Foundation Cigars

Foundation Cigar Company Origin Story Brand Background

If there were ever a cigar brand that was “taking names and chewing bubble gum,” one that spearheaded their way through a crowded scene making noise, it would be this one. The brand’s meteoric rise was paved by Nick Melillo’s hometown origins. He grew up in Connecticut’s tobacco country, which gave him an early connection to the industry.

He followed his passion and cut his teeth at the esteemed Drew Estate. He spent years purchasing and blending, learning the ropes and gaining an intimate knowledge about sourcing and production. That experience, combined with his passion for history and culture, set the stage for a brand that blends storytelling and craftsmanship in equal measure.

Brand Background and Cigar Influence

Melillo is a historical and cultural enthusiast. A lot of that shows up in just about all his releases. Each line ties back to a historical theme or figure. For example, the Highclere Castle Victorian was created as a nod to the renowned British castle featured in Downton Abbey. Each release showcased a unique and cohesive identity as well as the creative talent behind the scenes. Melillo managed to create an immense amount of buzz, momentum, and excitement for the brand, with fans eagerly anticipating their future cigar.

Nick Melillo’s Vision and Global Recognition

Nick spent years learning the nuances of cigar making and tobacco. He worked side by side with growers, absorbing the generational knowledge passed down to them. His deep connections with the locales and major players in the industry are the chief contributing factors behind his success. This direct connection between the master blender, the agricultural experts and those with a connection to the land and to the roots of old world cigarmaking produces a noticeable difference.

His top-rated blends have even earned the critical acclaim of Cigar Aficionado, endearing fans, and even well-known celebrities. If you’ve watched the widely viewed Joe Rogan Experience, you’ve probably seen him smoke a Foundation cigar. Joe Rogan cigars became a thing because the comedian and podcast host genuinely enjoys the brand’s cigars and talks about them on air. This organic endorsement introduced a younger crowd to the brand who might have discovered it otherwise.

Foundation Cigars Lineup: From Budget-Friendly to Top-Rated

Foundation features a growing list of incredible cigars that continue to earn top praise from industry leaders and an exploding fan base. Foundation El Gueguense was the first one out of the gate. It showcases all Nicaraguan puro inspired by an old Nicaraguan work that satirized the newly arriving Conquistadors. The Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper, binder, and filler deliver an incredible range of polished refinement. Check out this El Gueguense cigar review for a closer look.

Not long after, Melillo expanded fast. He introduced The Tabernacle, the Upsetters, and the very well-received Charter Oak, all within the same year. Charter Oak cigars, trio of affordable blends that cater to any aficionado, are some of the best cigars out there for the cost and are cornerstones of my weekly rotation.

Another big year for Foundation Cigars was 2018 when it released the top-rated The Wise Man Maduro cigars. These gems are a maduro expression of El Gueguense that uses a top-quality San Andres Mexican wrapper in place of the Nicaraguan Corojo. The Wise Man Maduro delivers a bold medium-full bodied tapestry of chocolate, pepper, leather, coffee, and sweet cream that earned it the #3 cigar spot from Cigar Aficionado. Take a look at this The Wise Man Maduro cigar review for a deeper dive on this brand.

Foundation’s most recent release, Olmec cigars, has swiftly won over the palates of discerning aficionados. This two-blend line honors the ancient Olmec people with the use of two unique Mexican San Andres wrappers, grown in the same area that the Olmecs once lived long ago.

Be sure to check out Olmec and the rest of the Foundation Cigars lineup by ordering them online with Cigars.com!

Award Winning Releases and Cigar Aficionado Recognition

Foundation’s first cigar, El Gueguense, made an immediate impact when it first hit the market, satirizing the arrival of the Conquistadors. It cracked Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigar of 2016. Two years later, the Wise Man Maduro, an old Nicaraguan stick, climbed even higher. It earned the #3 spot on Cigar Aficionado’s list in 2018. In just a few years, Foundation Cigar achieved a level of acclaim that’s almost uncommon. The cohesive theming combined with top-notch cigars has made Foundation Cigars a memorable household name, all backed by quality blends of balanced and deliciously good flavors.

Pairing Suggestions

Foundation Cigars pair well with a wide range of drinks.

• Try El Gueguense with rum to highlight the little intricacies in this amazing cigar.
• The Tabernacle pairs wonderfully with bourbon, while the oak and vanilla will shine even brighter when you sample it with coffee, espresso, or cocoa.
• Olmec Maduro stands up to bold stouts and espresso.
• Charter Oak works well with just about any morning drink.

Why Buy Foundation Cigars Online

Foundation Cigars Company is rapidly growing and changing the game on how cigars are made and promoted. With the multiple award-winning releases, a portfolio that ranges from wallet-friendly to collector-level, and a fanbase that includes one of the most famous podcasters in the world, these cigars are turning heads for all the right reasons.

If there was ever a “I knew them before they were famous” kind of cigar purchase, it would be this one. Enjoy a balanced, flavorful, traditional, and original smoking experience when you grab your Foundation cigars box today.

Explore Foundation Cigars for sale here at Cigars.com.