MBombay Tobacco Grows Gaaja with Torpedo, Adds Maduro Version

Bombay Tobak is expanding its recently released Gaaja line with a new vitola and a new maduro version, according to an announcement from company founder Mel Shah today.

Originally launched in July 2016, the Gaaja came in a single, 6 x 54 box pressed toro vitola, using a Ecuadorian hybrid wrapper that originated from Connecticut desflorado and mejorado 2004 seeds. Underneath that was an Ecuadorian HVA mejorado seco binder, while the filler contained Dominican HVA mejorado ligero, Dominican criollo 98 viso, Ecuadorian criollo 98 viso, Peruvian hybrid habano, and Paraguayan hybrid habano 2000 viso.

The new torpedo size keeps that same blend but packages in it a 6 1/2 x 54 box pressed shape. Like its predecessor, the Gaaja Torpedo is packaged in 10-count boxes and will be priced at $15.50 per cigar.

The Gaaja line, which is pronounced GUY-yuh, is also gaining a maduro version, as Shah swaps in a Brazilian mata fina wrapper while keeping the core the same, though he does acknowledge that the proportions have been adjusted slightly to make the cigar taste more “complete.”

“This wrapper has played a very important factor in increasing the flavor and body to the cigar,” Shah said via a press release. “Brazilian mata fina has definitely addd more complexity into the mix.”

Gaaja Maduro will be offered in the same two box pressed sizes and formats as the original, a 6 x 54 toro and 6 1/2 x 54  torpedo, in 10-count boxes and priced at $15.50 before taxes.

Shah said that retailers will have the cigars on Feb. 13. The Gaaja line is produced at Tabacos de Costa Rica.

The line’s name comes from Gaja, a word which has roots in Hindu mythology and refers to the elephant, a symbol frequently seen in that religious tradition. The elephant is a teacher and symbol of patience, which Shah felt was appropriate for this cigars release as he began working on in it in 2012 in hopes of making a cigar that offers plenty of flavor but not overpowering strength.

Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, the G-League's Valley Suns, and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.