The cigar under review today is the Gurkha Ghost Silver Shadow. Gurkha is renowned for its broad range of offerings and its ability to deliver a wide array of flavours, catering to cigar enthusiasts of all preferences. With its striking presentation and promising blend, the Ghost Silver Shadow is one of Gurkha’s most intriguing creations.
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | Bold pepper, rich chocolate, smooth finish. |
| Construction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | Solid burn but slightly tight draw. |
| Draw | ⭐⭐ (2/5) | Tight draw impacted smoke flow. |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | A satisfying mild cigar with great flavours. |
Cigar Details
| Brand | Gurkha |
| Country of Origin | Dominican Republic |
| Cigar Length | 5″ |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Vitola | Robusto |
| Burn Time | 40 – 60 Minutes |
| Cigar Strength | Medium |
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Nicaragua & Dominican Republic |
Smoking Experience
First Third
The initial impression of this cigar is dominated by bold peppery notes, creating a strong and assertive flavour profile. While the pepper is prominent and may be overpowering for some, it is balanced by milder earthy undertones that add subtle depth to the experience.
The burn was consistent throughout, producing an even line with no major corrections needed. However, the draw was notably tight, which may have impacted the overall experience by slightly muting the flavours and reducing smoke output.
Second Third
As the cigar progresses into the second third, the bold peppery notes fade, giving way to a rich and warm chocolatey flavour. This new profile stands out prominently, with no competing flavours, allowing the chocolate-like richness to take centre stage.
The smoke output during this portion became notably thicker and more consistent, enhancing the overall experience. The construction remained excellent, with the ash stacking beautifully, showcasing the cigar’s solid craftsmanship.
Final Third
In the final third, the flavours began to mellow, returning to a smooth and earthy profile. While the transition was subtle, the earthy notes provided a satisfying conclusion to the smoking experience.
Unfortunately, the draw remained tight throughout and did not loosen, which may have slightly diminished the overall enjoyment. Despite this, the burn remained consistent, and the construction held steady until the end.
Final Thoughts
The Gurkha Ghost Silver Shadow was my first experience with a Gurkha cigar, and it did not disappoint. The flavours were rich and enjoyable, transitioning smoothly from bold peppery notes to warm chocolate, and finally to a mellow, earthy finish. For a milder cigar, it delivered a lovely flavour profile that was both satisfying and approachable.
