stogie cigar. Instead, it only gets two out of five stogies.

[Attention DC Area Stogie Guys: Bethesda Tobacco is having a La Flor Dominicana event today from 5-9. We won’t might will be in attendance, but so feel free to let us know how the event was join us. Also, we’ve confirmed what Jerry from Stogie Review told us, that free BBQ and drinks will be provided, and there is a buy three get one free special!]

-Patrick S

Here’s an easy suggestion for anyone who has been smoking handmade cigars for more than a few years: Revisit those that were your favorites but you don’t smoke as often anymore.

If you’re like many cigar smokers (including me), there were certain cigars you used to smoke frequently that you just don’t anymore. You probably haven’t even thought much about why they aren’t in your regular rotation anymore. They just aren’t.

There are lots of good reasons why you no longer smoke certain cigars. Maybe your tastes have evolved. Maybe the blends have changed. Maybe your cigar budget changed.

All those are true for me. But this year I decided to make an effort to smoke more of the cigars that were go-to smokes back when I really got into cigars well over a decade ago. The results are interesting.

Some were disappointing, or at least not as good as I remembered. Despite my colleague’s recent high praise, I found the Gurkha Regent underwhelming. The Rocky Patel 1992, a cigar I often cited as a favorite back in 2005, was pleasant but not as interesting as I remembered. Same for the Maria Mancini, which was the first box I purchased nearly 20 years ago.

Others have stood the test of time. Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 is still an excellent full-bodied smoke. The Ashton Classic remains a well-made, mild smoke, even if that profile isn’t one I turn to as often. CAO Brazilia, another go-to from long ago, is still enjoyable, even if it isn’t as full-bodied as I thought it was at the time.

In other words, the result of my exploration of the cigars I used to smoke is a mixed bag. But the exercise was thoroughly enjoyable. Some I plan to smoke more often, others I’ll probably leave alone.

Your experiences may vary, but revisiting cigars from your past is a fun, interesting exercise. Go ahead and try it out and let us know how it goes.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

It has been over five years (!) since the StogieGuys.com team published a new list of Gold Star Smokes. As you might recall, this special designation celebrates cigars we feel are worthy of extra-strong recommendations. They don’t necessarily have to be five stogie-rated—just commendable smokes we find ourselves turning to time and again.

Co-Founder & Editor in Chief Patrick A

My newest addition to the Gold Star Smokes designation is also new to the market. Since reviewing it in April, I’ve been enamored with Diesel Hair of the Dog. It’s a lightly pressed, toro-sized (6 x 54) smoke with a smooth, golden brown Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper around an Ecuadorian Habano binder and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. Sweet hay dominates the pre-light notes. It begins with a Pepin-esque blast of pepper and then settles into a complex profile complete with creamy cashew, white pepper, toast, a bit of cinnamon and, in the final third, a little licorice. It’s an absolute gem from famed cigar maker A.J. Fernandez and well worth the $10 asking price.

Cigar Review: Diesel Hair of the Dog

Co-Founder & Publisher Patrick S

In the past few years the single vitola I’ve purchased, given away, and smoked most frequently is Illusione’s Rothchildes CT. There’s no question that the price (under $200 for a box of 50, if you shop around) is part of the reason. But it takes more than value to be a Gold Star Smoke. Irrespective of price, it is a thoroughly enjoyable, medium-bodied smoke, with creamy, toasty notes, coffee, oak, and hints of pepper. It’s well-balanced and well-constructed. Add in a price tag under a Lincoln, and it’s easy to see why this is a cigar worth seeking out.

Cigar Review: Illusione Rothchildes CT

Tampa Bureau Chief George E

I’d be hard-pressed to guess how many Gurkha Class Regent Torpedoes I’ve smoked since reviewing one over 12 years ago. It is not a complex cigar, but one that is pleasant and consistent. Perhaps the most notable characteristic is the thick, abundant smoke. Like many Gurkhas, the list price, which for this one is, I believe, $11, isn’t what you pay. In fact, it’s the bargain-basement cost that helps make the Class Regent Torpedo so attractive. I’ve paid under $3 each, including shipping, and you can routinely find them for about $3.50. If you’re looking for a companion to a round of golf, a fishing outing, or simply relaxing when you don’t want to concentrate on your cigar, this is one to try.

Stogie Reviews: Gurkha Class Regent Torpedo

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post our sampling of cigar news and other items of interest from the week. Below is our latest, which is the 577th in the series.

1) In celebration of Avo’s 30th anniversary, Davidoff this week announced the release of the sixth iteration of Avo Improvisation, “a limited series inspired by unexpected combinations of music and cigars.” Only 2,400 boxes of 25 cigars have been made in a single ultra-premium vitola (7.5 x 50). The recipe, which is inspired by the Avo Classic No. 3, includes an Ecuadorian wrapper, Dominican binder, and Dominican filler tobaccos. The per-cigar price is $16. Improvisation pays homage to Avo founder and Juilliard-trained jazz pianist Avo Uvezian, who passed away in March 2017 at the age of 91.

2) Drew Estate has announced the pre-release of the Liga Privada No. 9 Corona Viva, which is exclusive to the Cigars International Super-Store in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. The cigar “features a Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf Oscuro wrapper, a plantation-grown Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers,” according to a press release. “Similar in concept to the Undercrown Corona Viva, released in 2012, the No. 9 Corona Viva features the core blend with increased Ligero for a fuller and stronger taste profile.” The Corona Viva was launched as a pre-release yesterday in limited quantities. Boxes of 24 ($290) will be available at Cigars International’s CIGARfest in limited quantities.

3) As the official bourbon sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve has again released a special edition bottle for the 2018 Kentucky Derby (which takes place tomorrow). The commemorative bottling is filled with the standard-issue Woodford Reserve bourbon and sells for $44. It is also used in the $1,000 mint juleps sold at the derby in a special edition silver cup (and a $2,500 julep that comes in a gold-plated cup) with proceeds going to charity.

4) Inside the Industry: Gurkha Cigars announced its first Tobacconsits’ Association of America (TAA) exclusive cigar, which is an extension of the company’s Heritage line. It is made with an Ecuador Habano wrapper and blinder around Peruvian and Nicaraguan filler. Only 1,000 of the Toro box-pressed cigars will be made, and they will retail for $100 per box. Look for them this summer.

5) From the Archives: Ever wonder how The Stogie Guys got started smoking  cigars? You can read the full story here.

6) Deal of the Week: Fancy humidors can be great, but when it comes to functionality and value you’d be hard-pressed to beat an acrylic jar like this one, which is currently on sale for $17 (with free Amazon Prime shipping).

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Davidoff

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post our sampling of cigar news and other items of interest from the week. Below is our latest, which is the 555th in the series.

1) Debonaire Cigars and Drew Estate have teamed up to launch Debonaire Daybreak, which is shipping this week and expected to hit retailers this month. It is “the first Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade-wrapped cigar exclusively sold through Drew Diplomat Retailers as part of the Drew Estate portfolio,” according to a press release. “Daybreak offers the ultra-premium quality expected of the Debonaire product line” with “crisp notes of spice and earthiness from the Central American fillers, [and] a nutty and sweet richness from the Dominican tobacco in the binder and filler with a smooth finish.” Six sizes will be available in the $8.74 to $13.25 price range: Corona (6 x 46), Belicoso (6 x 54), First Degree (4 x 44), Robusto (5 x 50), Sagita-Petite Lancero (5.5 x 38), and Toro (6 x 50). “Daybreak has given me a unique and nostalgic feeling of excitement in releasing another quality product into the industry I’ve been blessed to enjoy now for over 25 years,” said Phillip S. Zanghi III of Debonaire. “I cannot begin to express the excitement of the Debonaire lines’ growth, as well as the thanks and gratitude for those who enjoy my product and are willing to work with me.”

2) In an interim report this week, tobacco giant Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) announced plans to spend up to $7 million to open two new retail cigar shops in Texas. STG owns General Cigar and operates a number of retail outlets internationally, as well as catalog and online operations. In the U.S., STG has three Cigars International shops in Pennsylvania and Manhattan’s tony Club Macanudo. STG did not specify locations or names for the new Texas shops and did not reply to an email seeking further details. The opening for the first new store is planned for the middle of next year. (UPDATE — 10:20 AM ET: STG has confirmed both locations will be Cigars International stores, with one in Forth Worth and the other in the Dallas suburb of The Colony.)

3) Pennsylvania-based retailer Famous Smoke Shop has announced two new exclusive cigar lines, both made at Nestor Plasencia’s Nicaraguan factory and blended by Famous employees. Jim Charnley, director of purchasing and merchandising, created Huntsman Cigars, which is inspired by his Scottish heritage. His recipe includes a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, a Mexican binder, and Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Brazilian filler tobaccos. Michael Klingerman, Famous’ buyer of exclusives, created Truce Connecticut Reserve to symbolize the “middle ground we turn toward in times of turmoil.” His blend includes a Honduran Connecticut wrapper, a Nicaraguan Habano binder, and filler tobaccos from Honduras and Brazil. Both new lines are offered in three sizes—Churchill, Toro, and Robusto—and retail in the affordable $5.25 to $5.75 range.

4) Apple has removed multiple apps from its app store because of their cigar-related content. Cigar Aficionado announced this week that its “Where to Smoke” app, which provides cigar smokers with listings of smoking-friendly venues, was removed after Apple cited the app as violating its prohibition on promoting tobacco use.

5) Inside the Industry: Gurkha is offering three distinct “Super Luxury Packages” that include first-class accommodations from anywhere in the world to Miami for a three-night stay to blend your own cigars at Gurkha’s headquarters. Depending on your package of choice, you will receive anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 cigars. Prices range from $100,000 to $1,000,000.

6) From the Archives: Cook a steak up right, with the our guide to the perfect steak.

7) Deal of the Week: StogieGuys.com recommends Bespoke Post, a monthly collection of awesome items (think fine bar accessories, hot sauce kits, shaving accessories, wine, workout gear, exclusive cigars, and more) delivered for just $45. Once you are signed up there is no obligation; you can skip or purchase every month. Sign up here to be eligible for the December box.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Drew Estate