Foundation Cigars
Foundation Cigars operates from Nicaragua using tobaccos from prime growing regions. The brand produces over ten hand-rolled lines developed through multi-year blending processes. Their portfolio includes Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, Corojo, and San Andrés Maduro wrappers paired with Nicaraguan fillers.
Production Details
Established in 2015 by Nicholas Melillo (former production lead at Drew Estate), the company debuted with El Güegüense - a Nicaraguan puro featuring Criollo and Corojo tobaccos. This release earned a 2016 Cigar Aficionado Top 25 designation.
Notable Blends
- Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Toro: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper with Nicaraguan fillers. Flavor components include mineral-rich soil tones and caramelized sugars.
- Highclere Castle Victorian Robusto: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper with aged Nicaraguan tobaccos. Exhibits baking spice and oak characteristics.
- The Wise Man Robusto: Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over Nicaraguan Corojo/Criollo fillers. Combines dark fruit sweetness with black pepper spice.
- The Tabernacle Broadleaf Torpedo: Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper with Ligero-heavy Nicaraguan filler. Delivers espresso and charred wood notes.
Construction Characteristics
All lines feature triple-seam caps and uniform bunching for consistent airflow. Primary binders include Nicaraguan Habano and Indonesian Sumatra varieties. Aging processes range from 2-5 years across different blends.
