Blind Cigar Review: MBombay | Gaaja Maduro Torpedo

Cigar Info

In July 2016, Bombay Tobak introduced the MBombay Gaaja, inspired by the Indian word Gaja, which describes and elephant in Hindu Society. The cigar came in a  6 x 54 box-pressed toro. The blend used tobacco from five different countries. In 2017, a maduro version of the cigar was announced in the original size, as well as a 6 1/2 x 54 box-pressed torpedo. Appropriately called the Gaaja Maduro, the new blend uses the same Ecuadorian HVA mejorado seco binder and filler made up of Dominican HVA mejorado ligero, Dominican criollo 98 viso, Ecuadorian criollo 98 viso, Peruvian crossbreed habano and Paraguayan hybrid habano 2000 viso. The change is a Brazilian mata fina wrapper from the original Ecuadorian hybrid version. Today we are reviewing the MBombay | Gaaja Maduro Torpedo.

For Gaaja Maduro blend, Mel Shah used Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper. This wrapper has played a very important factor in increasing the flavor and the body to the cigar. Rest of the composition of the Gaaja cigar has not been changed, being said, the proportions have been adjusted to make the cigar taste more “complete”. The two available vitolas are Torpedo (6 1/2 x 54)–$15.50 (Boxes of 10, $155), and  Toro (6 x 54)–$15.50 (Boxes of 10, $155) As with all of MBombay cigars, they are rolled at Tabacos de Costa Rica in Costa Rica. The two vitolas shipped to stores on Feb. 13.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Torpedo
Length: 6.5″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Costa Rica
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder: Ecuador HVA Seca Mejorada
Filler: Perú Hybrid Habano Viso: Ecuador criollo 98, Paraguay Hybrid Habano 2000, Dominican criollo 98. Ligero: Dominican HVA Mejorado
Factory: Tabacos de Costa Rica
Blender: Mel Shah
Number of reviewers: 4 – Eric (smalls29) Isaac M. (The Nothing) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Adam B. (Bushboy)
Price: $15.50
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: February 2017
Contributed by: Mbombay

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 93

“There is something about box-pressed torpedos that seem to attract me every time.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Aroma: 86

“There is a nice garden smell. You can pick up hints of soil but I was immediately drawn to the smell of flowers. A new aromoa to me.” –Eric (smalls29)

First Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“It took awhile for this cigar to warm up. At first light there was a fair amount of smoke but not a whole lot of flavor. Slowly but surely, nice rich tobacco flavors began to form. On the tongue there was a hint of chili pepper spice.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“Right away I was blasted with heavy black pepper and espresso… Sort of a surprise considering the mild aroma. About an inch in the pepper subsided and the espresso stepped to the front, coupled with a honey sweetness that is nice.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Second Third

Flavor: 87
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“This cigar has really mellowed out. The predominate flavor is cinnamon. There are hints of other spices and wood but the cinnamon is out there. For a mild cigar, it is a good one. A nice change from bold cigars.” –Eric (smalls29)

“Flavors are smokey leather, with a slightly sweet nougat and raisin finish. Burn has stayed even, although two of the four sides are running a bit. No need for a lighter, I am confident it will self correct. Aroma is amazingly pleasant and draw is near perfect. Very cool and slow burn which is appreciated. Looking forward to a strong finish. Palate is left feeling very light and flavors are not lingering too long. Surprising due to the dominant flavors.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Final Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The final portion of this cigar continued with the coffee notes but developed a heavy earthiness to go along with it. I really wish I was sipping some scotch right now to go along with this…I just feel that it would be the perfect compliment.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Flavors of leather and smokey sweetness continued into the final third. The transition of flavors stayed consistent throughout, and the burn was close to perfect. The aroma and ease of draws were the highlights of this cigar. Flavors never had that “wow” affect, although they were pleasant.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 93

“This cigar had what I’d consider pretty much perfect draw.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Burn: 89

“Experienced a slight stirrup burn during the second third, however it self corrected and never required a flame touchup. Stayed cool and reflected the quality of the roller and the tobacco.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Construction: 95

“This cigar looked beautiful and performed admirably. At one point I had an ash the hung on to the half way point. Impressive!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 93

“Overall this was not a bad cigar. It was mild with some personality. It started of with some nice cinnamon and spice flavors with a hint of black licorice. The cinnamon was the one flavor that remained consant throughout. The body waned for a bit during the mild third but came back in the final third. I found it a nice change from the bolder cigars I have been somking. All in all a good smoke. I would like to have had the intensity remain more constant throughout but it was not too much of a distraction or let down.” –Eric (smalls29)

“This cigar started out with the promise of something to offer. Unfortunately the last half the cigar just seemed to unravel and left me feeling let down.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“This was a great cigar for a tough day. Earlier today I buried my father so I really needed something to help me relax and this was it. Add to that the fact that I was smoking with my brother (whom I haven’t seen in years) and was in a great cigar lounge (Rudy’s Cigars in Rockford Illinois) and it really made for a good time. If you like great flavors and a medium full strength then I highly recommend you try this. I know I’ll be looking for some as a memorial cigar.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Overall, this cigar was very enjoyable. The flavors remained consistent throughout the smoke and never really huge transition which is fine when the flavors are enjoyable. Never heavy on the palate, although plenty of flavor was present. This is probably not a cigar I would pay more than $12 for, although I definitely like to sample a few more before making a final recommendation.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 80

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: MBombay | Gaaja Maduro Torpedo

Overall Score – 91 – Very Good