Gurkha Cigar Group introduced the Tres Décadas in 2026 as a limited-edition release honoring Juan Lopez, Gurkha’s Vice President of Sales, and his 30 years in the premium cigar industry. The cigar made its debut at the 2026 PCA Trade Show in New Orleans.
Gurkha Tres Décadas (Photo Courtesy Gurkha Cigars)
The name Tres Décadas translates to “Three Decades,” reflecting Lopez’s three decades in the cigar business. Rather than simply marking another anniversary for the Gurkha brand, the release recognizes Lopez’s career and his contributions to the company and industry.
The blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro
- Binder: Nicaraguan – Jalapa
- Filler: Nicaraguan – Condega Viso, Estelí Ligero, Ometepe Seco
The Gurkha Tres Décadas is also offered in three vitolas; a 5 x 52 Robusto (MSRP $11.95), a 6 x 50 Toro (MSRP $12.50) and 6½ x 56 Gordo (MSRP $12.95). All three expressions of the blend come packaged in 10-count boxes. A limited production of 1,000 of each vitola have been produced. The factory is not disclosed.
Pre-Light Examination
The Gurkha Tres Décadas Toro is cloaked in a fairly smooth, milk-chocolate-brown wrapper with very few noticeable veins and a light sheen across the leaf. The cigar is firmly packed from head to foot with no apparent soft spots, and a well-applied cap finishes the presentation.
The Gurkha Tres Décadas band has an ornate, old-world presentation built around a rich royal blue, gold, silver, and white color palette. At the center is a large silver-and-white medallion containing a stylized “JL3” monogram (paying homage to Juan Lopez) framed by elaborate scrollwork. The traditional Gurkha name and crest appear across the upper portion, accompanied by decorative medals and the years 1996 and 2026 representing the 30 years Lopez has spent in the premium cigar industry.
The lower portion prominently displays “TRES DÉCADAS” in white lettering, with XXX beneath it made by 3 crossed swords, again signifying the three decades being celebrated. Small portrait medallions flank the name on either side. Gold edging and intricate line work run throughout the oversized, die-cut band, giving it the elaborate presentation typically associated with Gurkha packaging.
Running the cigar along the nose, I picked up earthy aromas along the barrel, while the foot offered notes of pepper and fruit.
I used my double-blade Xikar cutter to make a straight cut just above the cap. Despite the solid, firm packing, the cold draw was smoother and less restricted than I expected. Fruit and pepper were clearly present on the cold draw.
With the pre-light examination complete, it was time to fire up the Tres Décadas and see what three decades had brought to the table.
The Cigar Journey
Using my double-flame torch, I warmed the foot and drew in the first puffs of peppery smoke to start the journey.
The pepper established itself immediately, but it didn’t remain alone for long. After the first inch, a fruit sweetness began to develop along with a cinnamon note. The combination softened the opening pepper and gave the early profile a sweeter and more balanced character.
Deeper into the first third, a slight caramel note entered the mix. It remained subtle initially, complementing the fruit and cinnamon rather than overtaking them.
The ash fell as the cigar transitioned into the second third, revealing a decent, centered burn cone.
Moving through the second third, the caramel became more refined and joined the continuing fruit notes as the core of the profile. This was a natural progression from the pepper-driven opening, with the cigar settling into a noticeably sweeter middle portion.
As the Tres Décadas approached the final third, the profile began another transition. Cedar entered the mix along with a developing spice, gradually pushing the earlier caramel and fruit into the background.
Moving through the final, the spice continued to increase, providing a more assertive finish to a cigar that had moved from pepper to fruit and caramel before closing with cedar and spice. The strength gradually hit the full mark, so be aware that this is a slow but steady increase in nicotine strength. Total smoking time was 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Final Analysis
The Gurkha Tres Décadas Toro delivered a straightforward but nicely transitioning flavor journey.
The initial pepper gave way to fruit sweetness and cinnamon before caramel developed late in the first third. The caramel became more refined through the second third and worked well with the lingering fruit. Cedar and spice then took control as the cigar entered its final stage, with the spice steadily increasing toward the finish.
Construction was solid throughout the experience. Of particular note was the draw. Considering how firmly packed the cigar felt during the pre-light examination, I expected considerably more resistance. Instead, the draw was smooth from the start. The centered burn cone revealed after the ash dropped was another positive indicator of the cigar’s construction.
In terms of strength, the Gurkha Tres Décadas Toro is a full-strength cigar. The strength builds along with the developing spice and becomes especially noticeable moving through the final third.
At an MSRP of $12.50, the Tres Décadas Toro sits at a reasonable price point for a limited-production cigar, especially with only 10,000 Toros being produced.
The Tres Décadas offered enough transition to keep my attention, with the fruit, cinnamon and increasingly refined caramel through the middle portion being the highlight of the journey before the cedar and spice carried it through the final.
If you’re a Gurkha fan—or simply interested in seeing what the company created to recognize Juan Lopez’s three decades in the premium cigar industry—the Tres Décadas Toro is certainly one to put on your radar.
