4/3/2014

Cigar: Gurkha Centurian Sultan
Size: Toro, 6.3”x56 (box-pressed)
MSRP: $24.00 ( )
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Connecticut
Origin: Dominican Republic



Prelight: The Centurian normally comes in a double perfecto shape, but this toro gordo can be found in various samplers. The aroma was extremely mild. A slight floral scent coming off the wrapper and foot, but that was it. I clipped the cap with my Xikar double guillotine and the entire cap peeled off. I was doubtful that the cigar would last the entire smoking time. I would be handling it carefully to keep it from unwrapping from here on out. The cold draw was extremely light.



1/3: Tons of smoke poured off the foot after lighting. However, almost no smoke was being drawn through the cigar when I puffed. I had to triple puff just to get a good draw. The flavor was mild. A bit of dried apples and toast. If they were going for subtlety, they nailed it. I had to touch up once to avoid canoeing and the ash was just about the ugliest I have seen, but the wrapper was staying intact.



2/3: The cigar stayed mild in flavor. The floral aroma I detected during prelight was now a flavor being picked up through the delicate smoke, as well as a sweet woodiness. Another touch up was needed during the second third, but I was actually enjoying the mild flavors. I would have liked to see them a bit more pronounced, but they were good nonetheless.



3/3: The final third was all wood (a little charred at that) and the draw began to get better. I was now fully enjoying my first Gurkha. The wrapper stayed strong despite no longer having a cap and the canoeing straightened out.

Overall: Great yard ‘gar, except for the occasional touch up. Flavors were mild, but delicious, making this a good noob smoke. I am glad I have another one – a double perfecto – to give it another try this summer. I feel that the perfecto shape would be better for the draw.