TheGurkha Cellar Reserve Especial 18-Year Kraken takes the aged-tobacco premise of the Especial line and gives it plenty of room to work. ACorojo wrapper surrounds a Dominican Olor binder and18-year-aged Dominican filler, making the mature Dominican leaf the centerpiece of the blend rather than simply an impressive number printed on the band.
At6" x 60, the Kraken is the big-ring expression of the Especial. That substantial filler core naturally shifts some emphasis away from the wrapper, allowing the aged Dominican tobacco to play a larger role in the smoke. The profile isearthy and woody with cocoa, restrained spice and a subtle natural sweetness. The Corojo provides definition around the edges, while the mature filler gives the cigar a rounded, composed character. Despite the imposing dimensions, the attraction here is richness and texture rather than brute strength.
For the smoker who genuinely enjoys 60-ring cigars, the Kraken is where the Cellar Reserve Especial concept makes a lot of sense. The format provides an extended look at the aged filler and is best enjoyed slowly enough to keep all that tobacco cool.Give the Kraken some time and don't rush it—this is a large-format cigar built to showcase mature tobacco, not simply to deliver more of it.
