1 review for MBombay Kesara Pyramid
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MBombay Kesara Pyramid
Overall Score
Cigar Region Costa Rica
Filler Dominican, Peru
Wrapper Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder Habano Ecuador
Length 7 1/2
Ring Gauge 54
Vitola Pyramid
Construction Hand Made
Cigar Inspector
Origin : Costa Rica
Size : 7 x 54
Format : Pyramid
Wrapper : Ecuador
Filler : Dominican Republic and Peru
Binder : Ecuador
Hand-Made
Price : ~$18 each
If you are shopping at the tobacconist and you spot MBombay Kesara cigars on the shelves, they’ll stand out instantly. They are quite unusual to look at, particularly where the band is concerned (more on that shortly). MBombay is a pretty new brand owned by Mel Shah. You may previously have known him better as the owner of Fame Wine & Cigar Lounge in Palm Springs. Shah’s cigar company MBombay launched in June of 2014 with two different lines: MBombay Classic and MBombay Maduro. The third line, M?ra, debuted that August. At the end of the year, Kesara came out.
Kesara is available in three sizes: a 6 x 52 toro, a 4 ½ x 54 robusto, and a 7 x 54 pyramid. Mel Shah, the owner, sent me a sampler of the pyramids (thanks Mel!), which I am reviewing today. And we’ve got some more cigars to give away, read on for details!
Appearance : [rating:5/5]
These cigars are unique inside and out. In terms of appearance, there is a shaggy foot, which is something you don’t see everyday. The Ecuadorian wrapper is a light brown color with some noticeable veins. The tapering pyramid shape is of course unusual as well (the shaggy foot helps to exaggerate it). When you consider what’s inside is a filler made of Dominican and Peruvian tobacco and an Ecuadorian binder, you know you are in for a distinctive experience.
The band deserves particular attention as well. It’s a huge band, covering maybe a third of the stogie. The intricate designs that adorn the band are absolutely gorgeous. They are ornate without being ostentatious, thanks to the subtle coloring.
Construction : [rating:5/5]
The construction on the cigar is excellent. The burn was steady from the beginning to the end. The draw was also perfect, not too loose or too tight, and the cigar produced plenty of smoke. Ash hangs on nicely for most of the smoke, but it does get flaky in the last third.
Flavor : [rating:4.25/5] (4.25)
This is a mild cigar, which somehow is not a surprise given its appearance and packaging. Just as there is subtlety in the artwork adorning the band, there is subtlety in the flavor profile as well. The main flavor I pick up during the first third distinctly is cedar. There is also some sweet natural tobacco, hay, what tastes like cooking herbs, and maybe just a hint of some kind of pastry. This is yet another way in which the flavors mirror the label—intricacy.
During the second third, I pick up a bit of pepper. Dry wood and grain remain the most dominant notes, but there is a hint of something else as well, possibly coffee. It is hard to pick out the individual notes because they are woven so well into the whole. On the final third, I get similar flavors, with maybe just a hint of citrus thrown in for good measure.
Overall, the flavors did not transition all that much. There were subtle changes throughout the experience, but no radical shifts. Strength never tipped above medium. This cigar won’t throw you any curve balls, but sometimes that is a good thing.
Value : [rating:3.5/5]
This is the only area where I really have to dock points. I really enjoyed the MBombay Kesara Pyramid, but I am not crazy about the high price tag. Eighteen clams isn’t something I can afford to pay too often for a smoke.
Overall Rating : [rating:4.25/5] (4.25)
Aside from the high price, I loved everything about the MBombay Kesara Pyramid. The unusual, distinctive appearance and the excellent construction made me inclined to enjoy this smoke right from the start. The flavors were beautifully blended, and even though they didn’t offer much in the way of surprises, they were thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. I also loved the fact that somehow this cigar had exactly the kind of flavor profile I would have expected from its appearance and the design elements used in the band and packaging. That doesn’t happen all that often.
At $18 each, you probably won’t be able to smoke these too often, but you should definitely treat yourself to at least one or you’ll be missing out!
Now the part you’ve been waiting for – the giveaway. Thanks to Mel Shah and MBombay cigars, we’ve got three 2-packs to give away to three lucky readers – each pack will contain one Kesara Pyramid and one Vintage Reserve Nikka (one of the Halfwheel’s top 25 cigars of 2015). That’s ~$30 value per sampler! To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post – and please share it with your friends!
Contest is open internationally, you must be of legal age to smoke in your country. Winners will be chosen randomly and announced in one week, next Thursday.
James Q
My local cigar store, Tedford’s in Mill Valley, CA recommended this cigar to me a few weeks ago. Just got around to smoking it last weekend. I am not an experienced cigar smoker, so my rankings are very simple: Good, Not Good, Ok. I give this one a Good.
Edward
An interesting looking cigar… Will have to look for at my tobacconist. Thanks for the review!
Eskubano
Seems like a very interesting cifar and thanks for the review. Good luck to us.
Michael Villani
Looks Tasty!!!
Michael Villani
Looks good!
Sean Nixon
Nice review
Brad J
Loved the review and happy I found this little community.
Al Quackenbush
Great review!! Those are unique and I’ll bet full of flavor.
John B
Thanks for the review. Cosistant with all I have read. Only knock against is the price point.
Zack
Mbombay has been on my list to try for about a year now. I’ve never seen them at my B&M but I will make sure to try one in 2016!
Steve-
Will that cigar pair well with a lassi?
Mayu
Gorgeous cigar! Them shaggy feet scare me. Reminds me of a few edmundos in my humi but, of course, not by design and more from poor construction. 8) would love to try these out! Fingers crossed!
Anthony A.
Thanks for a great review. Looking forward to trying some of these.
Joe
Awesome contest. Would love to win these
Steve W.
Great writeup
Eddie
Sounds Tasty!
Jack
Can’t wait to try one
James
A local B&M had some Mbombay cigars, and I purchased one on recommendation on a reviewer I trust. It was everything he said it would be…very enjoyable.
Joe Mazloom
Great review and the cigar sounds amazing. Hope I win!!!!!
Nathan
Great, great, great sticks!!! Always desire to have more.
Jason
Thanks for the review!
Dan
First I’ve heard of this cigar. Sounds like 1 to try is in order.
Joe
Nice review. Thank you!
Bojan Djordjevic
Great giveaway! And great review as always!
tcarblu
Sounds interesting. Would like to try it, also.
Jason
Would love to try
druid
Same issue as most of the comments here…hard to find. Maybe if I win one…
Jmorena
Cool looking smokes. Would love to sample one.
Perietta Migranté
that was an excellent review. the vitola is indeed unique + so is the band. the elevated price would definitely deter me from purchasing the cigar. overall, i would be interested in experiencing the flavour profile of the cigar. thanks for the contest!
Charles Csaldwell
Would love to sample these!
Carlos
As always, an excelent review. Even when I’m not going to try (at least not for now) a good deal of the cigars here, it’s a pleasure to read your opinion and experiences. Keep up the amazing work guys, and compliments from a brazilian reader.
Joel Livingston
Great Review, and thanks for the contest!!
Julio
First time hearing of these. At that price it had better be good.
jjo
I had a Classic when they first came out, and was quite impressed with it . I love their use of Peruvian tobacco in the blends.
Tom Andersen
Would love to try these
Brett
My milk shake brings all the puros to the yard… puros to the yard… I could teach you – but i’d have to charge. damn right, it’s better than yours…
Marc L.
What an interesting release! Hope I can find some.
Eddie Love
Just got told about your cigar line. I will be looking for them in my Cigar store travels. I have recently been on a quest for Peruvian cigars here in CA. So I hope to experience one of yours soon.
Thanks for bringing Peruvian tobacco to CA.
ludo
like to try this cigar!!
John W
Definitely sounds and looks like an interesting cigar and based on the review something that I would enjoy smoking. Thanks for the contest and review!
Rohn
I am a big fan of pyramids. My favorite so far is the obelisco from La Gloria. Hopefully this will be as tasty. I have not seen these in Pittsburgh yet. Thanks for the review!
Mel
@Rohn
You should try Old Aleghney smoke shop in Pittsburgh area!!
Michael Barrett
Looks like a great cigar and the review has peeked my interest in them.
ray klouda
For $18 a stick,i don’t want to taste dry wood, grain ,and black pepper.oh, and hay, another flavor you look for in a $18 cigar..sounds a lot like the red label Camacho, which was one of the worst cigars I didn’t finish.do yourself a favor, go to your local smoke shop, and grab 2 bourbon aged perdomos.$9 a stick.one maduro, one Connecticut.nothing about this cigar sounds or looks appealing, including that God awful label.
Adam
I’ve been wanting to try these cigars for the longest time they sound so darn good! Nobody around me carries them though. I’ll have my fingers crossed.
panagiotis
Never have seen one of them in Greece.I would love to try one of them
Chris
Fantastic review as ever, hope i win one of these cigar BOMB BAYS…
Blitzkrieger
Between snuff and snus i am pretty happy but cigars have alway been a favorite. So different from pipe smoke and so wonderful. We dont see a lot of variety around here in Nova Scotia so I would love to sample these! Ooooh yeah!
mike m
great giveaway
was lucky enough to get a couple mbombays, but have yet to smoke 1. sticks were on the dry side when they arrived, so i am waiting for them to find their balance in the humidor first
Ruy Morris
I love trying new cigars. Fingers crossed.
Jose G.
Interesting looking stick. Have not seen them here in Canada.
Would love to try one
Joe Poisson
Thanks for the review; when a special occasion occurs, I’ll give the MBombay Kesara a try.
Mark D.
Great opportunity…can ALMOST taste it from here.
Brian
Thank you for the review and another contest. What an interesting look to these cigars. I suspect I would keep it and look at it for some time before I actually smoked it.
Chickenhawk
Never heard of em,
Might need to try them out
(Hint)
Walt Mick
Great cigar. Enjoyed the toro. Looking forward to trying the pyramid.
Mark VS
Your great review solidifies my desire to try this cigar and the Nikka sounds like another beautifully blended cigar. Thank you for the giveaway and the opportunity to try these cigars.
Sandy Wilson
Sounds intriguing and I have a couple of suggestions for the good Mr Shah:
– A Kesara pyramid with a shaggy foot should definitely be nick-named the Yeti…
– The band is gorgeous – please make it into a shirt (or tie)!
Walt Mick
Great review. Great brand. Loved the toro’s that I’ve had.
Chris M
A very interesting cigar. I recently returned from the Bahamas with some Graycliff cigars which fall into the same price range. I would love to compare the two. The Graycliff’s will be my first “boutique cigars”, so to speak, and I will definitely look for the MBombay Kesara Pyramid when their gone. Besides, Bombay is my favorite gin for a G&T! Thanks for the review and opportunity.
David H
Very intriguing. I look forward to my purchase.
Hyland
Sounds great
Larry Stocker
As a graphic designer/copy writer/creative director, I get it. The presentation, the band, the foot – all scream exclusivity. I would spend hours just gazing at it. What a masterpiece! I appreciate the opportunity to receive Cigar Inspector reviews. I learn something new each time. Best regards, Larry from Kansas.
Joe K
Would love to try those.
Lorri
Thanks for the opportunity! MBombay has a very unique and interesting flavor!
Gary
I would give them a try.
Bob Dog Langmaid
I love MBombay and would love to try these as well!!!
Wrendad
Love that you guys do so much for cigars and cigar smokers!
David G
Good luck to all of my fellow aficionados!
Brlesq
Love that open foot. Need to try these!
karl conterio
I live in Scotland and would never get the chance to try cigars like this.I would love to be the first in Scotland to do so.I hope one day I will to who ever wins you are so lucky as I know I will never get the chance.
rob maus
new for me and never seen it here in belgium. nice to try
David
By far the ugliest unfinished foot I’ve ever seen.
Mike Harden
Sounds like it would go great with a cup of coffee. Too bad it has such a hefty price tag.
Oz
Your review of this cigar has definitely left me intrigued. I will remember your review should I come across these beauties in the future. And I will have to try one of course! Ahh…so many cigars, so little time…
TIMOTHY DUDUIT
I appreciate the look of the vigar. Looking forward to try these.
Steve Froemel
Good review
Andrew Cusack
Sounds like a cigar worth sharing, can’t wait to try.
Niko
Sounds great
Kevin
$18…Glad your giving away a sample for the lucky 3.
James Coquat
Sounds amazing, sign me up!!
Gary Patterson
If I was an Egyptian pharoah, this would be the pyramid I would want my mummy to be placed in!
Philip M
looks like I need to keep an eye out for these!
David Bonifati
Would love the opportunity to try these fine looking cigars.
Jeff
Thanks for a great review and giveaway
David
Sounds like a yummy cigar! But, agreed on the $18 price given the fact that I can get LOTS of great cigars for less. Maybe next time I’m in the Palm Springs area I’ll swing by Mel’s shop and try one, though. 🙂
Bob
They look amazing! I would love to try. Thank you for this opportunity!
Timmc71
Great review. I see them promoting all over social media. They are not available anywhere near me but I would love to try them. Thanks for the giveaway.
Paul
Sounds awesome!.
David
I want some!
Mike Biggs
Thanks for the review and the contest!
Frank Jung
These are some great looking cigars. I hope to win so I can try them.
Jeff P Slatton
Did a blind review of the Habano Churchill recently. Good cigar but not digging the price point.
Chuck
I need to smoke more! Ugh
John Talisman
Looks great. Love to try them, jingle john
Anthony
Interesting smoke. Would love to try.
Jason
Never tried a pyramid cigar. Hope I win!
Robert H.
This cigar looks very interesting. I would love to sample one of these sticks to find out if it smokes as good as it looks.
Sean Nixon
Thanks for the review. I am always interesting in what is new.
Landon
I was lucky enough to try one of these cigars when my brother in law brought a couple back from South America.
I absolutely loved this cigar and honestly, I couldn’t remember the name of it until seeing this review.
The overall look of this cigar is top notch. It definitely stands out, and almost has a Persian Rug look to the band.
At first, I was tasting spices, then I started tasting cedar, then hints of coffee, and finally a peppery spice again.
The Mbombay had a ridiculously good and consistant burn to it. On top of that, the draw was perfect.
Definitely recommended!
Stephen Mayo
Looks tasty and right up my alley , haven’t noticed them on the shelf yet.
Dave H
Sounds like a great cigar, might splurge on this sometime.
Eduards
Very unusual appearance! Hope the taste will be even better!
Definitely must be in a humidor!
John G
Great review, looking forward to hopefully trying some of these cigars.
Justin Burden
I’ve tried a few of these before and they are always a great cigar!
Chuck
It looks good and I love pyramid cigars but I think the peruvian tobacco is what get me excited.
Elliott
I have heard great things. Thanks for the review.
An Phan
Great job!
Atte
Nice review, there is quite unusual tobaccos blended obviously well together. Sometimes mild smoke is just what you need at the moment!
John B
These are great looking sticks, but the price point probably keeps me at look but not touch…..thanks for the review/giveaway.
dave b
I am a fan of the Peruvian leaf and always look for blends that include tobacco’s from Peru. I look forward to trying these, great contest, thank you.
Preacher
i would love to try these. they look appealing. i havent seen many cigars with the same shaggy end. it stands out in appearance… lets hope i think the same about the taste
Josh Kall
My b&m carries these. I will definitely be trying that pyramid, sounds great!
Jim
Very interesting smoke I gather. I like you reviews. Plain and to the point. Speaking of point, The price point is to much for me as a regular smoke.
I’m retired & on fixed income, so my descretionary $$$ tight.
Thanks,
Jim
Dino
Nice review. .this smoke kinda takes shaggy foot to the extreme. I don’t know if I’ve ever smoked anything with Peruvian tobacco. Thanks for the review.
Jon
Very interesting, too bad i cant find these around me!
Theo B
I love to try new cigars. Fingers crossed.
Lawrence Lyles
I’ve heard great things about these cigars from a couple of friends who’ve had them. But I’ve yet to find them near me. Hopefully I’ll get to try them soon.
Chris Fox
Great review. I really need to try these.
Eric C.
Keep up the great reviews – and thanx for the contest!
SGT Buck Melton
I love seeing the great reviews though I’ve never seen one nor have I ever tried one but I would sure love to
Jason M.
Sounds good, I’d like to try these.
Brad
Sounds awesome! Please send me mine ASAP! Thanks.
John Marcolini
Great to hear about something new and exciting! Mbombay is on my list!
Chris
They remind me of some Sumatran cigars I smoked years ago – same shaggy end , also very good draw and consistent, mild flavour. Introducing unusual cigars definitely enriches the market – keep up the good work!
Woodted
Thank you for the contest!
James Appello
Great write up Denis.
Pricing varies from state to state depending on the taxes.
I love way Mel has chosen to package and promote the line. It expresses class for the line.
Love the shaggy foot. Hopefully I’ll be able to try soon!
Tom Fournier
Love pyramids and the price isn’t a show stopper. But for a non-Cuban, it better be one heckofa smoke for $18 a stick. I haven’t seen any of these at my local tobacconist but will definitely try one when I have the chance to pick one up.
CJ
Sounds like a great smoke….other than the price tag
Nick
I’m fairly new to the world of cigars and will be sure to keep an eye out for this at my local tobacconist.
James
sounds like a Cigar I would like to try. I have never seen them before.
irratebass
Very nice review, thanks for the contest!
Ste
Thanks for the chance to try these!
Bernt Bjoergeengen
Interesting, would love to try this brand, it don’t exsist in my homecoyntry.
Daniels
I would love to give these a try.
Scott Wilcoxson
I don’t smoke many $18 cigars. This one would be interesting. Thanks!
Mike
Would like to try, but no local retailers, maybe get lucky and win?
Martin
They look great! Thanks for the opportunity!
DocMM
Have never seen these anywhere but here…would love to give them a try
Bob
Beautiful shag foot!
Alex
Thank you for the nice review. Would like to try it myself.
Allinton
I’ve heard great reviews about these cigars, unforunately they don’t carry them in my location and I have never come across them on any online sellers. Very much looking forward to trying these one day.
Baloo
Sounds like a great stick! Looks tasty…
Kevin
Great smoke, I have had most of the line from MBombay and enjoy them all!
Dominic Galvin
This cigar sounds wonderful. Any chance of getting distributor of MBombay in Ireland? We need interesting quality cigars like this here.
Danny Scott
As a newly initiated cigar fan, your site has been a wealth of knowledge for me, including this review! the unique look and construction would be a welcome stick to my growing collection (not to mention a great birthday gift for me this weekend!). Thanks for the review!
Timothy Lubbers
Would LOVE to give them a try!
Marc
looks interesting, would love to try it out
AP
Thanks for the review!
Matt LeMaster
I ran across these a while back and while they are quite intriguing to see, the price and lack of personal knowledge kept me from picking one up. I’ll have to stop by my local and pick one up!
Kurt
great review, definitely will be on my wish list.
Calder
Seen lots about these cigars but have yet to try one. Thanks for the giveaway.
Keith Anton
Interesting looking smoke and it was fun learning about the history and development of the brand. I need to get my lips around one these soon! Thanks for the news CI.
James Glenn
I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about MBombay cigars. I hope I get to try some soon.
bruce G
Those are some sexy cigars!
James
Wow! Those look tasty, and unusual.
Rich
Would like to try these. Thanks for the contest!
Samson
Sounds interesting never heard of it. Better be good at that price.
Edward Lewandowski
I would very much like to sample Mbombay cigars.
The shape is interesting and they sound delicious.
Pj
Would love to try one of these
John Yang
Looks like a great stick
Jon C
Interesting and excited to try out next
robc306
I am intrigued by these cigars. I really like the ‘rough cut’ ends and used to enjoy these years ago.
Would love to sample Mbombay cigars.
Glenn d
Can’t find these in Australia have been waiting for my next international order. Hook me up these sound awesome !!
Jeff Boldrick
Have always wanted to try an Mbombay, have not seen any in Canada.
Rob Keating
Looks very interesting
Keith Bogardus
Love everything about this brand. I’m glad you wrote this article!
Rob P
The cigar looks and sounds very interesting. At the price it will be a special occasion smoke.
Donald Santos
Sounds like a great cigar as you stated the price is high and living on a fixed income may stop me from trying it. Unless I start saving my penny’s
Chris Dougherty
Thank you for the chance
GarryM
Jumping jehosephat! Its got the price of a decent cuban here in Blighty – would love to try one!
C172driver
Nice job Denis.
alias Michael Andolini
The look of the cig is just stunning, so is the band (the term ´gorgious´ looks about spot on to me). Thumb up & very nice review too btw!
Regards
Robert Stearman
Thanks for the review and the contest!
Matt Ross
Thanks for the contest – great review!
Julian DeJesus
I have tried all three lines and bravo to all. Too bad I never win any contests.
Dragos Cazac
I only read good reviews on this cigar on the internet. But it’s not available in Romania! Wish I could try it out 🙂