Mel Shah's MBombay brand is making noise again after spending years in the shadows. The company that went relatively quiet after 2020 started trickling cigars back into stores last year, and now they're rolling out something special—a revived version of their Mora line featuring sticks that have been aging since 2019.
The announcement marks a significant moment for fans who've been waiting to see what MBombay would do next. While the brand has kept a low profile for the better part of half a decade, this release shows they haven't been sitting idle.
A Different Beast From the Original
The new Mora isn't just a reissue of what came before. While the name stays the same, pretty much everything else has changed since the original Mora debuted back in 2014.
The blend represents a complete departure from its predecessor. Where the 2014 version featured a Dominican wrapper paired with a Peruvian binder and fillers sourced from the Dominican Republic and Ecuador, this 2026 release takes a different route entirely.
The updated recipe starts with a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, a choice that signals a shift toward richer, more robust flavors. Underneath sits an Ecuadorian binder, working together with a filler blend that pulls tobacco from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Pennsylvania. It's a mix that brings together some of the most respected growing regions in the cigar world.
One thing that hasn't changed is the manufacturing location. Just like the original MBombay cigars, these Moras were rolled at Tabacos de Costa Rica, maintaining that connection to the facility that helped establish the brand's reputation.
Two Sizes, Both Ready to Smoke
MBombay is keeping things simple with the release, offering just two vitolas. The MBombay Mora Robusto comes in at 5 inches by 54 ring gauge, priced at $19.95 per stick or $199.50 for a box of ten. For those who prefer a longer smoke, the Mora Toro measures 6 1/2 inches by 54 ring gauge, running $21.95 individually or $219.50 per ten-count box.
The pricing positions these cigars in the premium category, though not at the very top end of the market. Given the age on these sticks, the price point reflects both the quality of the tobacco blend and the patience required to let them rest for more than five years before release.
Limited Numbers Mean Act Fast
Here's the catch—these aren't going to be around forever. Because the cigars were actually rolled back in 2019, MBombay is working with a finite supply. The company has disclosed specific inventory numbers: 2,768 boxes of the Mora Robusto and 2,764 boxes of the Mora Toro.
Those numbers might sound substantial at first glance, but spread across retailers nationwide and internationally, they'll move quickly. It's the kind of limited release that creates urgency among collectors and enthusiasts who don't want to miss out on something that won't be replicated.
The fact that MBombay sat on these cigars for over five years before releasing them is worth noting. Most manufacturers roll and ship relatively quickly to maintain cash flow and meet demand. Holding product for this long represents either careful planning or fortunate circumstance—possibly a combination of both given the brand's dormant period.
What Five Years of Aging Brings
Age does interesting things to cigars. The extended rest period allows the various tobacco components to marry together, mellowing harsh edges while developing complexity. Oils redistribute throughout the filler, and the chemical processes that continue even in rolled cigars have time to work their magic.
For cigars that have been sitting since 2019, smokers can expect flavors that are well-integrated rather than disjointed. The San Andrés wrapper, known for producing bold, earthy, sometimes sweet notes, will have had years to settle into harmony with the Ecuadorian binder and the multi-nation filler blend.
The Pennsylvania tobacco in the filler is particularly interesting. While not as commonly featured as Nicaraguan or Honduran leaf, Pennsylvania tobacco brings a unique character—often contributing leather and spice notes with a distinctive twang that sets it apart from Central American tobaccos.
Hitting Shelves This Week
MBombay confirmed the cigars are shipping this week, which means they should start appearing at retailers across the country almost immediately. For brick-and-mortar shops, this represents an opportunity to offer customers something with genuine age and a compelling backstory.
The timing of the release—early in 2026—gives the brand a chance to capture attention while the market is still fresh and budgets haven't been depleted by holiday spending. It's also early enough in the year that retailers can feature these cigars throughout the spring and summer smoking seasons.
The Bigger Picture for MBombay
This release does more than just bring two new cigars to market. It signals that MBombay is serious about reestablishing itself after years of limited activity. Brands don't come back from dormancy with aged, limited-production cigars unless they're committed to making an impression.
The decision to revive the Mora name specifically suggests Shah is drawing on brand recognition while acknowledging that the company and the market have both evolved since 2014. It's a bridge between MBombay's past and whatever future the company is building.
For long-time fans of the brand, this release offers a chance to reconnect with a name they remember while experiencing something entirely new. For newcomers, it's an introduction to MBombay through a product that showcases patience and craftsmanship.
What This Means for Cigar Enthusiasts
The return of MBombay with aged product is good news for anyone who appreciates cigars that have had time to mature properly. In an industry where many releases hit shelves within months of being rolled, finding cigars with five-plus years of age is increasingly rare outside of personal collections.
The limited nature of the release creates both opportunity and challenge. On one hand, there's the appeal of owning something scarce and well-aged. On the other, missing the window means waiting to see if MBombay produces more Mora cigars in the future—and whether those will carry the same age profile.
At prices just under and just over twenty dollars per cigar, these aren't impulse purchases for most smokers. They're cigars you buy when you want something special, whether for a personal occasion or simply because you appreciate the work that went into bringing them to market.
The Pennsylvania tobacco component might appeal particularly to smokers who enjoy American-grown leaf and the distinctive character it brings. Combined with the San Andrés wrapper and the Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers, there's potential for a complex smoking experience that evolves as you work through the cigar.
Looking Forward
With cigars already shipping, the next few weeks will reveal how the market responds to MBombay's return. Social media reviews and retailer feedback will provide the first indications of whether these aged Moras connect with today's cigar smokers.
If the reception is strong, it could pave the way for additional releases from MBombay. The question then becomes whether future releases will also carry significant age or if this was a one-time opportunity to clear aged inventory while relaunching the brand.
For now, the message is clear: MBombay is back, and they're leading with product that stands apart from typical new releases. Whether you're a returning fan or a curious newcomer, the aged Mora cigars represent a chance to experience what happens when tobacco and time work together—assuming you can get your hands on a box before they're gone.
