Gurkha

Gurkha is an ultra-premium cigar brand reborn in 1989 when Kaizad Hansotia discovered a small cigar brand in Goa, India and acquired it for just $149. Known for opulent packaging and creating the ultra-premium cigar category, Gurkha offers over 105 unique blends.

Key Facts

The Story

The Gurkha brand traces its origins to the early 19th century, when British soldiers encountered Nepalese Gurkha warriors and the local cigars they smoked. The brand was reborn in 1989 when Indian-born entrepreneur Kaizad Hansotia discovered the small Gurkha cigar brand during a vacation in Goa, India, purchasing it on the spot for just $149. Hansotia recognized a market opportunity for more luxurious and exclusive cigars, effectively creating the ultra-premium cigar category. When Gurkha debuted in duty-free markets in 1990, they retailed at an then-unheard-of $14-17 per cigar. The brand's audacity peaked with the Royal Courtesan, priced at $1 million per cigar. Today, Gurkha boasts over 105 unique blends and maintains a presence in more than 70 countries. While the brand has expanded beyond its ultra-premium origins to include more accessible lines like the Ghost and Heritage, it remains known for opulent packaging, exotic blends, and a larger-than-life brand personality that divides cigar enthusiasts.