Torano and Gurkha arew made by the same people. I would not be surprised to find out that they use the same molds to shape/press the cigars of both brands. However, I have had many many Toranos and Gurkhas and while there are similarities they are not the same. Especially the Regent and the Exodus. In fact I could tell them apart in a blind tasting.

Anyway that is my .02