FOUNDATION CIGAR COMPANY - Always On The Level

The Wiseman Macho Raton

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ALWAYS ON THE LEVEL

About Foundation Cigar Company

With over 20 years of love and dedication for the industry, we merge old world traditions with modern-day
styles and customs to produce unique premium cigars.

Our goal is to work with specially selected tobacconists who recognize our passion and dedication for quality artisan products.

We have developed strong relationships with some of the best tobacco growers throughout the world
and have established our production in the valley of Esteli, Nicaragua

Brands

Foundation proudly presents ten brands and counting.
Each release is thoughtfully blended and hand-rolled in a process that takes years.

We use tobacco sourced from the best farms on earth, because the leaf is the true foundation.

El Güegüense

Medium-bodied with sweet notes of cedar and spice.

Wise Man Maduro

Flavors of black pepper, dark roast espresso and cacao.

The Tabernacle CT Broadleaf

Earthy tones, hints of raisin, ripe fruit and steak, and a finish of a fine dark Swiss Chocolate.

The Tabernacle CT Broadleaf - David & Goliath

The brand is named for the hallowed sanctuary of Hebrew scripture: The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT N°142

Spicy and sweet tones that gives this cigar its unmistakable rich flavor.

The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT N°142 - David & Goliath

Delicious medium to full-bodied blend with hints of cedar, spice, rich earthiness and natural sweetness.

Highclere Castle Edwardian

With notes of pepper, citrus, leather, and fireplace.

Highclere Castle Victorian

Medium-bodied with elegant notes of cedar, light roasted coffee, and spice.

Highclere Castle Senetjer

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE TOMB OF EGYPTIAN PHARAOH TUTANKHAMUN

Charter Oak Habano

The cigar is medium-bodied with notes of spice; an amazing flavor at a great value.

Charter Oak CT Shade

This combination of tobacco gives the smoker amild to medium bodied smoke.

Charter Oak CT Broadleaf

The cigar has notes of rich earth, natural sweetness with a medium to full smoking experience.

Olmec

One of the oldest seeds in the world.

The Upsetters

For the experiential and adventurous smoker, as well as the most ardently traditional smoker alike.

Menelik Toro

Delivers depth, complexity, body, and flavor.

Menelik Robusto

Medium to full-bodied blends, these short perfectos pack a ton of flavor.

Foundation Cigar Company is dedicated to quality, consistency, balance, flavor, and building brands with heart and soul.

Nicholas Melillo, Founder & President

Find a Foudation Cigars
retailer near you

Over +800 retailers to choose from

Instagram Recent Posts

The latest social posts from Foundation Cigar Company and our customers around the world. Hashtag #foundationcigars to be featured.

Repost 🌞 @nickragua • I have known Finnie and

Repost 🌞 @nickragua
•
I have known Finnie and Chris from @humidourcigarshoppe in Maryland since I started making cigars in Nicaragua almost 20yrs ago. This month we @foundationcigars celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Humidour Shoppe and the love and dedication they have shown the cigar industry. I have blended a special Menelik Corona Gorda for the occasion which is one of our most exclusive and Illusive brands. This is a rich and full bodied corona, packed in 12 count boxes We have only made a limited amount of boxes, 350 to be exact. If you want something special for the holidays contact Chris and Finnie 410-666-3212 or order online via www.humidour.com

@thiefoperandi 🖼️
#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

🌞 🌋 🌋 Today we are happy to announce the

🌞 🌋 🌋 Today we are happy to announce the Menelik Corona Gorda made exclusively for @humidourcigarshoppe 25th Anniversary!
Visit www.humidour.com or call 410-666-3212 to place your order. Only 350 boxes made !

Humidour owner Finnie Helmuth shared her thoughts on the collaboration. “Our Humidour family first met @nickragua when he started in the industry back in 2003. There was an instant connection between us as Nick shared his knowledge about the growing of tobacco and blending of cigars. We were beyond excited with the formation of Foundation Cigar Company and requested a shipment of Foundation Cigars as soon as they were available. We were honored when Nick agreed to work with us on our 25th-anniversary cigar. We created the blend with Nick based on our favorite cigar size to smoke, a Corona Gorda. What an unbelievable smoke he created!”

The Menelik had previously been an event-only cigar and joined the Foundation’s regular production line in June of 2019. The cigar is a 5 ¾ by 46 ring gauge vitola and is composed of a Mexican San Andres wrapper, with a Corojo 99 binder, and Nicaraguan long-fillers. A medium to full-bodied smoke, flavors of dark espresso and spice are enjoyed throughout the cigar.

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

Repost 🌞 @smallbatchcigar • Always sad when I

Repost 🌞 @smallbatchcigar
•
Always sad when I realize I’m getting down to the end of a box of these Havana Seeds 🥲 Do you have a box that pulls on your heart strings every time you have to re-up?

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

We are still in the process of shipping the limite

We are still in the process of shipping the limited edition Highclere Castle Senetjer to cigar shops throughout the country. This project is in honor of the 100th yr anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. One of the greatest archeological finds of human history. The second wave of cigars will continue to ship next week and we hope to have everything out in time for the holidays. We ask everyone to bare with us and we thank you for all your support !!

@highclere_castle @highclerecastlegin

#HighclereCastle #FoundationCigars #cigarlife #kingtutankhamun #kingtut #SmokeFoundation #cigaraficionado #cigars #Egypt #ancientegypt #pharoah

One hundred years ago, Lord Carnarvon left Highclere Castle for the ancient sands of Egypt. He, along with archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun, hidden for 3000 years. We crafted this cigar for the Highclere Castle Cigar line to pay homage to archaeology’s greatest discovery. With our secret blend, we have endeavored to capture the spirit of ancient incense; “Senetjer” is the ancient Egyptian word for incense or “that which makes holy”. The box design is an exact replica of a storage box from the tomb itself. This cigar embodies life at Highclere in the era of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, his love for cigars, and his passion for ancient Egypt.

🌞 @theupsetterscigars • The Rude Boy! Take a

🌞 @theupsetterscigars
•
The Rude Boy!

Take a break, enjoy a moment!

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

Repost 🌞 @cigarguy_jason • Which are you smok

Repost 🌞 @cigarguy_jason
•
Which are you smoking first?! I’ve smoked them all. There’s no wrong answers!

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

Charter Oak CT Shade rated 93pts by @cigaraficiona

Charter Oak CT Shade rated 93pts by @cigaraficionado and named one of its Best Buy’s . Foundation’s home offices lie in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley and production in the northern valley of Esteli, Nicaragua. It is this combination which makes our company one of the most unique in the industry. Charter Oak is the symbol of Hartford and our homage to Connecticut tobacco and history. Charter Oak CT Shade is mild to medium bodied with “Rich woods and complex herbs set the tone for this attractive robusto. Each puff leaves impressions of oaky vanilla, spearmint and caraway seeds along with floral notes and a cashew nuttiness.” CA

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #CharterOakCTShade #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

Repost 🌞 @amhumidors • @foundationcigars @nic

Repost 🌞 @amhumidors
•
@foundationcigars @nickragua www.amhumidors.com

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

Instagram Recent Posts

The latest social posts from Foundation Cigar Company and our customers around the world.
Hashtag #foundationcigars to be featured.

Repost 🌞 @nickragua • I have known Finnie and

Repost 🌞 @nickragua
•
I have known Finnie and Chris from @humidourcigarshoppe in Maryland since I started making cigars in Nicaragua almost 20yrs ago. This month we @foundationcigars celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Humidour Shoppe and the love and dedication they have shown the cigar industry. I have blended a special Menelik Corona Gorda for the occasion which is one of our most exclusive and Illusive brands. This is a rich and full bodied corona, packed in 12 count boxes We have only made a limited amount of boxes, 350 to be exact. If you want something special for the holidays contact Chris and Finnie 410-666-3212 or order online via www.humidour.com

@thiefoperandi 🖼️
#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

🌞 🌋 🌋 Today we are happy to announce the

🌞 🌋 🌋 Today we are happy to announce the Menelik Corona Gorda made exclusively for @humidourcigarshoppe 25th Anniversary!
Visit www.humidour.com or call 410-666-3212 to place your order. Only 350 boxes made !

Humidour owner Finnie Helmuth shared her thoughts on the collaboration. “Our Humidour family first met @nickragua when he started in the industry back in 2003. There was an instant connection between us as Nick shared his knowledge about the growing of tobacco and blending of cigars. We were beyond excited with the formation of Foundation Cigar Company and requested a shipment of Foundation Cigars as soon as they were available. We were honored when Nick agreed to work with us on our 25th-anniversary cigar. We created the blend with Nick based on our favorite cigar size to smoke, a Corona Gorda. What an unbelievable smoke he created!”

The Menelik had previously been an event-only cigar and joined the Foundation’s regular production line in June of 2019. The cigar is a 5 ¾ by 46 ring gauge vitola and is composed of a Mexican San Andres wrapper, with a Corojo 99 binder, and Nicaraguan long-fillers. A medium to full-bodied smoke, flavors of dark espresso and spice are enjoyed throughout the cigar.

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

Repost 🌞 @smallbatchcigar • Always sad when I

Repost 🌞 @smallbatchcigar
•
Always sad when I realize I’m getting down to the end of a box of these Havana Seeds 🥲 Do you have a box that pulls on your heart strings every time you have to re-up?

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

We are still in the process of shipping the limite

We are still in the process of shipping the limited edition Highclere Castle Senetjer to cigar shops throughout the country. This project is in honor of the 100th yr anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. One of the greatest archeological finds of human history. The second wave of cigars will continue to ship next week and we hope to have everything out in time for the holidays. We ask everyone to bare with us and we thank you for all your support !!

@highclere_castle @highclerecastlegin

#HighclereCastle #FoundationCigars #cigarlife #kingtutankhamun #kingtut #SmokeFoundation #cigaraficionado #cigars #Egypt #ancientegypt #pharoah

One hundred years ago, Lord Carnarvon left Highclere Castle for the ancient sands of Egypt. He, along with archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun, hidden for 3000 years. We crafted this cigar for the Highclere Castle Cigar line to pay homage to archaeology’s greatest discovery. With our secret blend, we have endeavored to capture the spirit of ancient incense; “Senetjer” is the ancient Egyptian word for incense or “that which makes holy”. The box design is an exact replica of a storage box from the tomb itself. This cigar embodies life at Highclere in the era of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, his love for cigars, and his passion for ancient Egypt.

🌞 @theupsetterscigars • The Rude Boy! Take a

🌞 @theupsetterscigars
•
The Rude Boy!

Take a break, enjoy a moment!

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

Repost 🌞 @cigarguy_jason • Which are you smok

Repost 🌞 @cigarguy_jason
•
Which are you smoking first?! I’ve smoked them all. There’s no wrong answers!

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

Charter Oak CT Shade rated 93pts by @cigaraficiona

Charter Oak CT Shade rated 93pts by @cigaraficionado and named one of its Best Buy’s . Foundation’s home offices lie in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley and production in the northern valley of Esteli, Nicaragua. It is this combination which makes our company one of the most unique in the industry. Charter Oak is the symbol of Hartford and our homage to Connecticut tobacco and history. Charter Oak CT Shade is mild to medium bodied with “Rich woods and complex herbs set the tone for this attractive robusto. Each puff leaves impressions of oaky vanilla, spearmint and caraway seeds along with floral notes and a cashew nuttiness.” CA

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #CharterOakCTShade #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

Repost 🌞 @amhumidors • @foundationcigars @nic

Repost 🌞 @amhumidors
•
@foundationcigars @nickragua www.amhumidors.com

#Foundationcigars #SmokeFoundation #FoundationCigarCompany #Foundation #cigarlife #ElGüegüense #TheWiseMan #CharterOak #Tabernacle #Olmec #OriginalCigarSmokers #highclerecastle #upsetters #upsetterscigars #menelik #Esteli #Nicaragua #cigar #cigars #cigaraficionado #cigarpress #cigarsnob #halfwheel #cigarjournal #cigarsandspirits #cigarsandwhiskey

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Recent News

Up to date information about Foundation Brand Releases, Press Mentions, Cigar News Outlet Interviews, and more.

Joe Rogan Shouts Out Foundation Cigars

Joe Rogan smokes Foundation Cigar on Recent Podcast

Foundation’s El Güegüense and Wise Man Maduro Getting Thick Perfectos

Nick Melillo, founder of Foundation Cigar Co., is expanding his El Güegüense and The Wise Man Maduro lines by adding a thick perfecto to both of these Nicaraguan brands.

FOUNDATION CIGAR CO. BEGINS SHIPPING EL GÜEGÜENSE & THE WISE MAN MADURO MACHO RATON, MENELIK TORO

Nicholas Melillo, told halfwheel that he has the first shipments of the El Güegüense Macho Raton, The Wise Man Maduro Macho Raton, and the Menelik Toro ready to begin shipping to stores.

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