Long gone are the days of 90+ degree weather and feeling the sun on my beard. Reminiscing back to those hotter days, reaching for the @gurkhacigars #Marquesa was very fitting to the mood. The golden encrusted band, with its blue skies and mountainous Caribbean scenery, will teleport you to the shores of old Cuba. The profile of the cigar represents this era of time quite well. The combination of the earthy brown Sumatra wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and Ometepe and Esteli Nicaraguan filler gives a great nose that details the complexity to come.
The ventilation is amazing and gives you full access to the cigar’s profile by opening up and allowing the air to travel the length of the cigar. This is also why I was able to quickly pick up on its flavor within the first few pulls from this portion. The cigar initially delivers a cooper or mineral taste. This is followed by a mild grassy note which cleans up the “twang” given off by the cooper. Finishing up the first portion welcomes in a bit of light pepper.
The beginning of the 2nd portion starts off with the continued spice but with a little bit more of a bite. It stays linear on the flavors and the strength is a solid medium. Before finishing out this portion, I am noticing a faint sweetness and bright cedar notes. Despite normally smoking full-bodied cigars nowadays, this Gurkha has a complex and flavorful profile. Full body smokers will be very pleased while smokers that like mild cigars will like it’s easy approach. Perfect balance!
With that said and closing out this cigar, the final 3rd is where seasoned cigar smokers will enjoy the stick. The grassy notes have subsided, and the wood is the primary note. The pepper has also calmed down but still gives you a kick of flavor. The Marquesa finishes with a wood, sweet tobacco, and spice bouquet. The flavors are layered in such a fantastic way that hits different sections of your palate. The smoke has been as smooth as butter for the entire duration. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Gurkha but if they continue to make blends this well balanced, I’ll soon be a dedicated fan.
