06 Sep A Conversation With Nicholas Melillo
Nicholas Melillo to open an office on a tobacco field, even if it didn’t make the most economic or logistical sense. The dream was put on hold when he spent more than a decade working behind the scenes for Drew Estate, gaining experience and learning the ins and outs of tobacco, but he never lost sight of his long-term goal. Melillo finally went off on his own and today, his Foundation Cigar Co. is headquartered on a tobacco farm in Ellington, Connecticut, in the Connecticut River Valley.
Born in New Haven, the 45-year-old Melillo naturally has an affinity for Connecticut tobacco, and while his cigars are made in Nicaragua, he’s very close to the broadleaf and Habano-seed tobacco found in many of his blends. Foundation started in 2015 and has since produced many high-scoring brands such as El Güegüense, The Tabernacle and Olmec, all of which bring a bit of world history into the branding. Cigar Aficionado managing editor Greg Mottola went to Melillo’s colorful office in Connecticut during harvest season to talk about his operation and what it means to be in such a unique position.
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