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Foundation The Upsetters The Original Rude Boy Review

Foundation The Upsetters The Original Rude Boy Review

We recently reviewed the Django from Foundation The Upsetters Cigars. The line was born from the discontented and rebellious urban youth of Jamaica in the 1960s who listened to ska music and took matters into their own hands. This “rude boy” subculture originated in Kingston, Jamaica, and went on to spawn some of the most notorious rude boy gangs, including the Charles Street Spanglers and Pheonix Skull.

The Original Rude Boy has an impressive 6 x 60 Gordo physique and is draped in a gorgeous brown Maduro wrapper. However, it’s inside where things turn wild and exotic. The unique use of Jamaican cow tongue leaf and a painstakingly measured technique known as “Caribbean atmospheric herbal fusion” set the scene for an unorthodox flavor profile.

Nick Melillo, the founder of Foundation Cigars, is the former executive vice president of international operations at Drew Estate ⁠— widely regarded as the pioneer of the infused cigar market.

Brand overview

Melillo formed Foundation in June 2015. Headquarters are situated on the grounds of a 50-acre tobacco field in Connecticut, with tobacco seeds starting their journey in the dark, dense soil of Estelí, Nicaragua.

From their debut El Gueguense that made Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2016, to the elegant royalty of the Highclere Castle, they’ve amassed an impressive portfolio in a short time.

Forgive my insolence. It’s time to sample this ancient Jamaican tobacco strain and find out what The Upsetters Cigar Original Rude Boy has to say in our latest cigar review.

Cigar specs

Cold draw

The Rude Boy has an impact of color with its blend of green, red, and yellow over a dark background that depicts a gunslinging man with dreadlocks. It’s a tightly rolled cigar that looks like it could hold its own against tyranny, with a fascinating floral aroma that smells a lot like clove.

I used my guillotine cigar cutter to deliver a straight cut and sink into a couple of pre-light puffs that give an early glimpse into the herbal and earthy qualities of the Jamaican leaf.

First third

Intrigue is already at the forefront of my thoughts as flame hits foot. There’s a subtle mix of sweetness and spice as honeysuckle and sweet tea jostle with the warm, spicy clove that purred from the wrapper earlier.

The complexity keeps my palate on its toes, with occasional hints of citrus and pepper landing as I edge toward the end of the first third. The pepper also lingers on the nose, but it never overpowers the sweet taste that is beautifully distinctive.

Second third

In the second third, my palate is still hopping with every draw as the combination of the richness and exotic sweetness from the delectable Jamaican and Nicaraguan fillers begins to shine. There are deep notes of cocoa, earth, and toast, while the subtle sweet tip showcases the exotic flavor infusion with the honey and tea now lightly herbal.

It’s extremely satisfying to see the cigar is highlighting the natural tobacco flavor, while still benefiting from Melillo’s mastery of top-caliber infused smokes to offer something a little different from the status quo.

Final third

The pepper does pick up a bit towards the nub. However, I’m still reveling in the perfectly balanced combination of warm and aromatic hits (allspice, toast, and Turkish coffee) alongside the sweetness that now has some orange running through it.

Like an anti-hero battling against the odds, even the ash held on almost to the end.

Conclusion

A great Gordo for the experiential and adventurous aficionado, some may misinterpret The Rude Boy as a sweet cigar. Yet, this is far from the case. The sweetness is understated and allows the character of Jamaican and Nicaraguan tobacco to assert its influence.

The infusion isn’t over the top, making it a relaxing smoke that pays a respectful homage to Jamaica’s rich and often forgotten tobacco cultivation and cigar construction history. If you’re seeking a medium-full profile that conjures a unique mix of sweetness and warm spice, The Upsetters Cigar Original Rude Boy is truly out of this world.

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