Let's cut straight to this Nicaraguan beast - the Gurkha Cellar Reserve 12 Year Platinum Edition Hedonism rolls in at 6"x58 with a box-pressed parejo shape. Twenty of these dark beauties will set you back $187, but that Ecuadorian Oscuro wrapper covering aged Nicaraguan guts gives serious bang-for-buck in the premium cigar market. Fresh out the box, these sticks feel heavy in hand with that oily sheen promising flavor bombs ahead.
First Third: Cold draw serves earthy barnyard notes. Initial puffs deliver black coffee bitterness balanced by burnt caramel sweetness. Smoke output stays moderate - don't expect cloud chasing here. Ash holds tight for 1.5" with perfect burn line.
Middle Third: Power shift happens at 40% mark. Nicaraguan pepper creeps in alongside baking spices (cinnamon/nutmeg). Retrohale kicks up white pepper without throat burn. Watch for tar buildup near band if you smoke fast.
Final Third: Dark chocolate bitterness dominates but gets tamed by honeyed undertones. Strength hits medium-full - newbies might get lightheaded here. Performance stays consistent with no relights needed over 90-minute smoke time.
That "12 Year" label refers to pre-roll tobacco aging in climate-controlled cellars. The Jalapa-grown filler shows through with mineral sharpness that cuts through the sweetness. Handrolled in Gurkha's Nicaraguan factory, these hold humidity well - smoked sample was kept at 65% RH for 3 months with perfect draw.
