Gurkha Cigar Brand Steps Up as Leader in Luxury Segment

MIAMI, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- If you thought that the Cubans are leading the world in brand identity with cigars, think again. Right now, the number one buzzword in the cigar industry is Gurkha. The brainchild behind this phenomenon is a gentleman by the name of Kaizad Hansotia. Growing intentionally in the luxury space and all but running from the mainstream cigar market has been unique. "Our focus has always been on exclusive, limited availability tobaccos, serving up the most unique and flavorful blends," said Hansotia, affectionately known in the industry as 'Kaizer.' Even the international world has taken note of Gurkha, on top of the largest market in the United States, India and China are expanding in wealth. Now a limited group of professionals are growing the luxury segment. They have requested Gurkha as the leader and called for them by name.

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Redefining market segments might seem like a tall order, but Gurkha has met the challenge by keeping their cigars consistent and the rare tobaccos as a top priority. What other manufacturers cannot do is claim Gurkha's consistent taste and quality construction. That consistency has earned them a loyal following from the serious cigar smokers, a part essential for those willing to pay a few dollars more than their ordinary premium. What they are selling is an exclusive experience, when you see a Gurkha band on a cigar you know that smoker is serious. Many of their cigar bands are even outfitted with a genuine 24 karat gold inlay and embossing. Is it luxury to excess? Perhaps, but Gurkha's growth continues.  

Gurkha has no plans to sell anytime soon according to Kaizer, but they will be expanding. Several new product launches are on the way later this year, including yet to-be-determined brand names based on blends created for premium cigar aficionados. Three separate factories support the Gurkha name where Kaizer can keep tabs on the quality, consistency and construction; beginning from tobacco supply in the fields, to the final packaging completed in Miami.

Gurkha Cigars gained fame through the cigar boom in the 1990's, specifically as an 'Ultra Premium,' and known later for their role in Bill Clinton's White House. More recent Google searches reveal that celebrities too want to be seen with the most elite brand in world and enjoy the smoke too. You'll see the likes of Michael Jordan and Alex Rodriguez as Gurkha customers. It doesn't matter who you are; diplomats, statesman, Kings, CEOs of the World's biggest corporations, all have to wait when Gurkhas are ordered. Sometimes waiting up to two years, it is always worth the wait when the product is released. Armand Assante, is so fond of the product that he even had Kaizad Hansotia make a special blend just for him. Also Jackie Chan, a huge fan of Gurkha, has his blend specially imported every month.

In speaking with avid Gurkha enthusiasts, it's easy to understand Gurkha's leadership position while stopping by the ultra high-end cigar lounge 'Smoke on the Water' in Weston, Florida. When asked about Gurkha, Brian Thompson has been smoking them for three years after seeing the brand 'Black Dragon' in the Robb Report. "You smoke a Gurkha when you are looking for a guaranteed positive experience and you know your tobacco," as he puffed away on an 'Evil.' "Yes, it has become a status symbol to be seen smoking the Gurkha name, but that is not why I smoke them; I love knowing I can have a luxury that many cannot." The Gurkha brand has a long history in exclusive trade. Originating in India as British settlers opened trade routes, the name continues the tradition of rarities from distant lands.  

With the recent increases in federal taxes on cigars and a decline in the economy through the United States, many premium cigar brands are hurting while prices slip, but not for Gurkha. Experiencing such growth in the last several years that Kaizer's biggest problem has been availability. Focusing specifically on the limited and exclusive lots of cigar tobacco has caused Gurkha's reputation to rise from a long history of premium cigars. It has also caused retailers and consumers to move them to the number one spot in a new category: Luxury Ultra-Premium tobacco. Gurkha has this market completely at awe from their $20,000 boxes of 'HMRs' to their special collector's edition that demands over $150,000 for a box of cigars. There is nothing more exclusive when someone wants to make a statement and they have a Gurkha in their hand.

"I hear from customers at least weekly through calls and our Facebook account when they're looking for a brand that their local retailer does not have. All I can say is that we are working on it, be patient and continue to ask your tobacconist for Gurkha. What we aren't going to do is change who we are and what we stand for," said Kaizer. "When you purchase a Gurkha you know you're investing in a luxury experience." Now that is something that the no one in the premium cigar segment can claim.  

About Gurkha:

Gurkha Cigars is one of the most famous brands of luxury cigars in the world.  Gurkha is known for limited release and rare tobacco products and the line is available at cigar retailers worldwide. With its extraordinary quality and premium blends of tobacco, Gurkha's cigar brands include the Grand Reserve, Elegance and Shaggy. Created in 1989 and based in Miami, Florida the Gurkha brand is wholly owned by the Beach Cigar Group Inc, privately held and led by President, Kaizad (Kaizer) Hansotia.

SOURCE Gurkha Cigars