Foundation Cigar Company, under the leadership of Nicholas Melillo, has quickly carved out a niche in the premium cigar industry with its distinct blends and deep-rooted stories. Here is an in-depth look at how Foundation Cigar Company, a relatively young entity in the tobacco world, has risen to prominence with a blend of tradition, innovation, and meticulous craftsmanship.
The Genesis of Foundation Cigar Company
Nicholas Melillo, the founder of Foundation Cigar Company, is no stranger to the cigar industry. His journey began in the late 1990s when he started working at a local cigar shop in Connecticut, immersing himself in the rich culture and complex craftsmanship involved in cigar making. His passion and dedication soon led him to Drew Estate, where he honed his skills and contributed to creating some of the brand's most famous blends. In 2015, leveraging nearly two decades of experience, Melillo founded Foundation Cigar Company with a vision to blend premium cigars that would resonate with both novices and aficionados.
Blending Tradition and Innovation
From its inception, Foundation Cigars has stood out for its commitment to quality and consistency. The brand's debut release, El Güegüense (The Wise Man), not only gained critical acclaim but also earned a spot on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of the Year list—a remarkable achievement for a debutant. This blend, along with others such as The Tabernacle and Charter Oak, showcases Melillo’s skill in blending Nicaraguan tobaccos with top-quality wrappers from around the world.
The Core of Foundation’s Portfolio
One of the hallmarks of Foundation Cigar Company is its ability to create complex cigars that offer a balanced, flavorful experience. The Tabernacle is one such example, featuring a rich Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that envelops a blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers. This cigar delivers deep layers of flavors including notes of licorice, cedar, and a sweet finish, making it a favorite among those who prefer a fuller-bodied smoke.
Charter Oak, another standout offering, pays homage to Connecticut’s famed Charter Oak tree, symbolizing Melillo's roots. Available in both Connecticut Shade and Broadleaf wrappers, these cigars are known for their affordability without compromising on quality. They provide a smooth, flavorful smoke that is accessible to a wide range of cigar enthusiasts.
Foundation Cigars
Certainly! Here's a more detailed description of each cigar, focusing on the unique characteristics and flavor profiles that each blend offers:
Aksum Claro Formerly Metapa Claro - This cigar showcases a Claro wrapper, known for its light color and mild flavors. Expect a delicate balance of creaminess with hints of cedar and a touch of spice, perfect for those who appreciate a lighter, subtler smoking experience.
Aksum Maduro Formerly Metapa Maduro - Featuring a dark Maduro wrapper, this cigar delivers rich flavors of dark chocolate and espresso, complemented by a sweet undertone and robust earthy notes, ideal for fans of intense and full-bodied cigars.
Charter Oak Broadleaf - This cigar is wrapped in a Connecticut Broadleaf, providing a rich and hearty smoke with prominent notes of dark chocolate, black pepper, and a hint of molasses, making it deeply satisfying for lovers of bold flavors.
Charter Oak Connecticut - Encased in a smooth Connecticut Shade wrapper, it offers a milder, more approachable profile with flavors of toasted nuts, creamy vanilla, and light spices. It’s an excellent morning cigar or a gentle introduction for new smokers.
Charter Oak Especiales - A special edition within the Charter Oak line that combines complexity and elegance, featuring a blend of premium tobaccos that offer a medium-bodied experience with nuanced flavors of leather, cedar, and a hint of sweetness.
Charter Oak Habano - With a spicy Habano wrapper, this variant provides a medium to full-bodied smoke filled with vibrant notes of spice, cedar, and a robust earthiness, appealing to those who seek a dynamic and flavorful experience.
Charter Oak Maduro - Utilizing a Maduro wrapper, it offers a richly satisfying smoke with deep flavors of coffee, dark chocolate, and a creamy sweetness that beautifully balances the natural tobacco strength.
Charter Oak Shade - This cigar features a lighter, shade-grown wrapper, delivering a mild yet flavorful profile with hints of almonds, cream, and a subtle floral undertone, perfect for those preferring a gentler smoke.
El Gueguense - A Nicaraguan puro that showcases the finesse of Nicaraguan tobaccos. It offers a full-bodied experience with layers of leather, cedar, and spices, along with a lingering sweetness that encapsulates the richness of Nicaraguan soil.
El Gueguense 5th Anniversary - Celebrating five years of the brand, this cigar intensifies the original blend with added complexity and richness, featuring notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and a bold spiciness that satisfies the palate of seasoned aficionados.
El Gueguense Macho Raton - This limited edition release offers a unique size and a more concentrated flavor profile, with enhanced notes of dark fruits, nutmeg, and a robust tobacco core that showcases the art of Nicaraguan blending.
El Gueguense The Wise Man - A continuation of the El Güegüense line, this blend uses a darker wrapper to impart deeper flavors of espresso, leather, and a pronounced peppery finish, creating a bold and memorable smoking journey.
Grasshopper - A uniquely flavored cigar that blends traditional tobacco flavors with hints of grass and herbs, offering a fresh, vibrant smoking experience that's both unusual and delightful.
Highclere Castle Edwardian - Inspired by the opulent Edwardian era, this blend offers sophistication and luxury in every puff, with complex notes of aged wood, spices, and a rich creaminess that echoes the grandeur of its namesake.
Highclere Castle Senetjer - Commemorating historical luxury, this cigar features a complex blend of tobaccos that deliver an opulent smoke filled with flavors of ancient spices, rich earth, and a profound complexity that mirrors the treasures of the past.
Highclere Castle Victorian - Reflecting Victorian elegance, this cigar provides a refined smoking experience with intricate flavors of sandalwood, roasted nuts, and a subtle floral sweetness that evokes the refined tastes of the era.
Knight Commander - Crafted for the discerning smoker, this robust cigar commands attention with its bold flavors of dark chocolate, peppercorns, and a deep, lingering earthiness that asserts its dominance in the palate.
Menelik - Named after a historic emperor, Menelik cigars offer a regal experience with rich notes of espresso, dark chocolate, and a complex spiciness that pays homage to its noble inspiration.
Olmec Claro - This variant uses a Claro wrapper to provide a lighter, more nuanced smoke with gentle hints of cedar, cream, and a delicate sweetness, perfect for those seeking a milder yet flavorful option.
Olmec Maduro - With its Maduro wrapper, the Olmec Maduro delivers a potent flavor profile with rich notes of dark chocolate, bold espresso, and a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the robust intensity of the Maduro experience.
The Tabernacle - This cigar is enveloped in a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, offering a profound depth of flavors including dark fruits, earth, and spices. It’s a powerful, full-bodied smoke that appeals to those who appreciate a rich, layered complexity.
The Tabernacle CT Broadleaf - Using a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, this version intensifies the original profile with even richer notes of chocolate, leather, and black pepper, providing a deeply satisfying and robust smoking experience.
The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT 142 - Distinguished by its unique Havana seed Connecticut wrapper, this blend offers a rare taste characterized by spicy sweetness, woodsy notes, and a smooth, creamy finish, creating a distinctive and memorable smoke.
The Tabernacle David and Goliath - These special sizes amplify the blend’s intensity, delivering a dramatic flavor narrative with pronounced notes of espresso, pepper, and earth, combined with a complexity that evolves beautifully throughout the smoke.
The Upsetters - A fusion of Nicaraguan tobacco with traditional Jamaican herbs and other natural flavors, this line breaks from convention to offer a uniquely aromatic and flavorful experience, blending herbal sweetness with classic tobacco richness.
Expanding the Brand’s Reach
Innovation continues to drive Foundation Cigar Company as it expands its portfolio with exciting new blends and limited editions. The Wise Man Maduro, introduced as a richer take on the original El Güegüense, uses a San Andres Mexican wrapper to bring forth a bold, complex flavor profile with hints of chocolate, pepper, and coffee. This blend has not only been well-received but also placed highly in Cigar Aficionado’s annual rankings.
The company’s creative offerings extend to the Olmec series, which features distinctive Mexican San Andres wrappers. This line pays tribute to the ancient Olmec civilization, blending history with the art of cigar making, and has been praised for its unique flavor and impeccable construction.
The Art of Cigar Making
Beyond the blends, Foundation Cigar Company is known for its attention to detail and the artistry that goes into each cigar. This is evident in the packaging and branding, which often draw on historical and cultural themes to enrich the smoking experience. Each box and band is carefully designed to reflect the story and heritage behind the blend, adding a layer of depth that appeals to connoisseurs.
A Bright Future
As Foundation Cigar Company continues to grow, it remains dedicated to producing top-quality cigars that appeal to a diverse audience. With each new release, the company reinforces its reputation for blending expertise and innovative storytelling through tobacco. The combination of Melillo’s passion for history and his mastery of tobacco blending ensures that Foundation Cigar Company will remain a key player in the premium cigar industry for years to come.
In conclusion, Foundation Cigar Company exemplifies the journey of modern cigar making, bridging the gap between traditional artisanal techniques and contemporary innovation. Whether you are a seasoned smoker or a newcomer, Foundation offers a cigar that not only satisfies the palate but also enriches the smoking experience with its rich narratives and meticulous craftsmanship. As the brand evolves, it continues to celebrate the legacy of its founder while inviting cigar lovers to partake in a journey of taste and tradition.
