Gurkha Cigars, a brand owned by NRI Kaizad Hansotia, has just launched a collection of its cigars in India; the brand is among the most well known in the world, counting Hollywood stars and heads of state among its fans. Five kinds of cigars will be available here – Grand Reserve, Cellar Reserve, Royal Challenge, East India Rogue and His Majesty’s Reserve. Each has its own unique flavour and aroma, and prices start at Rs 1000 per stick, going up to ‘Price on request’ for His Majesty’s Reserve.

Cigar smoking is still a very niche pastime in this country, but a growing number of aficionados are helping to popularise it, with a number of cigar clubs being set up largely in Mumbai and Delhi. Read our story about it here