Foundation The Tabernacle Broadleaf Toro Cigar – Single

Foundation The Tabernacle Toro features a dark Connecticut broadleaf Maduro wrapper, a Mexican San Andres binder, and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua. The blend incorporates tobacco from AJ Fernandez’s La Soledad farm in Nicaragua, ensuring a robust and complex profile. This 6 x 52 Toro vitola emphasizes balance, delivering concentrated flavors through its medium-to-full strength construction.

Flavor Profile and Construction

Initial notes of white pepper transition into chocolate, espresso, and nutty undertones, anchored by a raw tobacco essence. The retrohale provides a sweet finish, while the dense smoke output and smooth draw reflect AJ Fernandez’s meticulous rolling techniques. The cigar’s Mexican San Andres binder contributes to its structured burn and even ash formation.

Creator Background and Legacy

Nicholas Melillo, founder of Foundation Cigar Company, developed The Tabernacle Toro after his tenure at Drew Estate, where he co-created blends like Liga Privada No. 9 and Nica Rustica. Produced at Tabacalera Fernandez, this cigar leverages Melillo’s expertise in Nicaraguan tobacco and AJ Fernandez’s farming resources. Its release followed the critically acclaimed El Gueguense, which earned a spot on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list.

Pairing Recommendations and Usage

• Coffee (espresso or dark roast)
• Aged port wine
• Stout or porter beers

Designed for post-meal enjoyment, the Toro’s 6-inch length and 52-ring gauge optimize flavor delivery over a 90-minute smoking session.

Name Origin and Significance

Melillo named The Tabernacle after childhood experiences smoking cigars with his grandfather in Connecticut. His humidor, symbolizing these moments, became a “tabernacle” – a sacred space reflecting the ritualistic aspect of cigar enjoyment. Biblical references to King Solomon and the Ark of the Covenant further align the brand’s thematic depth with its artisanal quality.