Gift Review – Gurkha Vintage Shaggy Churchill

Another in our ongoing series of occasional reviews of cigars given to us as gifts. Featured this time is the Gurkha Estate Select Vintage “Shaggy” Churchill, given to me by club member Pat back in December of ‘07.

Vitola: Churchill

Origin: Dominican Republic

Length: 7

Ring Gauge: 52

Filler: Dom. Rep., 5yr aged

Binder: Dom. Rep., 5yr aged

Wrapper: Dominican, natural, 8yr aged

Strength: Medium

MSRP: $7.70

Produced by Kaizad Hansotia’s Beach Cigar Group, the Dominican puro features a somewhat course-looking wrapper and eye-catching ‘shaggy’ (uncut) foot. The current Cigar Aficionado rating for it is 85.

Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I sat down to rate this cigar while enjoying a pale ale.

The course wrapper gave it a rather rustic looking appearance and texture. The draw required a bit of a tug, but this thing burned perfectly! This cigar could have produced a little more smoke for my liking. The ash, like the quality of burn, was super.

The flavor, though not particularly complex, was very pleasant throughout. In the 2nd half I did get a chocolaty sort of sweet character which was very nice. All in all, a very good cigar smoking experience.

My rating for the Gurkha Estate Select Vintage Churchill is 86. An excellent cigar.

Here's the points breakdown:

I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)