About Foundation Cigar Company

At Foundation Cigar Company, we are committed to producing premium cigars that embody quality, consistency, balance, and rich flavor—crafted with heart and soul. With over 25 years of dedication to the cigar industry, we seamlessly blend old-world traditions with modern craftsmanship, delivering exceptional smoking experiences that honor the artistry of the past while embracing the future.

We partner with carefully selected tobacconists who share our passion for artisan craftsmanship and seek cigars of uncompromising quality. Our global network includes relationships with some of the finest tobacco growers worldwide, ensuring our blends are built on the best leaves available.

Founder and Master Blender, Nicholas Melillo, has traveled the world sourcing the finest tobaccos, personally overseeing production, and crafting some of the highest-rated and best-selling cigars in the industry. Under his meticulous supervision, every leaf is carefully evaluated—selected, aged, and blended to ensure the perfect balance of flavor, combustion, and aroma.

Rooted in Tradition. Crafted for Today.

We do not sell tobacco products on our website and do not directly sell tobacco products to consumers. This site is intended only for individuals above the age of 21. If you are not 21, please refrain from viewing or accessing this website.

THE WISE MAN

Embrace the Legacy. Ignite the Wisdom.

We've blended tradition and innovation to create an experience that is a testament to our dedication to the art of cigar-making. Crafted with the utmost precision and expertise, this exceptional cigar embodies the historical tapestry that has influenced Foundation Cigar Company's commitment to excellence.

AKSUM

A Journey Through Legend, Crafted in Every Cigar.

The Aksumite Kingdom, an ancient civilization in present-day Ethiopia, stood as a beacon of power, culture, and tradition. According to Ethiopian legend, Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, brought the Ark of the Covenant to Aksum, where it has remained ever since. To this day, a single guardian devotes his life to watching over the sacred relic, protecting it day and night.

THE TABERNACLE

Unveil the Majesty.

The Tabernacle is more than a cigar—it’s a tribute to heritage, faith, and tradition. The box art tells the story behind its name, featuring Haile Selassie, the 225th King of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia). His royal lineage traces directly to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, a connection deeply woven into history. The name Tabernacle is inspired by the sacred dwelling of Hebrew scripture—the revered sanctuary that housed the Ark of the Covenant before the construction of Solomon’s Temple.

OLMEC

The Original Cigar Smokers.

The Olmecs are the early Americas' most mysterious and ancient civilization. The Olmecs pre-date the Mayans and Aztecs and are considered the "Mother Culture" of Mesoamerica. They were the first to create mathematically precise calendars, pyramids, and, as far as we know, the first to smoke cigars.

Highclere Castle

Inspired by Royalty, Crafted for You.

Globally renowned as the iconic setting of the award-winning television drama Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle now brings to life a cigar reminiscent of those savored by nobility during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Inspired by the elegance and refinement of that era, this blend embodies the sophistication and tradition of the aristocratic smoking lounges of Highclere.

CHARTKER OAK

The Pride of the CT River Valley.

The Charter Oak CT Broadleaf is a tribute to Connecticut’s rich tobacco heritage, crafted in honor of Nicholas Melillo’s grandfather—a man who, despite earning a modest living at Winchester Repeating Arms after World War II, remained devoted to his everyday cigar: Connecticut Broadleaf. His unwavering passion for this bold, flavorful leaf lives on in every carefully rolled cigar, preserving the legacy of a true tobacco tradition.

The Upsetters

Dare To Be Different. Be an Upsetter.

Jamaica has a deep-rooted tradition of embracing the underdog—the anti-hero who defies the odds. Upsetters are the rule-breakers, the game-changers, the ones who challenge convention. In the 1960s, Jamaica’s “rude boys” watched old spaghetti westerns, seeing themselves in gunslingers like Django, figures who stood tall against the establishment. It was this same rebellious spirit that gave birth to reggae music, a sound that shook the world.

Choose Yourself

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Discover the essence of luxury with our featured selection. Each cigar is a masterpiece, crafted from the finest leaves and a legacy of excellence that honors tradition and passion for the art of tobacco. Experience unmatched quality, designed for true connoisseurs.

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