Foundation Menelik

  • Origin Nicaragua
  • Wrapper Mexico San Andres
  • Binder Corojo 99
  • Filler Nicaragua
  • Strength Full

Foundation Cigar may be one of the new kids on the block of premium cigars, but that shouldn’t scare you away. The newer cigar company was founded by Nicholas Melillo just over five years ago and has been producing some exceptional cigars since its launch. If that name sounds familiar, Nick was the man at Drew Estate responsible for sourcing the quality leaf used in Drew Estate’s traditional cigar offerings and implementing quality control standards that transformed his former employer into the behemoth it is today. He credits his passion for tobacco to his grandfather who gave him his 1st cigar when he was 18. From there, Nick devoured knowledge on tobacco and turned his passion into a career. With 20 years of experience at his back, he launched Foundation and quickly established a reputation for creating outstanding cigars under his own banner.

Menelik is an unusual name for a cigar brand until you take a closer look at the portfolio of premium cigars from Foundation Cigar Company. The brand weaves together tobacco history from the USA and Central America together Ethiopian history and legend with great skill. According to legend, Menelik I founded the Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia that ruled Ethiopia with few interruptions for close to three thousand years. Menelik translates to approximately “Son of the Wise Man.” It ties nicely with the company’s debut blend of El Gueguense (The Wise Man). The blend features Nicaraguan filler tobaccos from Esteli, Condega, Jalapa, a Nicaraguan Corojo ‘99 binder and is topped with a beautiful Mexican San Andres wrapper leaf. Tasting notes include flavors of cocoa, earth, and leather with hints of pepper, dark berries, and espresso. This cigar is limited production and will only be produced as tobacco supply allows.