It’s that time of year again.

The world slowed down as most ran home to rest.

Family time and memories made.

Yet Christmas rest, may be Christmas stress, depending on host or guest.

This chaos amongst the glue of love is precisely what family might just be - for some.

Enough about the threads of life, let’s get to the pertinent point… Cigars.

Amongst the warmth and cheer, I hope you found a silent spot - as I did.

I apparated from the crowd and reappeared alone outside; in quiet solace, I gazed upon the clouds above.

London was cold and windy this Christmas day you see, but I did not shudder, not even once, for my beloved cigar awaited me; I would not disappoint, I came prepared.

The Gurkha Cellar Reserve 15 Year Old Koi Perfecto was the present I gifted myself.

Hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic using premium tobaccos from the renowned Cibao Valley, aged for 15 years. Great for when you have a short window to enjoy a cigar due to its small size and better yet for windy conditions due to its perfecto shape, an easier toast is hard to find.

I sat for but a second, before swiftly exposing flame to wind, and onwards to cigar.

From first draw, to final draw, the Ghurkas journey is one of soft high notes that gradually progresses to a heavier ones. It is much like playing the piano from the high keys all the way down towards the low.

The 58 ring gauge conveys the illusion of a long smoke to the mind. Halt your greed for it is all you need, you chose it after all.

There was no excess time to leisure, yet it was more than enough - a pleasure.

There is no ritual, not even Christmas that should overrule a good cigar. Sweet release, tastes and notes, a cloud of smoke and time stands still.

Christmas is now complete - it was the Christmas of the Ghurka, in the year 2025.

I extend this ritual to you, my fellow cigar lovers, upon occasion of any rare sort, a draw of aged tobacco will testify to the occasion; for it to be remembered just that little bit more.

Merry Christmas my dear cigar lovers, I hope that it has treated you well.

Yours truly,

The Cigar Lover

P.S. I am putting together a series on the history and science of cigars - to be shared in time with you. Do keep an eye out.

Cigar Letters
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