Foundation Cigars, founded by Nicholas Melillo, offers premium cigars with a focus on quality and unique blends, showcasing rich Nicaraguan tobaccos for a diverse range of flavor profiles.
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Foundation Cigar Company is proud to celebrate its 10-year anniversary, a milestone rooted in a passion for tradition and craftsmanship. Founded by Nicholas Melillo, whose journey in the cigar industry spans decades, Foundation has become a beacon of quality and creativity, blending history, culture, and artistry into every cigar.This limited-edition 10-year anniversary cigar is a 7×58 Perfecto Salomon, crafted using a special Havana Seed grown in the Connecticut River Valley. This exceptional tobacco is cultivated on the farm that is also home to Foundation’s corporate offices, further embodying the company’s deep connection to its roots and commitment to excellence.The artwork for this commemorative release draws inspiration from St. George, the patron saint of Abyssinia, reflecting the deep connection between heritage and excellence that defines Foundation Cigars. This unique design honors the spirit of resilience, triumph, and dedication that has guided the company over the past decade.
The Aksumite Kingdom, an ancient civilization in present-day Ethiopia, stood as a beacon of power, culture, and tradition. According to Ethiopian legend, Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, brought the Ark of the Covenant to Aksum, where it has remained ever since. To this day, a single guardian devotes his life to watching over the sacred relic, protecting it day and night.Drawing inspiration from this storied empire, the Aksum line is a testament to heritage, craftsmanship, and tradition. Carefully blended to deliver a refined smoking experience, it embodies Foundation Cigars’ commitment to exceptional quality and respect for the timeless legacy of Aksum.Aksum – A Journey Through Legend, Crafted in Every Cigar.
The Charter Oak CT Broadleaf is a tribute to Connecticut’s rich tobacco heritage, crafted in honor of Nicholas Melillo’s grandfather—a man who, despite earning a modest living at Winchester Repeating Arms after World War II, remained devoted to his everyday cigar: Connecticut Broadleaf. His unwavering passion for this bold, flavorful leaf lives on in every carefully rolled cigar, preserving the legacy of a true tobacco tradition.Wrapped in a dark, hearty Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, bound with Habano Nicaraguan, and filled with a 100% Nicaraguan blend, this cigar delivers a robust, medium-to-full-bodied smoking experience. Expect deep notes of rich earth, natural sweetness, and bold complexity, making it a true homage to the timeless tradition of Connecticut Broadleaf tobacco.Charter Oak – The Pride of the CT River Valley
Long before Dutch settlers arrived on American shores, Native Americans cultivated tobacco and gathered in council beneath the massive branches of the Charter Oak, a sacred tree that became a powerful symbol of American independence. Today, Charter Oak cigars honor this rich history, hailing from the same fertile Connecticut River Valley where native son Nicholas Melillo was born and raised. With every cigar, we celebrate Connecticut’s deep tobacco heritage, preserving a tradition that has shaped generations.Expertly crafted, Charter Oak cigars feature a silky CT Shade wrapper, a Sumatran binder, and Nicaraguan fillers, resulting in a beautifully balanced, mild-to-medium-bodied smoke. This refined blend delivers a smooth, flavorful experience, perfect for those who appreciate tradition, craftsmanship, and the timeless character of Connecticut’s finest tobaccos.Charter Oak – The Pride of the CT River Valley
The Charter Oak Pegnataro and Pasquale cigars embody the dedication to excellence, tradition, and artistry that define Foundation Cigar Company. Created by founder and master blender Nicholas Melillo, these cigars are a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering spirit and timeless wisdom passed down by his grandfathers. They also mark a milestone—the opening of Foundation’s new office on a 300-acre farm in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley, one of the world’s most renowned tobacco-growing regions.
The newest addition to the Charter Oak family, the Charter Oak Habano, beautifully bridges the gap between the smooth Connecticut Shade and the bold Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro. Wrapped in a stunning Habano leaf, this cigar delivers a perfectly balanced profile that complements the Charter Oak tradition of quality and craftsmanship.Featuring a Nicaraguan binder and filler, the Charter Oak Habano offers a medium-bodied smoking experience, rich with notes of spice and depth of flavor—all at an exceptional value. Recognized for its outstanding quality, it was awarded Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Best Value Cigar. Experience premium craftsmanship without compromise.Charter Oak – The Pride of the CT River Valley
The Highclere Castle Edwardian is a meticulously handcrafted cigar, rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, to embody the sophistication of a bygone era. It features a silky Connecticut Shade wrapper paired with a rich Mata Fina binder, a dark and flavorful tobacco from Brazil. At the heart of this exceptional blend lies Nicadan, an exclusive hybrid seed combining Criollo and Corojo fillers cultivated in the volcanic soils of Jalapa and the island of Ometepe.The result is a mild to medium-bodied cigar with an exceptionally smooth and refined profile. Each draw unveils delicate notes of pepper, citrus, and leather, with a warm, lingering essence reminiscent of a crackling fireplace. The Highclere Castle Edwardian is a true testament to timeless craftsmanship, elegance, and tradition.Highclere Castle – Inspired by Royalty, Crafted for You.
One hundred years ago, Lord Carnarvon left Highclere Castle for the ancient sands of Egypt. He, along with archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun, hidden for 3000 years. We crafted this cigar for the Highclere Castle Cigar line to pay homage to archaeology’s greatest discovery. With our secret blend, we have endeavored to capture the spirit of ancient incense; “Senetjer” is the ancient Egyptian word for incense or “that which makes holy”. The box design is an exact replica of a storage box from the tomb itself. This cigar embodies life at Highclere in the era of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, his love for cigars, and his passion for ancient Egypt.Crafted from Legacy, Inspired by the Sacred.
Globally renowned as the iconic setting of the award-winning television drama Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle now brings to life a cigar reminiscent of those savored by nobility during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Inspired by the elegance and refinement of that era, this blend embodies the sophistication and tradition of the aristocratic smoking lounges of Highclere.Hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, the Highclere Castle Victorian features a luxurious upper-priming Habano Ecuador wrapper, complemented by a meticulously curated blend of Criollo and Corojo fillers sourced from the volcanic soils of Estelí, Jalapa, and the island of Ometepe. This exquisite cigar delivers a smoking experience worthy of the finest traditions, blending heritage with unparalleled craftsmanship.Highclere Castle – Inspired by Royalty, Crafted for You.
The Tabernacle Knight Commander draws inspiration from a prestigious honor bestowed upon Nicholas Melillo, owner of Foundation Cigar Company, by the Ethiopian Crown Council. Melillo was deeply humbled to receive the title of Knight Commander of the Ethiopian Star of Honor, an esteemed order of knighthood originally established by Emperor Menelik II in 1889. This order was granted to both foreign and domestic civilian and military officials for their dedicated service to Ethiopia. With great reverence, The Tabernacle Knight Commander pays tribute to this noble accolade, embodying the values of dedication and commitment to Ethiopia’s rich cultural legacy.Nicholas Melillo expressed his deep appreciation for the honor, stating: “Receiving the Ethiopian Star of Honor is an extraordinary privilege and the honor of a lifetime. The Knight Commander vitola is my tribute to this esteemed recognition, and I am proud that all proceeds will directly contribute to charitable efforts, making a meaningful impact in the lives of Ethiopians.”What truly distinguishes The Tabernacle Knight Commander is its mission-driven purpose. Foundation Cigar Company has committed 100% of all net wholesale proceeds from this exceptional cigar to support The Royal Ethiopian Trust. Through this initiative, the brand is dedicated to funding meaningful philanthropic endeavors, including education and entrepreneurship programs, as well as efforts to preserve and restore Ethiopia’s most significant historical artifacts. This commitment ensures that each cigar sold contributes directly to sustaining Ethiopia’s rich heritage and empowering future generations.Knight Commander – Crafted for Connoisseurs, Dedicated to a Cause.
The Olmecs are the early Americas’ most mysterious and ancient civilization. The Olmecs pre-date the Mayans and Aztecs and are considered the “Mother Culture” of Mesoamerica. They were the first to create mathematically precise calendars, pyramids, and, as far as we know, the first to smoke cigars. The heartland of the Olmecs is located in the tropical lowlands of the modern-day Mexican states of Veracruz, Tabasco, and San Andrés Tuxtla. Today, this is the same region that grows some of the finest San Andrés Negro wrapper tobacco. This seed variety is considered one of the oldest in the world.The blend delivers a full-bodied smoking experience with rich flavors of cacao, dark espresso, and spice without being too aggressive.Olmec – The Original Cigar Smokers.
Foundation Cigar Company proudly presents Primer Fábrica 1810, an exclusive event-only cigar honoring the rich history of American cigar-making. This special release pays tribute to the first known cigar factory in the United States, established in Suffield, Connecticut, in 1810—a region that remains central to the craft of premium cigars to this day.As a company headquartered in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley, Foundation Cigar Company continues to celebrate the region’s deep tobacco heritage. Primer Fábrica 1810 is a 5 ¾ x 60 soft box-pressed cigar, featuring a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The binder and filler remain undisclosed, adding an air of mystery and exclusivity to this commemorative cigar.Available Only at Foundation Events.This limited three-count box will not be available for sale and can only be acquired at Foundation events across the country. Customers attending these exclusive events can receive a Primer Fábrica 1810 box free of charge with the purchase of select Foundation boxes, including: ✔ The Wise Man ✔ AksumA Tribute to Connecticut’s Tobacco Legacy “This cigar is a tribute to the deep-rooted history of Connecticut tobacco and the origins of cigar-making in America,” said Nicholas Melillo, Founder & Master Blender of Foundation Cigar Company. “As a company based in the Connecticut River Valley, we are proud to continue this legacy while offering a unique and exclusive experience for cigar enthusiasts.”A Rare Opportunity for Cigar Lovers The Primer Fábrica 1810 will be available only at select Foundation events nationwide—giving cigar lovers a unique chance to experience this limited-edition release firsthand.
The Tabernacle is more than a cigar, it’s a tribute to heritage, faith, and tradition. The box art tells the story behind its name, featuring Haile Selassie, the 225th King of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia). His royal lineage traces directly to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, a connection deeply woven into history. The name Tabernacle is inspired by the sacred dwelling of Hebrew scripture, the revered sanctuary that housed the Ark of the Covenant before the construction of Solomon’s Temple.Crafted with one of the most prized wrapper leaves in the world, the Tabernacle CT Broadleaf is the epitome of a premium cigar. This rich, flavorful smoke is meticulously aged, featuring a San Andrés binder and a complex blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers. The result is a cigar that delivers depth, complexity, and an unparalleled smoking experience, honoring both tradition and excellence in every draw.Unveil the Majesty.
The David & Goliath cigars embody the timeless story of the underdog—triumphing against impossible odds with strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. Inspired by the legendary biblical battle, this line reflects Foundation Cigar Company’s dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.Available in two distinct figurado sizes, David & Goliath delivers a bold and complex smoking experience in two exceptional blends. Wrapped in either Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro or the rare Havana Seed CT No. 142, each cigar is meticulously crafted to bring depth, character, and richness to every draw.The Tabernacle – Unveil the Majesty
The Havana Seed CT No. 142 is one of the rarest and most unique tobaccos in the world. Unlike any other leaf, this exceptional variety is renowned for its rich oil content, requiring an extensive three-year fermentation process to achieve its full potential. This meticulous aging enhances its complexity, unlocking a depth of flavor that is both rare and extraordinary.Crafted for those who appreciate the finest tobacco, this blend delivers a luxuriously smooth yet bold smoking experience. Expect a medium to full-bodied profile, layered with notes of cedar, warm spice, deep earthiness, and a natural sweetness that lingers beautifully on the palate. The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No. 142 is more than just a cigar, it’s a testament to patience, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of perfection.The Tabernacle – Unveil the Majesty
The David & Goliath cigars embody the timeless story of the underdog—triumphing against impossible odds with strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. Inspired by the legendary biblical battle, this line reflects Foundation Cigar Company’s dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.Available in two distinct figurado sizes, David & Goliath delivers a bold and complex smoking experience in two exceptional blends. Wrapped in either Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro or the rare Havana Seed CT No. 142, each cigar is meticulously crafted to bring depth, character, and richness to every draw.The Tabernacle – Unveil the Majesty
Jamaica has a deep-rooted tradition of embracing the underdog—the anti-hero who defies the odds. Upsetters are the rule-breakers, the game-changers, the ones who challenge convention. In the 1960s, Jamaica’s “rude boys” watched old spaghetti westerns, seeing themselves in gunslingers like Django, figures who stood tall against the establishment. It was this same rebellious spirit that gave birth to reggae music, a sound that shook the world.The Upsetters cigar line is a celebration of Jamaican. At its core is the legendary Jamaican Cow Tongue tobacco, a rare and unique leaf cultivated in the very same hills where the indigenous Arawak people first planted tobacco centuries ago. The Upsetters honor Jamaica’s rich history, blending tradition with a bold new edge—because true pioneers don’t follow the rules, they rewrite them.
According to Ethiopian lore, the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon in Jerusalem, and their union bore Menelik, the Wise Man. This tale of heritage, wisdom, and cultural richness forms the essence of “The Wise Man” cigar line. We’ve blended tradition and innovation to create an experience that is a testament to our dedication to the art of cigar-making. Crafted with the utmost precision and expertise, this exceptional cigar embodies the historical tapestry that has influenced Foundation Cigar Company’s commitment to excellence.This collection features two distinguished wrappers: The Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper delivers a sweet yet refined experience, while the San Andrés Mexican wrapper offers a sophisticated and complex smoking experience.Embrace the Legacy. Ignite the Wisdom.
According to Ethiopian lore, the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon in Jerusalem, and their union bore Menelik, the Wise Man. This tale of heritage, wisdom, and cultural richness forms the essence of “The Wise Man” cigar line. We’ve blended tradition and innovation to create an experience that is a testament to our dedication to the art of cigar-making. Crafted with the utmost precision and expertise, this exceptional cigar embodies the historical tapestry that has influenced Foundation Cigar Company’s commitment to excellence.This collection features two distinguished wrappers: The Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper delivers a sweet yet refined experience, while the San Andrés Mexican wrapper offers a sophisticated and complex smoking experience.Embrace the Legacy. Ignite the Wisdom.