The Truth About Gurkha Cigars: Addressing the Critics

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  • Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
  • If you're a fan of Gurkha Cigars and you spend much time in online cigar communities, you might be scratching your head over why the brand gets so much shade thrown its way. Certainly, Gurkha gets plenty of anti-hype from a certain portion of the cigar world. In fact, there seems to be little middle ground with their cigars. And that's why I made this video.
    During my time in Cigars, I have seen the blends in Gurkha's catalog go through substantial changes. If you're a fan, and you find yourself kinda scratching your head, here's a look at the ghost of Gurkha past, where the criticisms come from, and what has changed.
    #cigarsdaily #cigarsdailynation

КОМЕНТАРІ • 647

  • @madhawaiian9732
    @madhawaiian9732 8 місяців тому +77

    The issue with Gurkah is that they list their blends for 30 dollars, but have the same build quality and blend of a 2 dollar cigar. If they priced their cigars appropriately they would be better off.
    They have a small handful of elegantly crafted cigars, but the last 20+ blends all felt like an afterthought to the marketing.
    Sadly, the actually good blends are the ones that are priced so high that there are better options in that price range.

    • @kovy689
      @kovy689 8 місяців тому +6

      Hublot

    • @bobwarfield3621
      @bobwarfield3621 8 місяців тому +7

      I have tried a few of the Gurkas but have been very disappointed .

    • @feelthaflo82
      @feelthaflo82 8 місяців тому +2

      ​@@kovy689Exactly - Gurkha is the Hublot of the cigar world!

    • @dbanga5
      @dbanga5 4 місяці тому +4

      @@CobraKaiNoMercy think u made a mistake on your math there bud

    • @CigarsDaily
      @CigarsDaily  4 дні тому

      Yeah, those '$30 blends' have been around for a long time. Its for sure one of those cigars that makes me give a little side eye! lol

  • @bavariabearfan
    @bavariabearfan 8 місяців тому +73

    A Gurkha is a Nepalese Elite soldier, they served the British Empire for years and created their signature combat knife that they are so well known for. They were concidered fearless in battle and completely trustworthy. A Gurkha has absolutely nothing to do with the Turkish Empire.
    Love your channel and have learned much from you all. Greetings from Germany and keep up the good work.

    • @Kenny-yl9pc
      @Kenny-yl9pc 8 місяців тому +6

      The crazy thing is that the British general in the 19th century I believe (could be wrong), who fought against the Gurkhas, was so impressed with their courage, discipline and braveness that he said something like he needs those brave and crazy mfs under his command and he will be unbeatable. I don't know what exactly happened but somehow, they managed to recruit them and since then, the Gurkhas are a proud and historical part of the royal army.

    • @gratefulpipeandcigar3239
      @gratefulpipeandcigar3239 8 місяців тому

      Excellent, thank you.

    • @RTUK1
      @RTUK1 8 місяців тому +2

      The Ghurkas remain part of the British Army, who operate a Brigade of them. They specialise in jungle and mountain fighting and are famous for their bravery and ferocity in combat. You only have to look at all the medals they earned in the Iraq and Afgan wars, earning among them the Victoria Cross. Interesting fact that although the Brits had the largest empire in human history spanning a 3rd of the worlds landmass and population in the early 20th centuary, Nepal was never part of it. They just chose them as they made great fighters

    • @TheWagtail685
      @TheWagtail685 7 місяців тому +1

      And they still serve in the British Army to this day

    • @avanti797
      @avanti797 4 місяці тому

      Thank you for clearing the misinformation.

  • @michaelnentwig8465
    @michaelnentwig8465 7 місяців тому +3

    I'm one of those people who sample multiple cigars to find the perfect life changing one. Saying that I have tried the Gurkha brand and found it pretty good. I have also sampled lots of garbage with high end names. I do like watching your vids to try to wrap my brain around the whole selection process. Keep up the good work!

  • @parkertilson6437
    @parkertilson6437 8 місяців тому +76

    Gurkha is the nickelback of cigars, most people hate them, some people just like to hate on them and then there is a few that actually like them but are too afraid to admit it.

    • @___bluff___
      @___bluff___ 8 місяців тому

      😂🙌🙌

    • @blackplague6592
      @blackplague6592 8 місяців тому

      The nickleback of cigars...haha😂

    • @jamesbuchanan3145
      @jamesbuchanan3145 8 місяців тому +11

      Nickelback is great. Phenomenal live show.
      Gurkha is unadulterated lawn clippings from a poo soaked 3rd world cow farm.

    • @j.w.822
      @j.w.822 8 місяців тому

      The Nickelback of cigars is Acid. It's popular to hate them, yet they're secretly loved in private.

    • @dansexitstrategy5042
      @dansexitstrategy5042 7 місяців тому +2

      Lol dude nickel back is a hugely popular band

  • @stephenhause719
    @stephenhause719 8 місяців тому +6

    I counted you saying Gurkha 52 times…..great information and unbiased perspective on a brand that has struggled with reputation.

  • @Guardians814
    @Guardians814 8 місяців тому +9

    I definitely enjoyed this video. It was really interesting to hear the history / background of this brand and it's comeback. I've had a few different Gurkhas over the past few years and have enjoyed them. I think it would be a cool series if you did more background / history style videos of different brands.

  • @wiggawithattitude
    @wiggawithattitude 8 місяців тому +8

    Never had any issue with Gurkhas. In fact one of the most flavourful smokes I've ever had was the royal challenge. Being in the British military, I like their branding too, although I feel like the guys running it don't know much about that history nowadays.

  • @user-zi3qq6fe8l
    @user-zi3qq6fe8l 8 місяців тому +26

    Long-time viewer, first-time commenter. Love your content. Nearly all of my cigars are purchased online (a majority are rated 90+) at discounted prices. The only cigars I have ever returned were Ghurkas: Beauty and the Beast. Construction, presentation and flavor could be described in a word: cheap.

    • @logan3186
      @logan3186 Місяць тому

      I've never had construction issues with Gurkhas. And the Beauty and the Beast are a poor example of Gurkhas by which to judge the whole brand

    • @user-zi3qq6fe8l
      @user-zi3qq6fe8l Місяць тому +1

      True enough, though I've tried others. Let Cigar Aficionado be the judge: 427 non-Cuban cigars/blends to crack the top 25 in 21 years. Gurkha has made the list exactly once.

  • @heathcliffcd
    @heathcliffcd 7 місяців тому +1

    The Gurkha Colorado is one of my favorites, I have yet to try more, looking forward to the cellar reserve lines. Good topic and always enjoy the videos.

  • @davebarron5939
    @davebarron5939 7 місяців тому

    This is extra interesting for me currently, my new neighbor just gave me a Gurkha Titan, plan on enjoying it soon, so this adds a whole new reason to try it. Open minded and looking forward to it. Cheers!

  • @flboileralum2861
    @flboileralum2861 8 місяців тому +1

    About a year ago, I "rebooted" by cigar journey after a multi-multi-year hiatus. I tried the Gurkha Shine and Royal Challenge. They weren't bad by no means... I would say they fit what I was looking for at that time and were a springboard for experimenting with different brands, blends, etc. I just haven't revisited them in a while. I wouldn't be against trying Cellar Reserve.

  • @brandonwahl4817
    @brandonwahl4817 5 місяців тому +1

    The Heritage was one of my all time favorites for awhile. The only reason I've began to shy away from them is just because of frequent issues with the draw towards the middle of my smokes. The I'm a huge fan of pepper flavors with my cigars and I always get that, on the finish, of each gurkha I've smoked.

  • @dbach1025
    @dbach1025 2 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for sharing. I love Gurkhas, but only have been smoking them for 4 years and never heard any criticism other than who didnt like them or who did. The Gurkhas today are beautifully constructed and some transition better than other.

  • @TJ_Hack3r
    @TJ_Hack3r 8 місяців тому +1

    I road the wave of Gurkha. Had some that were great and fell in love with the brand years ago, then for a while I could not get a cigar from them that didn't have construction issues (cracking, coming apart after a clean cut, etc). I haven't bought any for a while, but I keep my eye out for some of their newer blends

  • @HugeJackfan
    @HugeJackfan 8 місяців тому +1

    This is why I love you Tim, other cigar videos who talk about Ghurka, trashed it, hence why I dont have an opinion on it. Ive never had a Ghurka.

  • @richardvicentino5466
    @richardvicentino5466 8 місяців тому

    I've just got into cigars and have been trying to smoke many different kinds to find what I like, but so far the Ghurka Ghost Asuras have been my favorite. I love them. I am still learning to pick up flavors in cigars but I do get chocolate notes from them.

  • @fredhadley739
    @fredhadley739 6 місяців тому +4

    The Cellar Reserve 15 year is a favorite. I've sampled other Cellars but the 15's flavor suits my palette. I haven't had many other Gurkhas, but am trying some of the Ghosts lately, the first one wasn't noteworthy but I tried another and found it pretty good, rich, toothy without the oil and grit, and a very nice ash. I'm optimistic that I'll enjoy the rest of the Ghosts, will let them rest a few months in my humidor first. Nice video.

    • @Nuggets26111990
      @Nuggets26111990 6 місяців тому

      Mine also!

    • @RaptorV82013
      @RaptorV82013 3 місяці тому

      I really like the grand reserve, the cognac really sets it apart

  • @dcshipps
    @dcshipps 8 місяців тому +2

    My 1st cigar was a Gurkha but it was too strong for a newb. Combine this with the fact that I let it dry out and had no idea what I was doing and thus a bad experience. With that said, I have not tried them again so I am interested to hear what others experience has been.

  • @DoDo_276
    @DoDo_276 5 місяців тому +3

    I started my cigar journey with Gurkha Cellar Reserve 21y Solara Double Robusto, It was an amazing nutty, naturally sweet flavor going all the way to chocolate and becoming more apparent towards the end of the smoke. The issue that I have found since then with Gurkhas is their quality control and that the same cigar will taste and be wrapped much differently, so it is sometimes true hit or miss. The next time I had 21y it was just underfilled and soft... the flavor was noticeable but not that strong (came from the same box and humidor)
    Last time I had Gurkha 15-year limitada which quite frankly I was disappointed with, was underfilled and the wrapper at the foot was not holding properly so half of the smoke was going everywhere... but not coming through.
    So to sum it up... I found that the greatest issue is with their QC, and consistency and nobody wants this hit-or-miss type of cigar in the box when you want to relax.
    ( Price of these cigars in EU are about 18-20€, so for that price I would rather go La Aroma del Caribe Pasion Encanto which had same nuttines, sweetness and is cheaper at least in my experience in EU and much more consistant)

  • @Handapanda247
    @Handapanda247 7 місяців тому

    Like them. Bought a bunch of different ones very recently, seems value for money since they weren't that expensive. You've summed it up very well!

  • @raulotero8059
    @raulotero8059 8 місяців тому

    Haven’t had one yet. Willing to try it. I appreciate your info. Nothing but love for you and your crew.

    • @mikeg6666
      @mikeg6666 8 місяців тому

      Honestly you're not missing anything , they're nothing special and the ones I've tried all tasted the same. Also they're "soft" cigars , not rolled tight enough. I don't know about you but I don't like mushy cigars , you're better off going with Roughrider's if you're looking for an affordable cigar that you can smoke everyday. A 5 pack online only costs $20 and they're worth it IMO!✌️

    • @BIG_Z_69
      @BIG_Z_69 8 місяців тому

      They don’t read the comments …. Or reply….. ever

  • @augusteelder6483
    @augusteelder6483 7 місяців тому

    I am in the latter group that is new to cigars, with my first Gurkha being the 18-year Cellar Reserve. While my cigar palette is still developing, it is quite honed from being in the tea industry. In other words, I'm no cigar expert, but I am not coming into the leaf or tasting world completely blank. I found the 18-year Cellar Reserve to have a sophisticated and sweet profile that evolves nicely over the course of the stick. The only criticism I have thus far is that when put side to side, the sticks' profiles vary quite a bit in construction, and with some having the tightest draw I've encountered yet, requiring quite a bit of draw-poker surgery. But a company's shady past is definitely something that can flavor its products, understandably. I appreciated the background you provided so that I could contextualize the situation; I wasn't getting straight answers from various cigar shops that seemed to deliberately omit the brand, and my curiosity was left unfulfilled to your video. Thank you!

  • @ThatCigarGuy
    @ThatCigarGuy 8 місяців тому

    It's funny this video just came out. I work in a cigar lounge earlier this week I was talking with an older co-worker about Gurkha's and that I wasn't a fan but it had been a long time since I had one. As I remember the flavor wasn't good and had terrible problems with the burn. He was saying that they have a lot of good blends and I should give one a try. I also tell guys they should always give a brand a second chance so I'll follow my own advise and try one this upcoming week and see how it goes.

  • @danielbenchetrit9262
    @danielbenchetrit9262 Місяць тому +1

    So far no good experience smoking them. Barnyard murky yucky unlucky
    Cigars. What a Beast!😂
    I watched Rocky Patel new quality control in his factory tour and was impressed by his precise description of the complex process of making cigars. Kudos for a fantastic lecture. A must see !

  • @thomasprinds9679
    @thomasprinds9679 8 місяців тому

    Had a Gurkha for the first time yesterday. 12 year reserve, restricted release. Notes of oak and champagne IMO. It was not a bad experience by any means. Not my favorite but one that I will likely try again. I'm newish to cigars. I started on the infused cigars as one does, then moved to pipes over the past year and a half, and now I'm smoking non infused cigars regularly because I work at a shop. I'm making my way through all the major brands. I smoke usually three to four cigars a day and I can tell you I've had some significantly worse smokes. The only issue I had was the burn but I am not currently able to rule out user error. Overall, I would say to give it a try.

  • @MB-zj3er
    @MB-zj3er 20 хвилин тому

    I don't usually buy them, but I was given a Heritage for Father's day, and it was a really pleasant smoke. I would definitely smoke more.

  • @johncribb1978
    @johncribb1978 8 місяців тому +4

    I love your stuff Tim. You're the best at what you do. As far as this brand, I'm just not a fan, but I will try a couple of their newest cigars based on fairness. BTW, I'm currently enjoying my Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro which is my favorite Maduro on the market today. That should tell you something about my taste. Been enjoying cigars for over 40 years.

  • @Matinthemorning1
    @Matinthemorning1 8 місяців тому +1

    I’m new to cigars and have purchased a couple sample packs from my local smoke shop. I found that I like Gurkha, I didn’t know there was this issue with them till now. WITH THAT SAID I wouldn’t pay full retail per cigar, only worth it for me in a multi pack that comes to about 6 or 7 per cigar

  • @nickneher4680
    @nickneher4680 8 місяців тому +3

    I totally noticed everything Tim is talking about in this video about Gurkha. I used to love their cellar reserve line and ghost line but then I tried the beast and beauty line and the construction on them were terrible and long with no flavor. I do like some of their new blends. I can see why so many people talk so much smack about this company and their cigars used to be so over priced.

  • @RobertSmith-rg1pu
    @RobertSmith-rg1pu 8 місяців тому +24

    I've always been a Gurkha fan, I wish my local shop carried more of their blends

    • @brandondirocco9816
      @brandondirocco9816 21 день тому

      Always liked the black ops, they're tasty, and considering most of the time I have to smoke a cigar Im doing something, they're cheap, if I drop it over the kayak or while I'm doing yardwork, whatever I get another 1

  • @mikejenn75
    @mikejenn75 8 місяців тому +2

    Remember Gurkha VS Rocky Patel!! You either liked one hated the other. I think Rocky fell into this situation too. Built a big name, made way too many different cigars for too many distributors and suffered quality issues. I like Rocky over Gurkha but today I hesitate to buy both!

  • @jpaulparker
    @jpaulparker 7 місяців тому +5

    Your analysis is 100% spot on. They were ok in the beginning back in the 90s, got crappy for a few years when they concentrated more on packaging than product. Over the past 10 years they've improved

  • @Wolfpackcigarclub
    @Wolfpackcigarclub 8 місяців тому

    Agree with the quality of the smokes. It's not that the cigar is terrible but just the overall construction experience. I've had some good Gurkha and some bad but I would never bash them publicly the way some individuals do online. It seems like its a trend that people just want to be a part of. My opinion, if you really hate them just don't buy or smoke them and keep it moving. I actually have a few Ghosts in my humidor, never had a bad experience with that stick. Good video!

  • @timbrown6599
    @timbrown6599 8 місяців тому

    I loved their "Warpig".I would like to see them return!

  • @A_Jackson3228
    @A_Jackson3228 8 місяців тому

    I’ve had about four Gurkha cigars in the last few weeks. Just learned about them while I was cigar endow shopping a few weeks ago. Great cigars!

  • @jblossomgame1588
    @jblossomgame1588 8 місяців тому +1

    I'm new to Gurkha and love the Cellar Reserve. My favorite is the 12 year Platinum.

  • @brianhuffman8712
    @brianhuffman8712 8 місяців тому +1

    One of my first Gurkha cigars was a cellar reserve, a beautiful presentation and great light up. The first third was great and then the bad burn started. You gave a very fair and honest review and I'd be willing to give them another try.

  • @beocca_the_preist3770
    @beocca_the_preist3770 6 місяців тому

    I smoked my first Gurkha this weekend and really enjoyed it, I also bought a Gurkha Ghost for the future.
    I’m relatively new to learning about different Brands though…does anyone have any suggestions?

  • @dkoll09
    @dkoll09 8 місяців тому +1

    When I first started smoking cigars about 4 years ago, I bought a Gurkha sampler pack and enjoyed most of the sticks in the pack. So, I reordered 5 packs of the blends I liked; however, I found the 5 packs were terribly inconsistent with regard to burn and flavor. One might taste great and the next would just taste like garbage. Moral of the story, I think Gurkha still has major consistency issues. I’ve never had the same issue with fuente, padron, Oliva or AJ Fernandez sticks.

  • @mitchellmiller9729
    @mitchellmiller9729 8 місяців тому

    I have probably ten different Gurkha blends. A small minority were bad but the majority are very good. You have a great show..
    ..

  • @paulmullin9955
    @paulmullin9955 4 місяці тому

    I tried 2 Gurkha cigars early in my cigar oddessey. The Ghost and the cellar 15 year. At the time I was “learning” cigars and developing my palette.Neither gripped me but I do remember the Ghost was a total smoke bomb. Not that I didn’t enjoy it, that was the one thing I that really stood out to me. I have deceived to revisit the brand and picked up a Royal Challenge in the rubusto ( my preferred size). As my pallet has matured, I will hopefully be able to discern the nuances and flavors to determine whether or not Gurkha is trash or a good cigar manufacturer.

  • @davidshepherd8508
    @davidshepherd8508 8 місяців тому

    Had that same smoke time my only gurkha cigar iv had and I liked it and will try another one of their blends no problem just not got around to it yet maybe my next order of smokes.

  • @user-tr7lt4gz5s
    @user-tr7lt4gz5s 8 місяців тому +4

    Just puffing on my Gurkha Ghost Gold Shadow as I watch. Love your videos! Always informative.

    • @user-tr7lt4gz5s
      @user-tr7lt4gz5s 8 місяців тому

      Also, this is my first Gurkha and I love it!

    • @CobraKaiNoMercy
      @CobraKaiNoMercy 7 місяців тому +2

      Try the Ghost (Silver), it has more flavor and I like it better than the Gold!

    • @coalhair99
      @coalhair99 День тому

      THAT is a good Gurkha blend!

  • @bryanheaton6356
    @bryanheaton6356 8 місяців тому

    I have a cognac infused Gurkha in my humidor that I definitely overpaid for on a cruise ship, figured I’d smoke it for my 40th a week after the trip ended but had some unexpected family stuff pop up and now I’m saving it for a real celebration. Hoping it holds up!

    • @lestagez
      @lestagez 8 місяців тому

      don’t ruin a special occasion with one

  • @rickytapp3990
    @rickytapp3990 8 місяців тому +2

    My first cigar 7 years ago was a Gurkha Class Regent, and to this day I still really enjoy that cigar. As an auto detailer on the side, Gurkha is like the Chemical Guys of the auto detailing industry. If there’s one tire dressing, there’s 10,000. The heavy marketing is annoying and a put off for me.

    • @Nick-ue5bp
      @Nick-ue5bp 8 місяців тому +1

      as someone who used to be a detailer and still enjoys it, this makes me want to try a Gurkha less lol

  • @user-sh6pm2iw8v
    @user-sh6pm2iw8v 4 місяці тому

    Tim I followed you from tht original channel you you where on... I don't watch him anymore... I watch you... For a reason,.. keep up the good work nro

  • @luisestrada1784
    @luisestrada1784 8 місяців тому +1

    Great video. Gurkha are a good cigar that people just love to hate on. Their like the kirk cousins of the cigar world, overlooked, under appreciated and not as bad as people make them out to be(a saints fan trying to be unbiased). Either that being said I only buy Gurkha when they're on wicked sale because I know at $2-6 a stick I'm getting a phenomenal deal! I usually get the CI special where 5 stick are like $20 . I don't go to a store and spend Plasencia money on them... a great intermediate cigar for new people and enjoyable year round. Great bands on the cigars too.. again just my opinion a part time cigar smoker of 7 years.

  • @sireone5472
    @sireone5472 8 місяців тому

    Well it's on my list but haven't pulled the trigger on em yet but let's see how this review goes!!

  • @Pillowhead1983
    @Pillowhead1983 3 місяці тому

    I tried to get my buddy into cigars. He came up from West VA to hang out, so we went out and picked out some cigars. He picked out a 12 year aged Platinum gurkha. He said it was amazing. Him and our other friend who's more of a pipe smoker. He had a taste of my oliva Connecticut and he said it was horrible but loved the gurkha. I gave it a taste and thought it was really good. Just one hit though. I'm just happy he found one he liked and wasn't discouraged from the oliva.

  • @momentocigars
    @momentocigars 8 місяців тому

    GREAT video, Tim!

  • @hugodalpe1812
    @hugodalpe1812 17 днів тому

    I have tried quite a few of Gurkha's cigars and never had any real problems with them. Some were good, some were ok but personally I have to say that my favorite was the 15 years old... had the 12, the18, the 21 and others but for me, it was the 15 that surprised me the most.
    I have not had the chance to try the Ghost, but I will try to get a few of them.

  • @therealtrabo
    @therealtrabo 5 днів тому +1

    I smoked some Gurkha's from a sampler a couple years ago when I first started smoking. I don't remember them well enough to have much of an opinion on them. However, a friend recently gave me a sampler pack that I tossed in my humidor and I will be trying them soon. Hopefully they aren't too disappointing, but all the chatter I see online about them doesn't leave me too confident lol.

    • @CigarsDaily
      @CigarsDaily  4 дні тому

      I hear you. But remember that chatter is just like hype. It can create an unfair impression. But the fact that you've had them and they didn't make much of an impression is a gauge imo.

  • @shaabanicistrunk2972
    @shaabanicistrunk2972 4 місяці тому

    I like Gurkha just started smoking them...didn't know about that bit of history so I appreciate you speaking on it

  • @WilliamBenoit-gh5lz
    @WilliamBenoit-gh5lz 8 місяців тому

    I happen to love Gurkha cigars,it's probably the one I smoke the most. I just finished their Havana Blend, Governors Private Blend and the 125th, I ordered 10 each and enjoyed every one with no problems. Call me cheap but in this economy you have to save money when you can. Thanks Tim

  • @AZombiePENGUIN1
    @AZombiePENGUIN1 8 місяців тому +2

    I had picked up a 15 yr cellar reserve on a whim then I started researching it and was on the fence on trying it now. Might gift it to a friend for his finances pregnancy announcement. Got a few liga no. 9 that I know I like.

    • @leoscarpoli1nonly
      @leoscarpoli1nonly 8 місяців тому +1

      Its a great smoke. Not too far off from quality and taste of the Liga Privada flying pig but bigger

  • @bradmarner2056
    @bradmarner2056 8 місяців тому +3

    Bought a box and got a free knife. The Company I bought from listed the knife at $380+. Find them online for $20. Kinda like the cigars. Overpriced

  • @russellnentwich8745
    @russellnentwich8745 8 місяців тому +1

    I have smoked the Gurkha 12 and 15. They were good cigars. They are not in my top 10 but I enjoy them. I actually have a few in my humidor. I like a bit of variety.

  • @opiestein8212
    @opiestein8212 2 місяці тому

    My first Gurkha was a G3, they ended up becoming my favorite, I still fill my humidor with others as well. And as a big fan I will also say they have dropped the ball on some ghost being an example of one I did not care for and glad I only picked up one. I still stand as a fan though after all the bad. I don’t try and tell people they are the greatest out there, especially at the price point but I still go buy a small sampler for friends when they decide to start smoking.

  • @Xiomaro01
    @Xiomaro01 3 місяці тому

    I very much enjoy a few gurkhas and I always have some on hand. Particularly I like the black dragon, the 15 and 18 year cellar reserve, and also the Grand reserve cognac

  • @sbrozak
    @sbrozak 8 місяців тому

    i really enjoy the Black Ops Berserker. The quality control appears to be better on the smaller ring guage.

  • @xUNKN0WNS0LDIER
    @xUNKN0WNS0LDIER 8 місяців тому

    I'm a newer smoker and I own 1 Gurkha that I got from a subscription box that I've been sitting on for a while now. Am definitely excited to try it eventually, but when I researched online I only saw shitty things about the brand. Not surprising that they still have a bad stigma about them with newer smokers since there's nothing good to say other than that they had problems in the past and are better/different now

  • @jpmcgillicutty
    @jpmcgillicutty 2 місяці тому

    I seem to remember Juan Lopez talking about bad licensing deals that lead to some of these online retailers slapping the logo on cigars that weren't necessarily "Gurkhas" in order to move product.
    My rule of thumb is if i cant find it on Gurkhas website or an authorized B&M shop i stay away from it.
    With that being said, I do enjoy the cellar reserve, the ghost, and even the infusion blends on occasion like the Abuelo.

  • @mrobin1987
    @mrobin1987 7 місяців тому +1

    When my wife and I went to Savannah a couple of years ago, I stopped by a cigar shop on River Street. I bought my first Gurkha, and I thought it was a very good smoke.

  • @mr.j6567
    @mr.j6567 4 місяці тому +1

    I have tried the Gurkha Ghost and Evil. Honestly, I like them. That's just me. I agree with Tim, not every cigar is for everyone.

  • @CobraKaiNoMercy
    @CobraKaiNoMercy 7 місяців тому +2

    Love the Gurkha Ghost - Phantom. It’s a great cigar and I enjoy smoking it regularly.
    Their catalog cigars are pretty bad though (which ironically is what most people have tried lol).

  • @dethmane
    @dethmane 8 місяців тому

    I've only ever had their Cafe' Tabak and it was a fantastic cigar. So good, I actually have looked into buying a box of those said cigars.

  • @paydenelvick5190
    @paydenelvick5190 8 місяців тому

    Every cigar I’ve ever smoked had issues. I’ve smoked 5-6 of their blends a couple times as I try not to judge off one cigar. Construction is subpar quite a few wouldn’t draw. If they did draw the flavor was practically non existent. Can’t get with you on this one Tim, but you smoke what makes you happy man. I’m sure I’ll keep giving them a shot every once in a while.

  • @theodorewilfong2nd349
    @theodorewilfong2nd349 8 місяців тому +2

    So now the Gurkha has taking the time to rebuild their brand is there anything in particular there's you would recommend to try?

  • @SimpleIdeaz
    @SimpleIdeaz 8 місяців тому +3

    Gurkha was my favorite brand when I first got into cigars around 2007 and almost the only one I smoked (beauty, centurian, and status being my favorite). Then I feel their quality went down and they oversold their newer cigars which where not great. When this happened I started looking elsewhere.

    • @leoscarpoli1nonly
      @leoscarpoli1nonly 8 місяців тому

      Same. They started getting focused on bands the cigars quality took a distant third rank to the weird new names they kept coming up with.

  • @rickduarte9940
    @rickduarte9940 8 місяців тому

    Haven’t had a bad one yet. Bought a couple of boxes of their Sherpa Orange sticks back in the day. Cheap sticks and smoked great.

  • @Knifeguyyy
    @Knifeguyyy 8 місяців тому +2

    Tim should buy and review the million dollar Gurkha!
    I avoid them purely based on reputation. Maybe I should try a few? 🤷🏼‍♂️⚔️

  • @operationandy
    @operationandy 8 місяців тому +1

    That 15 year reserve and the ghost. One smooth and one for the pepper. Amazing sticks

  • @bilJeschke
    @bilJeschke 8 місяців тому

    Good info Tim. My wife really likes the flavor of Gurkha but the tight draw on them made her move on to CAO as her go-to brand. She is willing to try Gurkha again after watching this.

  • @carjackersinc.
    @carjackersinc. 8 місяців тому +1

    I have smoked the Gurkha Ghost and their glass tube cognac cigar and enjoyed them both.

  • @lukeellsworth1377
    @lukeellsworth1377 8 місяців тому +1

    I've just gotten into cigars and Ive smoke a lot of Gurkhas and they have all been well constructed and tasted good

  • @SouthTexasLivin
    @SouthTexasLivin 8 місяців тому

    The black dragon Maduro tubo is what first started me on this journey

  • @NinjaKasani
    @NinjaKasani 4 місяці тому

    I definitely love the cellar reserves that i tried. Some of the other ones I've enjoyed some of the other ones not so much. There are some I've tried I would definitely describe as cheap but some that I found very enjoyable to me just like any other brand.

  • @joesmith3438
    @joesmith3438 8 місяців тому

    I bought a sample pack of gurka from cigars daily in 2018 I was a fairly new cigar smoker. I had a lot of quality control issues very very uneven, burning, super loose, packed cigars. I will admit that I have not tried another Gurka since then, and just assumed that it was trash, I am willing to give them another try and see if things have improved

    • @mikeg6666
      @mikeg6666 8 місяців тому

      You're spot on with your assessment , they're spongy cigars and canoe alot IMO. I've tried a few different ones and they were all the same , I won't buy them again...

  • @markschullo2822
    @markschullo2822 6 місяців тому

    I have tried the Legend and the Beauty and found the flavor okay (medium and kind of flat profile wise). I like the Colorado and the price is right. Olivas are my favorite as far as quality for the price.

  • @GreyChaos
    @GreyChaos 8 місяців тому +1

    Gurkha fan here. They haven't all been amazing, but most of them have been quite enjoyable. The continue to be a go-to brand of mine.

  • @chadhall1424
    @chadhall1424 8 місяців тому

    I've had some really good ghurkas over the years. I've not had any more dud sticks (burn/draw issues) than I have from any other companies. Lot of people are afraid to appear inexperienced, they heard someone they respected say ghurka was trash so it must be so... the journey is about finding YOUR favorite or best cigar, you'll never find it going off of someone else's opinion.

  • @ambaalamps
    @ambaalamps 8 місяців тому

    Before I even watch. I like Gurkha Cigars they have a cool label which was what brought me in and I think they are tasty. I also don't spend ANY time in the online community, outside of your channel and a couple others. I used to be a reader of cigar Aficionado back in the day. I don't own a private jet so I am not really their market. I smoke what tastes good and is not too expensive and when it is expensive it better have a reason that I already know like Arturo Fuente.
    ok now I watch the video and see if I am super upset and never smoking them again...ya right.
    :)
    added after.
    great video. I have been smoking cigars off and off since right before or right at the boom. I just liked smoking but I didn't want to smoke cigarettes.

  • @indelibledom5654
    @indelibledom5654 7 місяців тому

    Had a great experience with gurkha 2 6 packs all 12 sticks tightly rolled solid construct with very easy draw and even burn with that said that's half the battle all 12 had a traditional cigar aroma reminding me of being a 12 year old seeing and smelling the grandfather's smoke. So I highly recommend gurkha if you are on a budget or not the blue, yellow and red six packs if you enjoy time smoking a good cigar you can't lose.

  • @Steven-pn7dq
    @Steven-pn7dq 8 місяців тому +1

    I love the cellar reserve collection❤ I have all 6 boxes in my collection

  • @craig2468ful
    @craig2468ful 6 місяців тому +1

    I like Gurkha sticks especially the royal challenge in Maduro Robusto the second third is amazing

  • @bluewolfcarr9055
    @bluewolfcarr9055 8 місяців тому

    I purchased some Hudson Bay as a lawn mowing cigar. Burn has been great, taste is consistent, and if I need to set it down I'm not out 10 bucks

  • @kenwitte1
    @kenwitte1 8 місяців тому +2

    I’ve had some very good Gurkas. However, the worst cigar I’ve ever had was one of theirs. I pulled literally FIVE 2-3” stems out of the end of it! It was total junk

  • @l.s.aldridge5798
    @l.s.aldridge5798 8 місяців тому +1

    My first cigar I really fell in love with was the Gurkha Grand Age about 13 years ago. As I branched out to other Gurkhas I experienced the quality issues mentioned, but the Grand Age has always been good.

  • @HunterOtts
    @HunterOtts 7 місяців тому

    I’ve tried many because I hear everyone trash talk them but out of the around 8 different cigars I’ve had from them, I’ve like every one!

  • @Mikeone7001
    @Mikeone7001 8 місяців тому +2

    I enjoy a good Gurkha, I have had many of the different ones, and I can’t remember getting a bad one.

  • @mikeg6666
    @mikeg6666 8 місяців тому

    I ordered a 5 pack a couple times , they were just okay. I doubt if I'd order them again , when I smoke a daily or afternoon cigar I prefer Roughrider's. Better flavor and wrap IMO!

  • @snail415
    @snail415 5 місяців тому

    The coolest part of this rundown is that the poor cigar doesn’t smoke, and doesn’t get smoked. 😂Good video.

  • @jrobertmoore9406
    @jrobertmoore9406 3 місяці тому +1

    Very happy as a retired Federal Supervisory Economist, and a cigar smoker of long standing at 72, to see someone provide a clear explanation of the business side of cigars, and the experience of the Gurkha brand in particular. Good work, and I hope your viewers appreciate it.
    Also as a former small brick and mortar collectables dealer of postage stamps, comics, hot wheel cars and other favorites of kids born in the 1950s, I also appreciate you touching on how the premium cigar boom and internet vending in the late 1990s to the mid 2000s has changed a lot of small business models and actually brought many " boutique " niches, like premium cigar brick and mortar shops to near extinction. This has clearly been the case in collectables. Luckily for cigar store owners, you can not sell cigars on eBay. The discounting online has profoundly changed the market, and brick and mortar stores have had a difficult time to find ways to stay afloat. More videos on that subject would be useful.
    As to the many who just like to use social media and comment threads just to argue and trash whatever, all I can say is please up your game pass the middle school level, and sit back, enjoy the content, while you have a goid cigar, and a shot or two of your favorite spirits, and let the endorphine rush from nicotine and alcohol mellow you out.

    • @brandondirocco9816
      @brandondirocco9816 21 день тому

      While I prefer brick and mortar to online shopping, my local shop is in a casino. Where they double the price of everything. You want a standard ashton Churchill. 50$ each. Kristoff 35 a cigar. Original xikar cutter that sells for 40-50 pretty much anywhere 150$ nope not paying that markup.

  • @jedonmatthews2977
    @jedonmatthews2977 17 днів тому

    I’ve tried Gurkha’s cigar sampler when I got into to smoking cigars and I don’t mind them. Not my top choice but they are worth a smoke every now and then. And definitely a decent enough cigar to lend to a friend who’s interested in getting into smoking cigars.

  • @dogface7966
    @dogface7966 8 місяців тому

    I have had some Gurkhas that were pretty good some that were just ok and a few that didn’t have any chance of me finishing them. I will still get them now and again but only the ones I’ve had success with.

  • @bigcatproductions2789
    @bigcatproductions2789 8 місяців тому +3

    Had Gurkha at the beginning of my Cigar experience so , no opinion because I haven't had one since ☺️

  • @henrytorres551
    @henrytorres551 7 місяців тому

    I recently smoke a Gurkha Revenant Maduro. I had never heard of Gurkha cigars or smoked one before. The day before I smoked the Gurkha cigar, I smoked a A.J. Fernandez New World Dorado.
    The New World was a great cigar, full of flavor. When I smoke the Gurkha there was a big difference in flavor, almost no flavor in the Gurkha. I tried the Gurkha on Cigars Daily recommendations.
    I will give them another try to be fair. I have two other blends of the Gurkha Revenant Corojo and the Maduro Ghost.

  • @deltalima5806
    @deltalima5806 6 місяців тому

    I started smoking Gurkha over 25 years ago. They were my favourite cigar. I started smoking cigars recently again after 20 some years and I never knew this but fortunately I missed the bad error LOL because they are my absolute favourite cigar or at least the top three

  • @williamthompson8254
    @williamthompson8254 8 місяців тому

    I actually just got a Gurkha Legend 2001 I believe it’s called. A friend gave it to me but I haven’t tried it yet. Still sitting in my humidor.

  • @garygary8183
    @garygary8183 8 місяців тому

    How's that king chii humidor working out for you?I bought one also.