Back at the 2022 PCA trade show, Gurkha Cigars showcased the latest in their limited-edition line of cigars – the Gurkha Colección Especial. This cigar features some limited tobacco leaf, especially the Hybrid Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. I recall speaking to Juan Lopez at the 2022 TPE show and he told me that Gurkha is shifting to be more focused on crafting quality cigars and continuing to work with factories that have been producing the best in the company’s portfolio. As for this particular cigar, they are working with Abe Flores and his PDR cigar Factory in the Dominican Republic.
The blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Hybrid Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
- Binder – Mexican Sumatra
- Filler – Habano, Connecticut Broadleaf
They are expressed in 3 vitolas, each packaged in 10-count boxes.
- Toro (6 x 54) $14.95
- Lonsdale (6.25 x 48) $13.95
- Robusto (5 x 52) $12.95
There is also a Tobacconists Association of America (TAA) exclusive release that is described as a plump figurado measuring (5 1/4 x 58) which is packaged in a special 8-count walnut box.
Pre-Light Examination
The Gurkha Coleccion Especial Lonsdale is a silky smooth, tan cigar that is light on veins and firm to the touch. The roll is pretty much seamless. Construction is completed with a well applied triple cap.
Two bands adorn the cigar. Both use white and gold motif and look rather elegant on the cigar. The primary band displays an image of the brands Gorkhali soldier in the center of the band while the secondary band denotes the blend (Coleccion Especial).
Running the cigar along the nose, I noticed there was little aroma along the barrel, while the foot presented a wet grassy note.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap perfectly and gave it some cold draw puffs that quickly offered notes of earth and a touch of growing spice.
I warmed the foot with the soft flame of a cedar spill to start the journey, a journey I will say began with hints of chocolate and a growing peppery spice. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- The journey opens with notes of growing pepper and a touch of chocolate
- The foot wafts a pleasant nutty aroma
- Solid white ash forms on top of a medium thick and even char line
- The draw is perfect offering the palate a mouth full of smoke in every puff
- Papery notes join the mix deep in the first third
- A pleasant transition to a fruitier note enters in the second third
- Solid ash fell in an awesome chunk revealing a perfect burn cone
- Sweet nut sensation adds to the profile
- Herbal notes form deep in the second third
- Moving into the final third, the profile gets a bit spicier but there is also a prominent and unbalanced bitter component
- Medium Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Analysis
The Gurkha Colección Especial Lonsdale journey commences with the emergence of a symphony of flavors, marked by the gradual crescendo of peppery notes accompanied by a subtle undercurrent of rich, velvety chocolate nuances. As the journey unfolds, the foot releases a delicate nutty aroma that gently beckons the senses. The draw, impeccable in its execution, bestows the palate with a generous mouthful of smoke with each puff.
Unfortunately, deep within the initial third, papery nuances weave themselves into the profile throwing the experience off a notch. The paper note does recede as a delightful transition takes place, ushering in a more fruit-forward note in the second third. The profile gains depth with the introduction of a sweet nutty sensation, adding layers of complexity burning through the second third. In the heart of the second third, herbal notes subtly emerge, contributing an intriguing dimension to the overall composition.
As the journey moves into the final third, the profile undergoes a transformation, adopting a slightly spicier character, but with a prominent, unbalanced, hint of bitterness. I would have liked the spice without the bitter. If you like Connecticut cigars, try one of these and be your own judge. I rate this a 90.
Point Deductions: (-2) Papery Notes early in the burn; (-1) Bitter notes in the Final; (-1) Not well balanced in the final third; (-1) Try One
Bonus Points: (+1) Excellent Burn
