Gurkha Grand Age Cigar Review

Posted in Cigar Reviews, Gurkha | 1 comment

This week, we have another guest review from our friend Andy Picone. He is going to be writing regularly for the site, so I hope you enjoy!

The Gurkha look intrigues me.  I love the ornate boxes, the interesting tubes and seals, and you must agree they have the most detailed cigar bands in the industry.  If a company would go to such great lengths to package a cigar, I need to investigate further.  A trip to the website was warranted.

My love for Cameroon wrapped cigars drew me to the Grand Age, not once or twice, but three times.  Okay, four.  I usually smoke two cigars to prepare for a review, but here I went for more.  The first one separated and the second, canoed beyond repair.  Keeping in mind that cigars are jewels made by hand by talented men and women; the most stringent controls can misfire on occasion.  But it was the man, his mustache and the swords that pulled me back for more.  Ah yes, marketing.

The Grand Age measures 7 1/2 x 54 with Nicaraguan and Peruvian leaves held together with Nicaraguan binder and Cameroon wrapper.  Smooth to the eye yet rough to the touch, the cocoa shaded wrapper held some very thin veins.  Carefully, I removed the cellophane, lightly toasting the foot with a few passes of the flame, and then let it rest.  While this pomp is not limited to Cameroon cigars, I do take special care as the delicate nature of the wrapper demands a deft touch. Now, off with the head and liftoff!

From the outset, the Grand Age produced a preponderance of smoke via a smooth and unfettered draw. The smoke was only a prelude to the flavors it would lay on the senses.  A lemony tone rested among the spiciness that one comes to associate with Cameroon.  This spice, mostly of a cinnamon nature, played well with the citrus for the duration of the smoke.  Occasionally, the burn would begin to become uneven.  Happily the cigar would self correct, allowing me to go on my way.  The Grand Age left a vibrant white trail of ash; a remnant of quality left behind from this medium bodied smoke.

I enjoyed this cigar with a Saint Arnold Texas Wheat Beer.  While this Wheat offers a lighter taste with a rich body, the Grand Age can stand up to the complexity associated with some ales.  Whatever you’re choosing, Gurkha’s Grand Age is up to the task.

Enjoy the ride.