Gurkha, the brand which has roots in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic and is known for its premium cigars, is set to reveal its first whiskey at next week’s TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, on The SEVA Group stand (Beach Village 2, Beach 18).
Gurkha 12 is a single cask American whiskey made in Fort Myers, Florida, USA.
Gurkha Cigars Founder Kaizad Hansotia said: “Inspired by the legendary Gurkha warriors, renowned for their unwavering commitment to excellence, our founders sought to craft a whiskey that embodied the same spirit of dedication, precision and honour.”
He explained that Gurkha has created a blend that is set to “redefine the standard of luxury in the category”.
The whiskey combines best-quality rye and corn in a ten column still process, charcoal filtration and finish in white oak bourbon barrels. With a rich amber colour and bold, spicy character, the expression has notes of sweet, buttered corn, toasted vanilla toffee and southern spiced fruits, with light oak aromas and a smooth finish.
Gurkha 12 is presented in a bespoke 1-litre bottle with distinctive Gurkha branding.
As reported, Gurkha Cigars has targeted expansion in travel retail. The brand noted “massive trade-up opportunities” within the tobacco category as consumers seek products with an authentic craft heritage.
Gurkha Cigars was created more than a century ago and the brand has a reputation for artisanal handcrafted cigars.
Hansotia “resurrected” Gurkha in 1989. Although the brand offers cigars for all price points and palates, his mission was to create cigars that were “not a necessity but rather a luxury and an indulgence”; to create an ultra-premium cigar category. 
