Gurhka- Signature Red 1887

Gurhka Signature Red 1887 - Let it be known, I'm not a Gurhka fan.  If you'd like to know why you can read this - GURHKA HATE.  Anyways, my recent review of the Gurhka Evil showed me that some of my feelings towards the brand may be a little unjust. (as I liked the Evil)
So, I wasn't incredibly disappointed when I received a Gurhka Red for a present.  Recently, my parents went on a Carribbean cruise and watched their dog and house.  In return, I asked for some Cuban cigars.  When it became evident my parents were likely to buy counterfit Cubans, I gave them a list of non-cubans to ensure I got some quality smokes. 
Bless their hearts (I have great parents - Hard-ass, hardworking, tough-love Dad and a sweet, loving, caring Mom - great balance) - my parents asked the youngman working the cigar stand on the ship if he had any of the cigars I requested.  The list included, Tatuaje, Padron Anniversary, Opus X, Liga Privada, VSG.......

Gurhka - Evil

My Hateful Disclaimer- There are some cigar brands out there that rely on tradition for sales; some that create a few great lines and stick with a simple and successful approach.  There are also companies that see room for new growth and innovation in the cigar industry.  All of these approaches have their own qualities and flaws.  But then there is a company like Gurhka that does something completely different. 
Gurhka is a company built around image and ambiguity.  They produce tons and tons of products, give them aggressively bad-ass cool names, and then package them in an over-the-top fashion that makes their cigar boxes seem like magical treasures more than a box of smokes. 
If you've seen a large assortment of Gurhkas in one shop, you know what I mean.  One shop worker told me he saves the boxes and gives them to his 6 year old son to use as toys. 
All that said, it may be obvious that Gurhka's approach bothers me.  They over-saturate the market with tons of product and package them in fairy dust and magic wands.  Even the most seasoned smokers have trouble telling you anything about their cigars; and I think that is Gurhka's plan.  They thrive on unknowing smokers reaching for the 'coolest' thing they see.  They are the flare-filler in almost every bargain 20-pack sampler online.  They appeal to the smoker who would rather be seen smoking a flashy piece of crap, then a VSG without a label on it. 
Also, some of their pricepoints are just outrageous.  I haven't smoked any of their $20 selections, so I really can't comment; but I doubt their any better then a Padron Anniversary or Liga Privada.

Actual Review

Gurhka Evil - I've smoked a handful of Gurhkas; never finding anything worth writing about.  The brand was almost in my "never smoke again" category.  But then a B&M worker told me the Evil had a Brazilian wrapper leaf.  If you didn't know; I'm a sucker to try any cigar with Brazilian tobacco.  The cigar came in a modest box in cellophane.  The band, while large, had a non-flashy rustic appeal.  To make it better - a Toro size was only $6.  I had to give it a shot

READ MORE TO SEE REVIEW OF GURHKA EVIL....