Foundation

Aksum

Take a trip with us to present-day Ethiopia, where the legendary Aksumite Kingdom used to make its home. Local legend says that the Ark of the Covenant lays there and is guarded day and night, ensuring one of the most revered relics in the history of our civilization remains intact. It was this mysticism that helped inspire the Aksum by Foundation. Already one of the hottest brands in the cigar business, Foundation typically draws on subject matter that has deep roots within a culture and its folklore. Whether it’s the award-winning El Gueguense or its American cousin, The Wise Man, Foundation lead Nicholas Melillo is always conjuring something beneath the surface level as his muse for a great smoke. In this case, the Aksum, which was crafted by the legendary AJ Fernandez, is a rebrand of the beloved Metapa. A copyright issue forced a name change which, for those who love the cigar, seems kismet. As much as a name and its backstory can buoy a cigar, Foundation has struck gold with this bright, new, regal packaging and equally enticing draw on history. Using an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, Connecticut broadleaf binder and filler from Nicaragua’s Jalapa and Estelí regions, the Aksum is a sight to behold right out of the box. Flawless packaging and an intriguing cold draw lead smokers into an absolute delight, as they’ve no doubt come to expect from the Foundation brand. There is a distinct woodsy sweetness to this cigar, with a spiciness toward the finish line. This is an ideal cigar either for your next high profile pairing event, or to showcase on its own. Foundation knows how to craft cigars that are more of a main event than of a simple sidekick. Through quality smoking time, one will be able to pick up the incredibly layered flavor profile. This cigar is recommended for both the experienced smoker and the novice alike. Given its complex and punchy delineation, it is still accessible ranging in medium to full bodied strength. From its elevated flavor profile to its packaging, it’s also perfect as a gifting option for the true aficionado who appreciates every inch of the cigar making process. The box, which comes with a black top across a light cedar emblazoned with a picture of the legendary Ras Makonnen, the governor of the modern-day area that encompassed the Aksumite kingdom, is a clear nod to other smokers in regard to your exquisite taste and knowledge of top-shelf cigars. Available in boxes of 10 in a vast array of sizes to suit all your smoking preferences, pick up any cigar from this unbelievable line from Cigars.com, and stock your humidor with a smoke that will be a crown jewel of its own.