The Gurkha Year of the Dragon is the first cigar from the brand dedicated to the Chinese calendar. It was presented at the 2023 PCA as a Double Figurado product, measuring, whose blend remained undisclosed. The only specific information was the manufacturer entrusted to El Artista (Dominican Republic) and the 15-ct box.
In January, however, Gurkha announced the release of four more Year of the Dragon references, each entrusted to a different manufacturer: AJ Fernandez, Casa Carrillo, Oliva, and Oscar Valladares. Each of these illustrious producers interpreted the release in their own way, with different blends and formats. The only constant for these four editions is the production, which is limited to 2000 boxes of ten cigars.
The cigar made at El Artista is dressed with a band that recalls the classic colors of the Chinese calendar: red, gold, and black finishes. The wrapper leaf is shiny and of a Colorado shade with red reflections. It is smooth to the touch, with marked veins. The overall construction is excellent, and the filling appears generous.
- Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
- Size: 52 x 171 mm (6 3/4″)
- Wrapper: N/A
- Binder: N/A
- Filler: N/A
- Price: $ 25 | € 35
Gurkha Year of the Dragon (El Artista): intense aromas of earth and wood are perceptible in the cold draw.
Once lit, the start is very slow, as is the norm for Double Figurado formats, and brings a delicately sweet but also sapid smoke to the palate. It expresses mineral and woody notes, followed by balsamic, peat, and coffee nuances. Strength is light (1/5).
The initial sapidity increases intensity in the central section while the sweetness disappears. Notes of cocoa and spices take over, equal to the wood. The strength rises, becoming medium-light (2/5).
A slightly bitter note also appears in the last third, alongside the sapidity. The notes of wood and spices remain while a robust earthy note enters. Strength becomes medium (3/5).
Overall, the Gurkha Year of the Dragon (El Artista) offers an interesting and balanced smoke. The strength is contained, which favors the flavor profile. Considering the vitola, the evolution could be better. The bitterness that becomes increasingly pronounced towards the end is not exactly the most suitable end to an otherwise good smoke.