Gurkha Status Torpedo Review

Gurkha Status Torpedo Cigar Review

10/17/2022

Gurrkha is a brand I just haven't quite figured out.  I think I've sampled a few cigars from Gurkha going back 15 years and can't say anything good or bad about them.  I've only smoked a few of each from samples.  I don't remember them being good or bad, but that was many years ago.  

 

This one is advertised as a 'super premium.'  I got 4 of these from a sampler and I don't remember paying too much.  Cigar International has these currently for like $9 a piece.  That's a lot for a cigar that doesn't have any real credentials.  And it's a mild cigar with Connecticut wrapper and Dominican binder and fillers.  Doesn't sound like a $9 smoke unless from a very well known brand.  Well, let's see.  

Starts off somewhat mild with some spices.  It's a pretty strong spice, not tingling my tongue, but more on my nose.  Right away I can taste cream soda and cedar.  Really smooth.  Has a flavor like drinking a cream soda.  The spice now tingles the tongue like carbonation.  

 

It's a little windy out tonight. I always smoke outside and I hope the wind doesn't make it smoke too quick.  I usually smoke a mild cigar fast, as I'm trying to get all the flavors that I can out of it.  But this one seems to have plenty of flavor.  I don't feel the need to suck it hard.  

It has a beautiful white ash.  It drops leaving a nice cone.  It is burning perfect.  Developing more creamy and cedar tastes.  It's not as creamy as some of the finest Dominican Connecticut mild smokes, but this one adds some sweet and spicy flavors with no harshness like some cheaper Dominicans. 

I guess I like it.  I always like a spicy cigar with sweet aftertastes. 

Only 25 minutes in and I've really enjoyed it, but hoping to get more out of it.  Hasn't really transitioned much.  Still good flavors.  Wrapper did crack. Haven't had that happen in a long time unless I pressed on it.  Still smoking good, but was really expecting to start burning better, delivering more smoke.  But still enjoyable.  I've got 3 more, so might re-review if the others finish better.  Don't get me wrong. It's still smoking good and is pleasurable.  Just don't know if I can can call it 'ultra premium.'. 

 

It was burning so well until now.  Seems green and wants to burn internally.  It is windy so that might make it burn wrong, but it will need touched up. 

After relighting, it's medium to full flavored.  I think I can feel some of the power now.  The sweetness comes out a lot more now.  It's burning hotter now, but more earthy and dried fruit taste.  More earthy aftertaste, slight harshness.  Not bad though.  Still good taste overall, but not finishing great.  Picking up strength, but having to squeeze the foot to keep it smooth.  Peppery flavors now overpower the profile.  Can taste some caramel  under the rich tones of cedar and pepper.  It's trying to be a premium, but just not that refined.  

 

I'll smoke them again.  Maybe needs a few more months in the humidor,  and I think it will satisfy you with good smooth flavors. 

Overall a good smoke.  Delivering strength and good flavors to the nub.  No real harshness, still good.  Tasting some citrus and dried fruit.  It's still good.  

 

Got 50 minutes in and it now finishing with good strong flavors.  Not as refined as a great Dominican, but definitely a great complex smoke.  Not the most pleasing cigar, but very interesting and flavorful.  If it'd burn better, I'd rate it much higher.  A good, complex smoke that keeps good flavors throughout.  

 

Overall:89

Flavor 93, complexity 92, burn 88, experience 90, value 88.