This 6x58 Grand Robusto comes wrapped in a midnight-black Brazilian Arapiraca maduro leaf, its oily sheen hinting at 15 years of cellar aging. Part of Gurkha's limited "Hedonism" series, the $235.87 box gives you 20 torpedo-shaped sticks packed in wine-crate style boxes - because why should Bordeaux have all the barrel-aging fun?
Cold Draw: Raisin sweetness fights through tight draw - might need a punch cutter despite the pigtail cap.
First Third: Blackstrap molasses dominates the opening act, with baking spices (clove, nutmeg) creeping in through dense smoke. Watch the uneven burn - the pricey Dominican filler doesn't self-correct like Cuban tobacco.
Mid: Dominican Olor binder flexes with leathery notes and espresso bitterness. The 58-ring gauge keeps heat manageable despite thick smoke output. Ash holds for 1.5" before flaking.
Final Stretch: Dark chocolate bitterness intensifies with charred oak undertones. Retrohale reveals white pepper that's more Connecticut Broadleaf than Dominican. Cut it before the nub unless you enjoy tar buildup.
The "cellared" marketing doesn't hide construction quirks - multiple samples required relights. While complex, the flavor profile lacks the evolution of similarly priced maduros. Best enjoyed with full-bodied coffee to match its density.
