This Beauty Was Pretty Ugly

Cigar Reviewed: Gurkha Beauty

Smoked at: Idaho

As I settled back after my Gurkha Beauty, a mix of pleasant mellowness and a touch of frustration lingered. I had really been looking forward to this one, and in some ways, it delivered. From the very first draws, it was undeniably mellow, a smooth and gentle smoke that eased me into the experience. And to its credit, it certainly developed as it burned, offering subtle shifts in flavor that kept me engaged.

However, I can't ignore the issues that arose. The burn was uneven from the get-go, a bit of a wavy line that required constant attention. I found myself relighting it far more often than I'd like, which definitely broke the flow of what should have been a relaxing moment. Then, in the final third, it just... fell apart. Literally. The construction gave way, making it difficult to even finish. It was a shame, because those underlying mellow notes and the developing character were quite enjoyable. I'm left wondering if a different stick, one with a more consistent burn and solid construction, would have truly let the "Beauty" shine.