Newbie Review #12 Ghurka Expedition

[Dru Lee Parsec]

Newbie Review #12 Ghurka Expedition

Today was another "Walk the dog and have a cigar" day. Now, I have to say that while it's an enjoyable way to spend some time, I'm finding that it's not an optimal way to enjoy a cigar. There's just too much happening to concentrate on the flavor profile.

However:

Pre-light: Got a nice clean clip with my new double blade cutter (So much better than a single blade). The cigar had a medium draw with not much flavor pre-light. Although CI calls it "Mild to Medium" body cigar I would put it firmly in the "Mild" category.

It lit easily and I got a good ring of ash all the way around. Despite the breeze the stick burned really evenly all the way down although it did seem to burn faster than other cigars. The only problem I had was that the cap started flaking off. By the time I was down to the last 2 inches the whole end of the cigar was starting to fall apart. Now, I just put a boatload of new cigars in my humidor and that caused the RH to drop. Also, this cigar just came in the mail so it may be a bit dried out. I hesitate to blame it on the construction of the cigar because the burn was so even and the ash was firm and white.

The flavor was really mild. Almost no spiciness at all and just a hint of chocolate and toffee. There was maybe a bit of toasted nuttiness to it as well. One thing I noticed was that the smoke was not thick at all. I'd puff on it trying to get it lit again and it would fire right up. But I couldn't tell if it was lit from any smoke rising from the cigar. The mouth feel of the smoke was very light as well.

Newbie Appropriateness: This may be the perfect first cigar. There's enough flavor to understand what the cigar is about, but not enough strength or body to scare away a new cigar smoker. If you're in the mood for a VERY mild cigar with light flavors and almost no nicotine hit then I'd strongly suggest it.

[sprangalang]

I've got one of those; I have been meaning to try it.

That's one reason I prefer to smoke indoors, if the garage counts as indoors. A slight breeze blows the smoke away, and you can't get the aroma effect and stuff.

[boomshay]

thanks a bunch for the review dru, i've been meaning to try this one out sometime, its nice to compare, it sounds good for me

-boom

[Dru Lee Parsec]

Hey Boom, Smoke your stick and then post your thoughts here on the same thread. Let's see if our opinions match up.

[chefchris]

yeah, i double dog dare ya.

[stjohnroe]

Newbie Review #12 Ghurka Expedition

Today was another "Walk the dog and have a cigar" day. Now, I have to say that while it's an enjoyable way to spend some time, I'm finding that it's not an optimal way to enjoy a cigar. There's just too much happening to concentrate on the flavor profile.

This the way that I smoke most of my cigars. Less than perfect I have to agree, but still thoroughly enjoyable.

[Kenyth]

I like these! One of my fav mild smokes. Perfect with a regular brew or flavored coffee. As was said before, don't smoke in the wind. It will ruin a cigar IMHO. You get a lot of subtle flavor from the smoke aroma, which blows away. It can also cause the tip to burn too hot and quick on the side facing the wind, causing burn and flavor problems.

[boomshay]

dru, i was saving this smoke for quite awhile as its the prettiest one in the humi... but i'll smoke it sometime in the near future and get a review up.

not sure when i'll have time, hopefully sometime this week, i don't like to keep people waiting haha

-boom

[Dru Lee Parsec]

I like these! One of my fav mild smokes. Perfect with a regular brew or flavored coffee. As was said before, don't smoke in the wind. It will ruin a cigar IMHO. You get a lot of subtle flavor from the smoke aroma, which blows away. It can also cause the tip to burn too hot and quick on the side facing the wind, causing burn and flavor problems.

Yeah, I'm going to have to have another one (I have several) while just lounging around the deck staring at the pool. I'm only staring at the pool because the water is 40 degrees at the moment.

After all these mild smokes I'm starting to crave something darker. What will be next? What will be next?

[chefchris]

It lit easily and I got a good ring of ash all the way around. Despite the breeze the stick burned really evenly all the way down although it did seem to burn faster than other cigars. The only problem I had was that the cap started flaking off. By the time I was down to the last 2 inches the whole end of the cigar was starting to fall apart. Now, I just put a boatload of new cigars in my humidor and that caused the RH to drop. Also, this cigar just came in the mail so it may be a bit dried out. I hesitate to blame it on the construction of the cigar because the burn was so even and the ash was firm and white.

The flavor was really mild. Almost no spiciness at all and just a hint of chocolate and toffee. There was maybe a bit of toasted nuttiness to it as well. One thing I noticed was that the smoke was not thick at all. I'd puff on it trying to get it lit again and it would fire right up. But I couldn't tell if it was lit from any smoke rising from the cigar. The mouth feel of the smoke was very light as well.

smoked the one you sent me last night dru. i like. it is indeed very mild, nothing complex. i could blow every puff through my nose without an ounce of sting or burn. smoke pretty much stayed the same the whole time. it did get a little bitter at one point, but i don't know what caused it.

the ash was good as was the draw. i didn't have the same smoke problem as you. maybe because you were outside, but mine let off plenty of smoke, which i love. i love obnoxious smoke.

thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to smoke this. i really appreciate it!

[hoodere]

Sounds good. I havn't tried these yet, however, I never met a Gurkha I didn't like.

[Dru Lee Parsec]

i could blow every puff through my nose without an ounce of sting or burn.

How do you do that? Do you inhale the smoke and then blow it out your nose? I don't inhale cigar or pipe smoke and I don't see how you can blow smoke through your nose. But I've read other people's post where they say that's a way to develop your pallet.

[chefchris]

just suck it in to the back of your throat, just past your tongue, and just kinda push it up, like a backwards swallow. haha, it's hard to explain. i've known how to do it for years, but up until now it was only for cool points. once you start doing this, it really brings out the flavors and aromas. like i said, i've known how to, but it wasn't until cls515 explained to me that it helps in tasting did i start doing it with cigars. hope this helps. it will rekindle your love for smoking.

[chefchris]

and no, i don't inhale.

[sprangalang]

I only inhaled once.

Hey Dru, I am gonna try that expedition you gave me, and I will post a review
BTW, I liked the Salazar. I've been hoarding again. I have a bunch of yard gars and for some reason I always grab one of those, and not a nicer one, maybe so I can still see the nice ones, alive and well in the humidor.
Anyway, tonight the expedition sees the flame

[Dru Lee Parsec]

just suck it in to the back of your throat, just past your tongue, and just kinda push it up, like a backwards swallow. haha, it's hard to explain. i've known how to do it for years, but up until now it was only for cool points. once you start doing this, it really brings out the flavors and aromas. like i said, i've known how to, but it wasn't until cls515 explained to me that it helps in tasting did i start doing it with cigars. hope this helps. it will rekindle your love for smoking.

That's going to take practice, but I got it a couple of times. Yeah, you can pick up more flavors that way. But it does sting a bit.

Cool, Thanks!

[sprangalang]

Last night I finally smoked the Expedition. It was a nice smoke. Nice aroma. Kind of grassy to me, but in a good way. Mild body, medium flavor, it got tastier towards the end. Lots of smooth smoke. Perfect burn. I nubbed it.
Thanks again man.

[boomshay]

allllright dru, at long last i'm smoking mine, its about 5x50ish not sure exactly

i'm typing as i smoke

ergh lighting didn't go well as my matches got damp from a lot of rain lately, but alls good now

about 1 inch into it and the ash is still holding strong, the draw is a bit tighter than my last few but nothing bad, it is very mild and i'm enjoying it a lot

i'm guessing the lack of smoke in yours was caused by the wind because i'm getting plenty, i had to turn the air purifier on haha

i'm about half way through and the smoke just got a bit creamier and easier on my nose while blowing out. this thing is definately the mildest i've smoked, but has pretty good flavor

getting to about the last inch and i'm getting a bit more flavor, a toastiness is how i like to describe it, i think its about time to let this guy die tho cause its a bit harsh

i really liked this cigar, it was nice and smooth with a lot of smoke and a perfect burn, i'm surei'll get a few more in the future

on a side note, this was my first review so pardon the noobiness

-boom

[Dru Lee Parsec]

Hey, great review!

I'm going to have to smoke one on the deck where it's not so windy. But we're getting a ton of cold rain today. Also, my smoking has been moving more towards pipes than cigars lately. With a pipe I don't need to commit an hour or so to a smoke. But I have next week off* so I'll probably have a few then.

*Yeah, next week is off, but as a music teacher if my students don't come in then I don't get paid.