Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
very good
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- generous
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The Gurkha Cellar Reserve 18 Years Koi, with its Perfecto shape measuring 101.6 mm (4") and a diameter of 23 mm (⅞"), is a true work of art. Its Dominican wrapper is meticulously crafted, offering a sheen and silky touch, promising a tasting experience that is both sophisticated and refined.
Upon lighting, the cigar reveals captivating pre-light aromas of toasts and fruits, which evolve into sweeter and more nuanced notes. As you draw, hints of wood emerge, initiating a rich and harmonious aromatic journey. The olfactory palette expands over time, and even without apparent sharpness, the finesse of the flavors evokes a perfect balance.
On the palate, the complexity unfolds across three distinct thirds. The beginning is marked by the creaminess of toasted almonds and a light taste of roasted coffee, which blend with the sweetness of the fruits. Harmoniously present, the note of leather in the second third subtly adds depth while maintaining a creamy texture that caresses the palate. In the final segment, a touch of white pepper crowns the ensemble, bringing depth without ever overpowering the lingering sweetness.
The finish is characterized by a pleasant sensation in the mouth, where the residual sweetness melds with a slightly salty note, providing a long finish. This balance between strength and sweetness makes each puff suitable for connoisseurs in search of delicate nuances, all while maintaining a generous smoke volume. You will appreciate this unique and delicate ensemble that makes this cigar an interesting and engaging choice.
Ideally, savor this cigar in the late afternoon, accompanied by a creamy coffee to highlight its notes of toasts and fruits. Despite some lighting challenges, the aromatic jewels of this Gurkha will transport you to a memorable experience.
Community impressions
Cigar enthusiasts highlight its incredible smoothness and subtle flavors. The Gurkha Cellar Reserve 18 Years Koi offers a fascinating complexity with notes of fruit, cedar, and toasted almonds. Although some draw issues have been noted, the balance of pre-light aromas makes for a pleasant experience, inviting a new tasting.
How to taste: Gurkha Cellar Reserve 18 Years Koi (Perfecto #2)
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1.The Visual Examination
The Gurkha Cellar Reserve 18 Years Koi is presented in a Perfecto format of 101.6 mm (4") with a ring gauge of 58. Its light brown, natural wrapper, combined with a beautifully crafted construction, showcases quality artisanal craftsmanship.
These initial visual elements reveal the quality of the tobacco and how it has been prepared, which can influence the tasting experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, the aromas are distinguished by notes of toasted bread, fruits, and wood that blend delicately. This olfactory palette is all the more intriguing, enriching the sensory experience.
These pre-light aromas, true to the raw tobacco, help create expectations for the upcoming tasting and sharpen one's attention on the aromatic transformations that will occur.
3.The Cut
The standard cut under the cap is essential for this Perfecto format — it must be clean and precise to optimize the draw. A careful gesture here paves the way for a pleasant tasting experience.
A proper cut ensures a consistent draw; an improper cut could compromise the experience, causing a difficult draw or uneven burn.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw proves to be easy, suggesting a good density of tobacco and careful construction. This is a positive indicator that prepares the smoker for a good start.
A smooth draw before lighting is a sign that the cigar is well-made — it avoids inconveniences during the burn, making the experience more enjoyable.
5.Lighting
When lighting, it is essential to take the time to evenly toast the foot of the cigar. This allows for an even burn from the start, revealing the promising aromas.
A careful lighting prevents imbalances in the burn that could require later touch-ups, ensuring a better tasting experience.
6.First Third
The first third reveals a mild strength, with dominant aromas of toasted bread and fruits, accompanied by a generous volume of smoke. This beginning promises a beautiful aromatic complexity.
This strong initial moment offers a glimpse into the main flavors and allows one to adjust their tasting pace to fully savor each nuance.
7.Second Third
As one progresses into the second third, secondary aromas of coffee, leather, and roasted almond emerge, enriching the experience. The balance remains very good, offering a beautiful harmony.
This aromatic evolution reflects the complexity of the blend and encourages attentive tasting to fully appreciate the richness of the flavors that unfold.
8.The Finish
The color of the ash is gray, and the finish is marked by a lingering sweetness complemented by a subtle saltiness. The finish is medium, leaving a beautiful impression.
Observing the ash and the persistent flavors in the finish provides insight into the quality of the tobacco and the meticulousness of the drying process, crucial elements for a memorable tasting.