4/7/2014
Cigar: Gurkha Warlord
Size: Toro Gordo, 6.7”x60
MSRP: $10.36
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Origin: Nicaragua
Prelight: The Warlord is absolutely beautiful. An oily, toothy wrapper covers this gargantuan cigar. The wrapper gives off a musty aroma, while the foot smells faintly of cocoa. The cold draw is perfect and is strongly cedar in flavor.
1/3: The burn is flawless. A beautiful tight, white ash holds on strongly with a razor sharp burn. I’m picking up flavors of citrus and sweet grass. There is a hint of black pepper that adds a bite to the smoke. So far I’m impressed and loving this cigar.
2/3: The second third switches flavors to cocoa and wood. I’m also picking up a hint of mint. The burn is still perfect, but I notice that the wrapper is beginning to split slightly. I adjust the band in hopes it will keep this thing from blowing up on me, because I am loving it.
3/3: The flavors in the final third are a mixture of all that I tasted previously: grass, cedar, mint and a little bit of cocoa. My careful manipulation of the band is working, and the cigar holds together all the way to the nub.
Overall: Amazing cigar. I loved every inch of this monster. The flavors were full-bodied and delicious. Beside the small split, the construction was perfect as the ash will attest. This is a Gurkha blend that I will buy again. And I’m not embarrassed to say it.