[CoalCracker]

Spec ops is good too but pricey.

[CreamyGoodness]

Originally Posted by Airborneguy

The Centurion is definitely by favorite Gurkha. I really enjoyed the Beauty also, but so far every one from my sampler has unwrapped on me. I have 2 left so hopefully those are better since they've been sitting my humidor for awhile now.

I should probably research instead of asking, but I keep hearing the term Gurka bandied about. Does this have anything to do with the Indian ethnic group that sided with the British during the Empire days?

Other terms like Summatra, Churchhill, Connecticut, Maduro... all point towards hard and fast concepts (even if Churchhill is a bit... cheeky)

[CoalCracker]

Just spoke with the Boss. Apparently he was at a cigar tasting event there. You were able to buy scotch and cigars there. So that may validate the cigars or it may not. Who knows!

[Airborneguy]

Gurkha is a brand, not a type of cigar. K. Hovanian is the blender (sp?).

[CreamyGoodness]

Oh my fault. I know the Ghurkas were known and confirmed to be excellent soldiers, so maybe that is what they are going for. Kind of how a condom manufacturer dubbed itself "Trojan."

[Airborneguy]

My first trip to Kosovo I actually ran into some real Gurkhas, on good terms thankfully. They really do carry those big knives. I'd love to see them in battle.

[Bensiff]

Originally Posted by CoalCracker

Just spoke with the Boss. Apparently he was at a cigar tasting event there. You were able to buy scotch and cigars there. So that may validate the cigars or it may not. Who knows!

Like I said, I'm not expert. I just know that fake CC's are rampant around the world. From my understanding about the only sure bet with getting real ones is going to a Havana House Certified retailer. But, like I said, would you think one of the worlds most prestigious cigars would be rolled and cut like that? Even ABG's Gurkhas look way better.

[KeyWestBrewing]

Originally Posted by Bensiff

Like I said, I'm not expert. I just know that fake CC's are rampant around the world. From my understanding about the only sure bet with getting real ones is going to a Havana House Certified retailer. But, like I said, would you think one of the worlds most prestigious cigars would be rolled and cut like that? Even ABG's Gurkhas look way better.

You make some valid points. I know a few very reputable CC retailers but I'm not sure whether or not they are Havana House Certified. Though one thing I've come to learn is that a key way to know the authenticity is not only the band but the cigar box itself. Having the correct box code, the right stickers, that type of stuff.

That's one thing I like about NCs. Though it does happen with high end stuff, there isn't nearly as many people trying to counterfeit them so I don't feel you have to worry about whether or not its the real deal every time you buy a cigar. I've also never heard of a retailer selling fake NCs though I have heard of retailers selling fake Cubans.

[CoalCracker]

They are indeed counterfeit. They are rolled by the employees, just on the side. They steal the tobacco and labels from the roller. Just got the whole story from him. So it's the actual tobacco being used, just not rolled in the factory. He actually just gave me a whole box. So... I have about 25 assorted sticks. The wrappers are nice and oily so some aging on these bad boys will be great.

[Bensiff]

Originally Posted by CoalCracker

They are indeed counterfeit. They are rolled by the employees, just on the side. They steal the tobacco and labels from the roller. Just got the whole story from him. So it's the actual tobacco being used, just not rolled in the factory. He actually just gave me a whole box. So... I have about 25 assorted sticks. The wrappers are nice and oily so some aging on these bad boys will be great.

That's good...you lose out on the benefits of a well rolled stick but at least get quality leaf.