The Gentleman Magazine Issue 15 | June 2019 | Page 58

ON ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY, GURKHA CIGARS
CONTINUES TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE INDUSTRY
There’s only one way to celebrate three decades of success in
the ultra-premium cigar category, and that, course, is with
the finest cigar on the market. But how does Kaizad Hansotia,
founder and CEO of Gurkha cigars, even begin to choose from
his vast collection of luxury offerings?
Often referred to by fans as “the Rolls-Royce of cigars,” Gurkhas
are handmade in the using only the rarest and highest-quality
aged tobacco leaves. “We always think in quality, not quantity,”
Hansotia says. And discriminating buyers will pay for the best
– a single stick can sell for more than $1,000.
Hansotia’s unlikely entry into the cigar market began while
vacationing in Goa, India. “I was walking on the beach when I
stumbled upon a man hand-rolling cigars out of a little hut,” he
says. “The level of craftmanship was extraordinary. My interest
piqued, I tried one.” So impressed was Hansotia that he bought
all of the man’s wares on the spot – thereby acquiring the brand
for just $149.
Since 1989, Gurkha has grown steadily, as has its reputation.
“Our cigars are rated incredibly high worldwide, with 85
percent scoring above 95 points.” Hansotia says. “No other
company can say they have done that.”
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