The Gurkha Tyson 2.0 Undisputed Maduro 6x54 was an improvement over the Habano, but that is not a challenge. It’s like Tyson taking me on in the ring. It delivered some faint cocoa and earth qualities throughout, and it was consistent. Body and strength were on point with the flavors and it’s an easy smoking cigar. It’s not worth $19.00, but there are few cigars these days that are worth $19.00.
The Gurkha Tyson 2.0 Undisputed Habano 6x54, in a word, was disappointing. The first and second thirds were pleasant enough, but I was expecting a more dynamic profile out of a $19.00 cigar with Tyson branding. The last third started out flat and became unbalanced as the wood bitterness increased in strength. There's nothing in the flavor delivery that would interest me in returning.
The Tyson 2.0 Undisputed is a collaboration between Gurkha Cigars and LGNDS. There are two different blends being released from the Tyson 2.0 Undisputed line: Maduro, which is encased in a black top humidor, and Habano, which is encased in a gold metallic humidor.
The Gurkha Pure Evil Toro had a nice start, with a velvety smoke delivery. The second third dropped a level as the flavor profile wasn't quite as interesting and maintained that level the rest of the way. I liked how the cigar started, and really wished it could have kept the cinnamon component throughout. I would be interested in trying the Robusto vitola to see how that fared, but I'm not really sure that I'd come back to this Toro.
The Gurkha 35th Anniversary Toro had an average flavor profile throughout. The stale, dry, toasted cedar was the main player and didn't really set a tone for an exciting smoking experience. I appreciate the low cost for an anniversary cigar, but it just didn't deliver on flavor, and that's what I'm here for. I don't see returning to this cigar.
The Gurkha Ghost Connecticut Shadow stood out from the pack in the first third with interesting flavor combinations. Through the second and last thirds, the profile was more in line with a standard Connecticut Shade offering. I think the Gurkha Ghost Connecticut Shadow offered an above average flavor profile for a Connecticut Shade blend, with a price point that's fairly attractive for the 2023 market.
It's hard to beat a good Connecticut with a great draw and burn line. With an enjoyable flavor profile, and a matching strength and body level, the Gurkha Colección Especial Lonsdale smoked wonderfully from beginning to end. Gurkha never seems to fail with Connecticut releases, and I am curious to smoke this offering in a different size.
Gurkha Cigar Group International announced a brand new packaging design to an old favorite: The Royal Challenge. Reaching brick and mortar shelves near you will be a new design on the staple brand from Gurkha Cigars. The products began shipping this week and should be in stores soon.
The Gurkha Real Toro was a pleasant, albeit fairly average flavor experience throughout. The last third was unbalanced and did detract somewhat. The profile is quite light, and certainly fits for a more classic Connecticut profile, so would appeal to cigar smokers who only smoke in the lighter end of the spectrum. For me, this cigar didn't do enough to differentiate from the other Connecticut offerings in the market.
The Gurkha San Miguel Toro was an average cigar from start to finish. It produced an AGANORSA flavor that you find with some of the lower end offerings. This wasn't a cigar composed with the best AGANORSA tobacco. It was earthy with some damp wood and pepper spice. Medium-full throughout. Nothing really to write home about and expand on.