Let's talk about the Gurkha 35th Anniversary Piramide - a figurado-shaped stogie rolled in El Artista's Dominican factory with serious anniversary swagger. Measuring 6 1/8" with 52 ring gauge, this medium-strength smoke comes dressed in Ecuadorian Habano wrapper holding Indonesian binder and Nicaraguan filler. The $103.50/box price gets you 10 cigars, each sporting rose gold bands perfect for flexing at special occasions.
The initial puffs deliver roasted nuts and cinnamon toast, with faint citrus zest cutting through the creamy smoke. Draw feels slightly tight but consistent, producing medium-gray ash that holds past the first inch.
Earthiness ramps up with wet cedar and espresso notes, punctuated by black pepper spice on retrohale. Burn line stays razor-sharp without touch-ups, though smoke output could be denser.
Leather and charred oak dominate as sweetness fades, developing mineral-heavy finish. Mild tar buildup appears at nub stage - typical for last third. Total smoke time clocks around 75 minutes.
Celebratory smokers wanting complex transitions from a well-constructed figurado. Newbies might find flavor shifts abrupt, while veterans will appreciate the controlled nicotine delivery. Pair with bourbon or black coffee to counterbalance its dry finish.
