Mbombay Gaaja

Gaaja, which launched last July and gets its name from Gaja, a word that stems from Hindu mythology and refers to the often-seen elephant in that tradition. Pronounced GUY-yuh, Shah thought it was a fitting name given its representation of patience, something he had to practice in getting the blend to a point where he was satisfied with it and ready to share it with consumers.

– Halfwheel.com

 

Bought from – 

MBombay

 

Information: 

Wrapper: Ecuador (Connecticut Desflorado & Mejorado 2004)

Binder: Ecuador (HVA Mejorado Seco)

Filler: Dominican Republic (HVA Mejorado Ligero) & (Criollo 98 Viso), Ecuador (Criollo 98 Viso) Peru (Hybrid Habano), Paraguay (Hybrid Habano 2000 Viso)

Origin: Costa Rica

Factory: Tabacos de Costa Rica

 

Aging (if any): 2 years after purchase

Single (MSRP): $16.50

Box (MSRP): $165

Availability: Regular Production

 

Size:

6 x 54

 

Band/Packaging: 

Intricate design using gold, teal, red, and blue

 

Wrapper: 

Light golden hue, some veins

 

Construction

Nice box press, firm

 

Cold draw: 

Bready, slight woodiness

 

THE REVIEW

 

First third: 

White pepper, toast, woody, citrus sweetness

 

Retro:

Woody, citrus

 

Second third: 

Woody, black pepper, slight fruit note, tartness, creamy, milk chocolate

 

Burn: 

A bit wavy but no major issues

 

Smoke: 

Large amounts of wispy smoke

 

Final third: 

Milk chocolate, cream, slight coffee, slight fruit, slight pepper

 

Retro: 

Coffee, slight milk chocolate, slight pepper

 

Duration:

1 hour 33 minutes

 

Conclusion: 

This is the first MBombay I have smoked so I had very little expectations, but I tend to enjoy blends that come out of Costa Rica. This one just didn’t do it for me. I wouldn’t say it was bad, I just didn’t enjoy the flavor profile. The notes were light and short lasting on the palate, and the first half seemed very bland to me. Once the milk chocolate and creaminess kicked in the flavor profile certainly picked up and I started to enjoy, but as the final third progressed, the flavors became very bland again and left a stale taste to the palate. Overall this is one to try but only just a single to start. Rating of an 85. 

Result: 85

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