Last year it felt like MBombay was advertising in the cigar world on nearly every form of digital media. Other then the fact that these cigars are made in Costa Rica I knew little about these smokes. Our friend Nelson Alfonso makes some of the best cigars in the world in the country so obviously I was curious to see how they compared. Luckily, one of the owners of the company reached out with some samples.
According to their website the cigars are described as “For those seeking the embodiment of toasted almonds, smooth earthiness, and subtle sweetcream… This mediumbodied blend was created for you! This Habano blend is one that both Novices and Aficionados can embrace.”
Cigar Review: MBombay
Size: 5.5 x 43 (Corona)
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua & Peru
Strength: Medium-Full
The Look: The cigars from Bombay Tobak come packaged in dress boxes with a loud logo that is reminiscent of a Persian carpet. Some of the larger size cigars have oversized bands, however the corona has more of a traditional size denoting the brand name. The dark Habano wrapper has some thick veins with discoloration but is flawlessly rolled. In hand the cigar has no soft spots and a heavy weight for its size with a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar reminds me of cookie dough and hints of vanilla and orange zest, there is also a note similar to that of figs. The aroma off the wrapper and foot of the cigar enhances the figs and adds to the mix some elements of cedar. I must say at this point of the cigar without lighting it I am ready to go all in.
Once the cigar is properly toasted with my Vertigo Venom lighter the initial puffs serve up notes of white pepper and some musky notes reminiscent of wet wood. As we move deeper into the first third the sweetness and complexity of the cold draw have still yet to emerge as white pepper, wood and a slightly vegetal component dominate the palate. On the retrohale the cigar begins to take on a slightly sour aroma.
Moving into the second third of the MBombay the cigar becomes a bit harsh and comes off as lacking balance. The white pepper remains as the cigar becomes floral. Around the half way point things begins to smooth out some cedar and nuts becoming the focal point, but there is a finish that reminds me of green peppers. Through the nose the pepper tingles the nostrils and gives the cigar a leathery finish.
Moving into the last third of the MBombay the cigar lacks balance once again and is leathery with notes of cedar and black pepper. The cigar seems to lack any cohesiveness to it, with a vegetal finish and wet wood aroma.
The Burn: Despite all the issues with the flavor profile, the cigar burns exceptionally well with a thin combustion line that remains even throughout. The light gray ash holds strong for more than a third at a time and the draw is perfection.
The Finish: This was one difficult cigar for me personally to finish. I found the cigar to be harsh and lacking balance. This is a shame because there are some really good cigars from Costa Rica such as Via Havana and some really great cigars like Byron and the more moderately priced Bandolero. . Sadly, this cigar doesn’t do much to help the image of the country becoming a major player in the cigar industry. But alas, this is one mans opinion and we all know what they say about opinions.
Score: 85
Price: $8.50
MBombay Habano
MBombay Habano Foot
MBombay Habano Burn
