For the last couple of years, Gurkha has been one of the largest exhibitors of the show in terms of booth size. They also seem to always be the first booth just inside the doors to the show room floor. I cannot knock them for it though as it is a great move, why wouldn’t you want to have the biggest booth and be right up front? Kudos Gurkha. They also seem to be in the same booth they have used since I have been around the last six years, but I think it still has much life left to it.
Everyone who knows me knows I am patriotic; I was raised in a very patriotic family, and I am a second generation, meaning I grew up with grandparents who were born in Germany and Italy. I was fortunate enough to have grown up with my great-grandmother who was born in Poland and survived a train ride in World War II. Only because people always ask when I say that, no I am not Jewish (not that there is anything wrong with that either), but the circumstances of why my Polish great-grandmother was on that train to begin with and how she escaped the German SS Gestapo is a story that is unbelievable and someday my family will tell it.
Anyway, my point is Juan Lopez was born in Cuba and came here on the famous Mariel Boatlift from Cuba in the 1980s, he has also returned to Cuba and has shown their citizens great love and respect when he does so. I say all of this because he came to the United States with a dream of a better life and let’s face it, he got it. He has had an amazing career, made lots of money, has a beautiful wife he gets to work with, and has a loving family who is also doing well. Gurkha released a new project in Q4 last year that features the slogan, “Freedom isn’t Free” – something that rings through the world now more than ever. But for Juan Lopez, he knows first-hand exactly what that means.
Gurkha Volition America
This project was announced and shipped in November of last year, so we had not seen it ourselves until PCA. I know it isn’t super new, but it is a project I respect so much I couldn’t leave it out. According to Gurkha, Volition America isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement. Volition America by Gurkha Cigars brings together true American patriotism and world-class cigar-making. Every cigar purchased is a tribute to our heroes and a step toward empowering their families, as 13% of all proceeds directly fund educational scholarships for the children and spouses of fallen and disabled military members and first responders through Folds of Honor.
“This project is very near and dear to our hearts, said Jim Colucci, President of Gurkha Cigar Group. “We are immensely proud to support the legacy of our veterans and first responders. With each Volition America cigar, we honor their sacrifices and contribute to a brighter future for their families.”
- Red Box: Maduro Wrapper
- White Box: Habano Wrapper
- Blue Box: Connecticut Wrapper
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan & Dominican
- Size: 6 x 54 Toro
- MSRP: $19
In addition, Gurkha Cigars is showcasing the Freedom Humidor, which houses 200 cigars, and an American flag framed inside the top lid. Juan Lopez told us that flag is removeable in case someone wanted to swap it with a flag that had a personal connection to them such as one that flew over a base during their or a loved one’s time in the service. The Freedom Humidor holds an MSRP of $1,500.00 and accompanies a gold ashtray and lighter branded for Volition America by Gurkha Cigars. All Volition America products hold a greater purpose as 13% of their revenue is donated to Folds of Honor.
Gurkha Dragonfly
This cigar was formerly only available in the European markets outside the United States. However, Juan Lopez told us that they had decided to bring it to the US market for release, noting the price point would do much better here. It is being manufactured by Artista Cigars in the Dominican Republic. Each cigar comes in a cosmetic tubo in boxes of twenty. Production is limited to 2,000 boxes, but Lopez didn’t rule out more releases in the future.
- Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano)
- Binder: Sumatra
- Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Undisclosed (Criollo 98)
- Size: 6 1/4 x 52
- MSRP: $17.50
- Production: 2,000 Boxes
Dragonfly will begin shipping to retail stores this month.
Fat Boy
Gurkha introduced a brand-new project back in February called Fat Boy. To be honest at first glance, I thought this was going to be some sort of nod to the “Fat Man” and “Little Boy” atomic bombs used by the United States during World War II. Instead, the Gurkha Fat Boy is made in three different larger ring gauge sizes, where the brand gets its name from.
- Wrapper: Habano
- Binder: Undisclosed
- Filler: Undisclosed
- Sizes: 4 x 60, 5 x 66, and 6 x 66
- MSRP: $8.95 – $9.95
- Production: Regular
The Fat Boy line is already available at retail stores.
Year of the Snake
Last year, Gurkha made quite the splash with their Year of the Dragon release, opting to use five different manufacturers for a collection of five different blends. This year that has been cut down to three manufacturers: Casa Carrillo, Oscar Valladares, and Oliva Cigar Co. Each will come in a ten-count humidor that can be reused as a travel humidor.
Year of the Snake Casa Carrillo:
- Wrapper: Ecuador Corojo
- Binder: Undisclosed
- Filler: Undisclosed
- Size: 6 1/2 x 52
- MSRP: $19.99
- Production: 750 Boxes
- Humidor Color: Blue
Year of the Snake Oscar Valladares:
- Wrapper: Habano
- Binder: Undisclosed
- Filler: Undisclosed
- Size: 6 x 52
- MSRP: $19.99
- Production: 750 Boxes
- Humidor Color: Red
Year of the Snake Oliva:
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
- Binder: Undisclosed
- Filler: Undisclosed
- Size: 6 5/8 x 52
- MSRP: $19.99
- Production: 750 Boxes
- Humidor Color: Black
Additionally, Gurkha Cigars is releasing an exquisite collector’s edition green domed humidor adorning the same figure eight snake on top. Gurkha will only release 500 numbered humidors that carry an MSRP of $1,200.00. There are only 750 of each Year of Snake ten count boxes available and 500 humidors.
Check out our interview with Juan Lopez at PCA 2025 below:
