Gurkha Shaggy Torpedo (Greek Mike)

Brand: Gurkha

Line: Shaggy Torpedo

Length x Ring Gauge: 6.5 x 53 (torpedo)

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (wrapper, filler, binder)

Strength: Medium Bodied

Date: April 26, 2011

Notes:

One of the greatest cigars that date back to the British Raj, the richness of their history is reflected in the quality of their cigars. The untrimmed foot gives this cigar its characteristic look. On a very windy day, sitting at the Washington Irving Boat Club overlooking the Hudson river with the NYC skyline off in the distance, this cigar was surprisingly easy to light. The untrimmed foot makes this cigar ideal for a windy day. The smoke was consistent with a smooth draw. Although there was an uneven burn throughout most of the cigar (which can be attributed to high winds), the final third was almost naturally evened out.

This is a beer cigar. The taste itself is satisfying, seemed to go fine with Bud Light or even Blue Moon (the drink of choice that day). While the smoke was enjoyable, and the draw was great, my issues with the cigar consist of the uneven burn throughout most of the smoke (again, could be weather related), and an almost sour aftertaste.

Overall: 7 out of 10

CAO Odyssey 2000-2001 (Greek Mike)

Brand: CAO

Line: Odyssey 2000-2001

Length x Ring Gauge: 6.75 x 55 (Perfecto)

Country of Origin: Nicaragua, but actually a complex mixture of all the CAO lines

Strength: full bodied

Date: April 12, 2011

Notes:

I have a love/hate relationship with CAO (see previous Greek Mike review, i.e. "Syriana"). It is an interesting relationship because I love some of the CAO lines (gold, maduro, extreme), but I am not a fan of the price. The CAO Odyssey is definitely among their more expensive (and difficult to find) lines. The filler is comprised of an intricate complex of six different cuban seeded tobacco from different regions, each region reflecting a line in their cigars. It is, in fact, an Odyssey of taste (thank you Captain Obvious).

Hands down this is a great cigar. A cigar that I feel is worth the price. Any cigar hobbyist, connoisseur, admirer, or even addict must try it at least once. I first had this cigar at my friend's bachelor party in Vegas back in 2006. Sitting at a Black Jack table in the Venetian smoking these with the groom was most memorable. Winning a hand, losing a hand, in the end it didn't matter because I was smoking one awesome cigar (that and I broke even anyway). I was actually enthralled with this cigar.

Not one to trust a first time smoke (perhaps it was a fluke), I was lucky enough to acquire another Odyssey recently. I did not need to complement the cigar with any drink whatsoever.... the cigar itself had a taste of red wine. It had that very slight acidity aftertaste, the type that does not burn your tongue but provides a nice little kick. The draw on both occasions (both in 2006 and recently), was exceptionally smooth. This is the type of cigar that Odysseus himself would have enjoyed returning home from Troy.

If you ever come across this cigar, don't think of the price and indulge yourself. It is well worth the experience.

Overall: 9.8 out of 10 (I consider this cigar second only to the Partagas Serie D No 4).

Odysseus laments only having 1 cigar after a 10 year voyage.