Comments on: Gurkha Cellar Reserve XO

By: jimbobber

jimbobber — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 06:28:05 +0000

Hey, Tony! I have in my hand a Cellar Reserve Churchill that was gifted to me by CigarCraig. The band reads identical to what you stated, with the exception that mine says Dominican Puro (not Nicaraguan as yours did). The Gurkha website states the Cellar Reserve is “comprised of an oily Criollo 1998 wrapper, that combines an aged Dominican, Olor binder with a 15-year old Dominican filler”. I wonder when the change in filler tobacco was made, or if the band was (initially?) printed incorrectly. Your picture clearly reads “Nicaraguan”. I find it interesting that you mentioned harshness in the final third. Out of the 6 or 7 Gurkhas that I have tried, only 2 have I been able to smoke past the halfway point, and both also turned disappointingly harsh. Generally speaking, I find Gurkas to be relatively airy with a bland, woody flavor, productive of an excessive amount of stationary smoke, and not really worthy of finishing. I must say, though, that this Cellar Reserve Churchill has a wonderful pre-light aroma; far better than the few other Gurkhas I have had. Color me slightly hopeful at this point.

By: Tony Casas

Tony Casas — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:25:39 +0000

In reply to Ray. Another El Pasoan! Very cool! Thanks for the read that the feedback. Yeah, I had real high hopes for this one, no idea why. The hype that surrounded it got me I guess.

By: Ray

Ray — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 05:58:40 +0000

just stumbled upon this review. I am from the EPT as well. spot on review, didn’t live up to the hype and is probably the last gurkha i will purchase.

By: Tadd

Tadd — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:00:27 +0000

The only Gurkha I have enjoyed and I have very limited experience was the Sherpa… Great yard dog….. Good to see you not like something even if it is a Gurkha… Ha! At least it’s MSRP is a little reasonable not $150 or more etc….

By: czerbe

czerbe — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:05:03 +0000

Pictures are looking Great Tony. I’m not versed in the Gurkha lines but I have heard the similar things about the brand not to rush into them. I’m not a fan of a big ass kicking from a cigar I get that enough from the wife. The band and the stick look great. You would think with all that ageing it would have drawn out some of the nicotine. Merry Christmas

By: abraxas828282

abraxas828282 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:21:30 +0000

Thanx for the review. I have to say I have tried over 12 different Gurkha’s, never once have I enjoyed the cigar. I had high hopes for this one. Very glad you took one for the team. LOL. I will not be wasting my time or money on this stick.

As for the beer! Yes, I am a big Ommegange fan and the Three Philosophers is one of my favs.

By: jjo

jjo — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:04:58 +0000

In reply to Tony Casas. Saw the beer at Safeway today for $13+! Picked up a bottle of Fonseca Bin No. 27 for a buck more instead. :) Maybe next time.

By: Tony Casas

Tony Casas — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:04:50 +0000

In reply to jjo.

Its not flavored AT ALL! Try it! Seriously 🙂

I was curious on that translation too. I don’t get it. Maybe I am missing something 🙁

Thanks as always dude!

By: jjo

jjo — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:02:56 +0000

I was hoping that this would finally be a Gurkha worth looking for, but it doesn’t sound like it. Not a fan of the sizes either. Well, at least the band is entertaining. Nicaraguan Puro with Dominican binder? Hmm. And the rest of it sounds like an awkward translation. At least with all the self-accolades, they haven’t priced it out of the stratosphere. 😉

I see that ale everywhere I go. I may have to break down and try it sometime, although I’m not a big fan of flavored beers. I tried a cherry Lambic long ago that wasn’t for me.

As always, great review, great pics!