Gurkha Cellar Reserve 12 Year Old Solara Cigar - 1 Single

In almost 25 years of smoking cigars this is the first review I've left, because this cigar is something truly special. In general I only really love certain Cubans, but have been 'working' hard to get a good knowledge of new world cigars. I've been fortunate enough to smoke a very large number of very high end new world cigars at trade show, many impeccably built, blended and presented, but to my personal taste not even close to as enjoyable as a good Cuban. I've been buying and smoking a fair few new world cigars recently to expand my horizons a bit, including this one. This is the first and so far only new world cigar I've absolutely loved. I've liked some, tolerated some, and hated more than a few. However this Gurkha stick is by far the best non-cuban I've ever smoked, and in fact one of the best cigars I've ever smoked. This cigar was simply outstanding and (to me) way better than a whole lot of Cuban cigars. Totally balanced, Nicaraguan flavour comes through without the peppery, earthy harshness often present in Nicaraguan tobacco, a slight sweet creaminess despite a full, medium strong smoke that really delivers nicotine. The aroma is frankly beautiful. The balance of flavours is absolutely incredible, the master blender has done something incredibly special with this blend, it really is a masterpiece. My very favourite cigars are still certain outrageously priced Cubans, but this is the first and only new world cigar in my top 20. Absolutely outstanding, could not recommend more highly!

Very pleasant indeed! Very slight bitterness on the first couple of puffs but it very quickly settled into the smoothest of smokes. It lasted a full hour, the ash stacking right until the end. I was sorry to finish it. Creamy, leathery, with a hint of earthiness. Do yourself a favour and buy one.

This is a good cigar! Had an issue with the wrapper coming away as I was smoking which meant I probably couldn’t return it as last time with a different stick I had to return for a replacement so didn’t bother trying. Cold draw: prunes, chilli on the lips, lovely. 1/3 lots of white pepper on retrohale moving to strong espresso with Demerara sugar, sweet coffee. 2/3 lovely fresh baked bread with a hint of cinnamon. Little bit of spice on the tongue. 3/3 fell apart and unable to smoke Lots of body, great smoke production. Didn’t find it too strong. Great draw and devastated it fell apart as it warmed up. Would get again and giving it 4 stars as I’ll ignore the damage in light of a fair review.

Such a pretty cigar — but that was about it, for me. First two thirds were a big disappointment: burnt, harsh flavours. Final third picked up a little bit, comprising some nice earthy and peppermint notes. Can only assume I had a bit of an off stick.

I’ve heard good and bad things about this cigar but as usual I like to make my own mind up. I must say what a brilliant smoke . I had a gorgeous roast dinner made by the best chef I know ( my mum ) and afterwards smoked this cigar with a ten year old aged port . It was great , touched the burn up a couple of times but it tasted and smoked lovely would definitely recommend