
Craft Cigars by Nicholas Melillo — From Tabernacle to Wise Man
311 products found
311 products found

Quantity: Box of 20
Shape: Petite Corona
Length: 5
Ring Gauge: 42
Wrapper: connecticut shade (natural)
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 10
Shape: Robusto Maduro
Length: 5
Ring Gauge: 50
Wrapper: ecuador sumatra (maduro)
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 10
Shape: Robusto
Length: 5
Ring Gauge: 50
Wrapper: ecuador sumatra (ems)
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 10
Shape: Double Corona Maduro
Length: 7
Ring Gauge: 54
Wrapper: ecuador sumatra (maduro)
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 10
Shape: Corona Gorda Maduro
Length: 5.5
Ring Gauge: 48
Wrapper: ecuador sumatra (maduro)
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 25
Shape: Toro Huaco
Length: 6
Ring Gauge: 56
Wrapper: nicaragua (ems)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 25
Shape: Corona Gorda
Length: 5.62
Ring Gauge: 46
Wrapper: nicaragua (ems)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 12
Shape: Maduro Robusto
Length: 5
Ring Gauge: 50
Wrapper: san andrés mexican (maduro)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 24
Shape: Havana Seed CT Robusto
Length: 5
Ring Gauge: 50
Wrapper: havana (ems)
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: Honduras / Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 20
Shape: Grande
Length: 6
Ring Gauge: 60
Wrapper: ecuador habano (ems)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 20
Shape: Corona Gorda
Length: 5
Ring Gauge: 48
Wrapper: corojo (ems)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 12
Shape: Claro Toro
Length: 6
Ring Gauge: 52
Wrapper: san andrés mexican (ems)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 13
Shape: Lancero
Length: 7.5
Ring Gauge: 40
Wrapper: san andrés mexican (maduro)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 10
Shape: Toro
Length: 6
Ring Gauge: 52
Wrapper: ecuador sumatra (ems)
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua

Quantity: Box of 10
Shape: Double Corona
Length: 7
Ring Gauge: 54
Wrapper: ecuador sumatra (ems)
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua
Foundation Cigar Company was founded in 2017 by Nicholas Melillo, a former tobacco agronomist who spent years working for General Cigar and Quesada Cigars before striking out on his own. Melillo's deep knowledge of tobacco agronomy — he literally studied the plants in the field — gives Foundation an edge that few boutique brands can match. The Tabernacle earned a spot on Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 list in its debut year, and the portfolio has continued to grow with critically acclaimed releases. CigarFinder compares Foundation prices across 17+ trusted retailers.
Nicholas Melillo is not your typical cigar brand owner — he is a trained tobacco agronomist who spent years studying leaf in the fields of the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Connecticut before ever blending a cigar. This scientific understanding of tobacco, combined with a passionate palate, gives Foundation cigars a depth that reflects true expertise.
Foundation's cigars are produced at the Aganorsa Leaf factory (TABSA) in Estelí, Nicaragua — one of the most respected boutique factories in the country. The Tabernacle is the flagship — a rich, full-bodied Connecticut Broadleaf-wrapped Nicaraguan blend that earned a spot on Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 in 2017. The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No. 142 uses a rare Havana seed Connecticut wrapper for a different expression.
The Wise Man Maduro is a bold San Andres-wrapped powerhouse. Highclere Castle is a refined, mild-to-medium cigar inspired by the real Highclere Castle (of Downton Abbey fame), produced in collaboration with the Carnarvon family. Olmec features a dark Mexican San Andres wrapper with ancient Mesoamerican-inspired branding. Charter Oak is the everyday value line delivering premium quality under $5.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Founded: 2017
Popular Lines: The Tabernacle, Wise Man Maduro, Charter Oak, Highclere Castle, Olmec, El Gueguense, Metapa
Nicholas Melillo is a trained tobacco agronomist who worked for General Cigar and Quesada Cigars before founding Foundation Cigar Company in 2017. His scientific background in tobacco agriculture gives him a unique perspective on cigar blending that few in the industry can match.
The Tabernacle is the flagship and most acclaimed — a rich, full-bodied Connecticut Broadleaf cigar that made Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 in its debut year. Wise Man Maduro is the choice for maximum boldness. Highclere Castle is the most refined and approachable. Charter Oak is the best value.
Yes, Charter Oak is Foundation Cigar Company's value line. While the Tabernacle and Wise Man use premium-priced tobaccos, Charter Oak delivers the same quality standards at an everyday price point under $5 per cigar.
Foundation cigars are produced at the Aganorsa Leaf factory (TABSA) in Estelí, Nicaragua. Aganorsa is one of Nicaragua's largest tobacco growers, and their factory is home to many acclaimed boutique brands.
CigarFinder compares Foundation cigar prices across 17+ trusted online retailers. Browse the products above sorted by price and check our coupon codes for additional savings.