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Foundation Story-Part 2.

The Influential Contribution of the Family to the Cigar Industry Today

Signature Cigars That Tell the Story of Civilisation

Since its inception, Foundation Cigar Company has secured a prominent position in the cigar industry by creating more than just exceptional tobacco products:
They craft narratives deeply rooted in cultural identity, religion, archaeology and history.

 Nick at the PCA in 2015 when he launched Foundation Cigars. Source: Halfwheel

Photo Credit: IPCPR 2015: Foundation Cigar Co 

The philosophy of Nicholas Melillo—which defines Foundation’s entire product range—is that every blend must simultaneously impart knowledge and satisfy the palate.

Source: Foundation Cigars

Photo Credit: Sampling Foundation cigars at cigar event hosted by 1573 | London Cigar Smoker

El Güegüense (The Wise Man)

El Güegüense—named after *El Güegüense*, one of Nicaragua’s oldest surviving theatrical works and a UNESCO cultural heritage element—pays tribute to the country’s indigenous and colonial heritage.
It is a highly balanced blend of moderate intensity, combining Nicaraguan tobaccos. As Foundation’s debut release it played a pivotal role in establishing the company’s reputation for authenticity and elegance.

Photo Credit: Sampling Foundation cigars at cigar event hosted by 1573 | London Cigar Smoker

The Tabernacle

A premier, iconic series from Foundation that stands out as a benchmark in the modern premium cigar market, serving as a point of reference for aficionados.
"The Tabernacle" draws inspiration and influence from biblical history and ancient religious symbolism.
It features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that meticulously encases aged tobaccos from Nicaragua and Honduras, creating a blend renowned for its exceptional aging potential as well as its richness and complexity.

Photo Credit: Sampling Foundation cigars at cigar event hosted by 1573 | London Cigar Smoker

Menelik

A limited-production series based on a blend that marries superior craftsmanship with historical symbolism.
Menelik cigars pay respectful tribute to Emperor Menelik I—a figure from Ethiopian tradition who, according to legend, was the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
This series reflects and expresses Melillo’s interest in ancient civilizations and particularly in Ethiopian history. Foundation Cigars  Cigar Aficionado  Smokingpipes 

Photo Credit: Menelik by Foundation Gets A Second Size | Cigar Aficionado

Highclere Castle: A Historic Collaboration

This collaboration highlights how Foundation Cigar has established a framework for elevating the role of storytelling in the premium cigar world, framing and showcasing each new release as a unique cultural experience.
One of Foundation’s significant and distinctive projects is its collaboration with Highclere Castle, the renowned English estate known to global audiences as the setting for the series *Downton Abbey*.
Nicholas Melillo collaborated with Lord George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, to create and produce a cigar line inspired by British aristocratic tradition, while incorporating world-class Nicaraguan craftsmanship.

Photo Credit: Highclere Castle Edwardian 

This is a unique project, as it goes beyond mere commercialism or a standard promotional campaign; each Highclere release reflects and reveals historical research, demonstrating authenticity and a direct connection to the Carnarvon family.
A prime example of this iconic status is the Highclere Castle Senetjer line, created to commemorate the centenary of the discovery of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb—a discovery made by the archaeologist Howard Carter and the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.
The packaging of this series further highlights the company’s dedication to historical accuracy and authenticity. Foundation Cigar Company
It is a faithful replica of the storage chests found inside the tomb, designed specifically to house the cigars of this unique collection. Foundation Cigar Company  Cigar Aficionado  Halfwheel

At the launch of the Highclere Castle cigar. Source: GQ Tobaccos

Photo Credit:  Highclere Castle Cigars | CQ Tobaccos

Highclere Castle Cigars was born from the shared vision of Lord Carnarvon of Highclere Castle and Foundation Cigars founder Nick Melilo. Together, they set out to create cigars that embody the timeless elegance of Highclere Castle while honoring the craftsmanship and artistry of premium cigar making.
From the Edwardian and Victorian lines to our annual limited releases, every Highclere cigar reflects a commitment to quality, authenticity, and heritage.
We are gearing up for the return of Senetjer—our annual limited edition inspired by the rich history of ancient Egypt and the remarkable connection between Highclere Castle and the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter in 1922. Foundation Cigar Company
 

Nicholas Melillo expressed his deep appreciation for the honor, stating:
“Receiving the Ethiopian Star of Honor is an extraordinary privilege and the honor of a lifetime. The Knight Commander vitola is my tribute to this esteemed recognition, and I am proud that all proceeds will directly contribute to charitable efforts, making a meaningful impact in the lives of Ethiopians.”  Knight Commander 

Photo Credit: Foundation Ships Tabernacle Knight Commander 

Photo Credit: Foundation Announces Tabernacle Knight Commander – Cigar News 

The Order was established by Emperor Menelik in 1889 as an order of Knighthood of the Ethiopian Empire to foreign and domestic civilian and military officials and individuals for service to the country. It is with great pride and reverence that the Tabernacle Knight Commander pays tribute to this noble accolade. Cigar Dojo

Manufacturing Excellence and Strategic Partnerships

Although based in Connecticut, Foundation has established partnerships, with its cigars produced by some of Nicaragua’s most renowned and significant manufacturers. 
One such partnership is with AJ Fernandez in Estelí, where many of the company's best-known cigar lines have been produced. 

Photo Credit: Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars
There, Nicholas Melillo combines the company’s philosophy and creative vision with top-tier production expertise, while closely overseeing the following:

  • The tobacco selection process.
  • The fermentation.
  • The creation of the blend.
  • Quality control.

Through a targeted, professional "boutique" approach the company eschews mass production in favor of prioritizing small, controlled batches, extended tobacco aging, and rigorous standards regarding consistency and quality.

Photo Credit: Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars 

This unwavering commitment to product quality has enabled the company to expand its global presence. Foundation Cigar Company
Furthermore, Melillo has deep, long-standing relationships with tobacco growers in the Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega regions, giving him access to exceptional quality tobacco leaves.
Foundation reinforces and supports Nicaragua's agricultural traditions, thereby sustaining the high-quality premium cigar industry that has thrived there for generations. Nepture Cigars Inc Cigar Coop Foundation Cigar Company

Photo Credit: Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars

Innovation Through Tradition

Although Foundation Cigars has a relatively short history, it has amply demonstrated that innovation does not require radical changes to be achievable.
Instead, Nicholas Melillo has succeeded in creating products rooted in originality that stand out in the cigar industry by revisiting forgotten tobacco traditions and historical narratives.

Photo Credit:  Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars 

An approach exemplified by:

  • Reviving the use of top-quality Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers.
  • Testing and exploring aged Nicaraguan tobaccos to achieve greater depth and balance.
  • Designing and producing packaging that—rather than reflecting a modern luxury aesthetic—draws inspiration from history through inventive and authentic presentation.
  • Producing limited-edition cigars and series that honor and draw upon archaeological discoveries, literary works, and cultural milestones.

A structured philosophy that motivated many small-scale (boutique) manufacturers to adopt it and draw inspiration from it, placing greater emphasis and weight on authenticity, consumer education, and craftsmanship, rather than simply regarding the introduction of new tobacco blends as sufficient or significant. Foundation Cigar Company Smokingpipes  Cigar Coop

Photo Credit:  Nicholas Melillo: El Gueguense - Founder and Owner of Foundation Cigars Celebrates The Spirit Of Nicaragua

Photo Credit: From the Farm to the Flame - Exclusive Interview with Nick Melillo – Foundation Cigars 

Recognition Within the Premium Cigar Industry

Over a span of 11 years—just over a decade—Foundation Cigars has succeeded in gaining widespread acceptance and recognition among retailers, critics, and cigar enthusiasts worldwide.
Many of its cigars have received high ratings from leading publications such as *Cigar Aficionado* while product lines like The Tabernacle, El Güegüense, Olmec, Menelik and Highclere Castle have established themselves and gained recognition at numerous premium cigar retail outlets specializing in high-quality products.

Photo Credit:  Nicholas Melillo: El Gueguense - Founder and Owner of Foundation Cigars Celebrates The Spirit Of Nicaragua

This success and industry recognition can be attributed to the following characteristics and factors:

  • Flawless, high-quality, and exceptional craftsmanship.
  • Consistent quality.
  • Distinctive brand identity and heritage.
  • Meticulous selection of tobaccos.
  • Limited-production series.
  • Strong, enduring relationships with retailers specializing in premium, high-quality cigars.

Photo Credit: Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars

Foundation is a major exhibitor at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) annual trade show, where its new releases, product lines and limited editions consistently attract intense and passionate interest from the industry press and retailers. Cigar Snob Cigar Coop Cigar Aficionado Cigar Aficionado

Photo Credit: PCA 2026: Foundation Cigars 

Sampling Foundation cigars at cigar event hosted by 1573 at James J. Fox by Steve (London Cigar Smoker)

Over the past year, I have attended several events at James J. Fox, the world’s oldest cigar merchant in St. James, London.

George Frakes of 1573 Cigars  - Nick Melillo of Foundation Cigar Company

Photo Credit:  Sampling Foundation cigars at cigar event hosted by 1573

Each and every time I have enjoyed some excellent cigars there, met some amazing people, and had great conversations. In late May 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting the venue for an exceptional event organised by 1573 Cigars, a new importer and distributor of cigars in the UK.

Winston Marshall of 1573 Cigars - Steve (London Cigar Smoker) and Nick Melillo  
Photo Credit: Sampling Foundation cigars at cigar event hosted by 1573

1573 Cigars has recently formed a partnership with Nicholas Melillo (also known as Nick) of Foundation Cigar Company to distribute their products in the UK. London Cigar Smoker

 The Family Influence Beyond Cigars

For generations, families producing premium cigars for over a century have upheld shared values that define the cigar industry. Although Foundation is a newer company in this sector it embodies those same values.
Nicholas Melillo and his family founded and built their company upon principles that transcend and surpass commercial success:

  • Safeguarding and preserving the tobacco heritage.
  • Educating and informing consumers about the history of the cigar.
  • Supporting tobacco growers.
  • Preserving traditional production methods.
  • Supporting and encouraging a culture of responsible premium cigar enjoyment.
  • Promoting and highlighting craftsmanship over mass production.

Photo Credit: Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars 

This philosophy has resonated deeply with a new generation of cigar enthusiasts who seek authenticity rather than manufactured marketing tactics.
Consequently, Foundation is a company that connects with its audience not merely through sales figures or accolades but through a profound and growing appreciation for the history, culture and craftsmanship within the industry community. Nepture Cigars Inc Foundation Cigar Company Foundation Cigars 

 Photo Credit: Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars

Looking Toward the Future

As it enters its second decade Foundation is moving forward and expanding its portfolio, remaining steadfastly committed to the fundamental principles established in 2015. The company continues to uphold its dedication to high-quality craftsmanship, storytelling and limited production—all at a level of excellence—a commitment clearly reflected in its recent initiatives and activities: Cigar Snob Cigar Snob Magazine

  • The new anniversary releases.
  • The new sizes (vitolas).
  • The ongoing evolution of the Highclere Castle series.

It does not seek rapid expansion, instead it is committed to sustainable growth grounded in the meticulous selection of tobaccos, partnerships that yield tangible results and a careful, painstaking blending process.

Photo Credit: Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars

These strategic steps taken by Foundation ensure that the company will continue to stand as a leading "boutique" producer in the premium cigar industry for years to come. Cigar Snob Cigar Snob Magazine Foundation Cigar Company

Photo Credit: Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars

 "Coffee  and cigars go hand in hand for me. Many of the natural flavors in cigars and the tobaccos I love the most have a lot of coffee characteristics. My morning ritual on the production floor involves a cup of coffee and checking the previous day’s production. It just seemed natural to have our own coffee line.
There are many opportunities that come your way and I have always been very conscious to make sure my cigar brands come first but coffee was a no-brainer. I was fortunate to link up with Layne coffee and after tasting different blends from Nicaragua, Jamaica, and Ethiopia it just made sense to develop coffees that paired well with The Wise Man, The Upsetters, and The Tabernacle.

Photo Credit: Interview with Foundation Cigar Co (Nicholas Melillo)

Having lived in Nicaragua all these years I haven’t had access to bourbons and scotch and in general I am not a big drinker. For me, a well roasted and brewed cup of coffee with the right cigar is the perfect pairing. We are currently distributing our coffee to shops throughout the country and I am happy to announce we just started selling Foundation Coffee online here at Small Batch Cigar and Layne Coffee."

Nicholas Melillo

Conclusion

The trajectory of the Foundation Cigar Company demonstrates that it can simultaneously forge and establish its own identity—as a modern cigar producer—while adhering to centuries-old traditions of tobacco cultivation.
Storytelling—driven by Nicholas Melillo’s leadership role within the company—has become an integral element of crafting premium cigars; this approach combines top-tier tobacco varieties with thematic concepts that honour and draw inspiration from history, archaeology, literature and cultural heritage.

Photo Credit: Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars 

By prioritising uncompromising quality, authenticity, a respect for history and diligent, prudent design innovation the company has cemented and enhanced its reputation throughout its ongoing journey—spanning from the Connecticut River Valley to the volcanic soils of Nicaragua.
Cigars such as El Güegüense, The Tabernacle, Menelik, Highclere Castle, and Olmec have become landmarks, garnering acclaim not only for their impeccable craftsmanship and construction but also for the rich narrative context that is an integral part of each line.

Photo Credit: Seed To Cigar - A Short Film - Fountation Cigars 

Although Foundation has a relatively short history—being a young company—its influence far exceeds the scope of that brief tenure.
All the new structural and critical characteristics introduced by the company as a new entity in the industry have helped redefine the potential of a "boutique" cigar company:

  • Promoting education.
  • Supporting traditional tobacco cultivation.
  • Creating and producing cigars that showcase and highlight humanity's shared cultural heritage.

Foundation is building a legacy not merely through exceptional cigars but through an enduring commitment and dedication to preserving the foundations of premium cigar culture for future generations.

Photo Credit: From the Farm to the Flame - Exclusive Interview with Nick Melillo

 

1.  Useful Reference List
    Primary & Official Sources

1.  The Wise Man Corojo | Embrace The Legacy - Ignite The Wisdom

 Blend: Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99
 Binder: Estelí & Jalapa
 Filler: Estelí, Condega & Jalapa
 20 count box

 Strength: Medium

Photo Credit: The Wise Man Corojo 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | The Wise Man

 2. The Wise Man Maduro | Embrace The Legacy - Ignite The Wisdom

 Blend: Wrapper: San Andrés Mexican
 Binder: Estelí & Jalapa
 Filler: Estelí, Condega & Jalapa
 20 count box

 Strength: Medium

Photo Credit: The Wise Man Maduro 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | The Wise Man

3. The Wise Man Lancero | Embrace The Legacy - Ignite The Wisdom

 A. BLEND - The Wise Man Corojo Lancero

 Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99
 Binder: Estelí & Jalapa
 Filler: Estelí, Condega & Jalapa
 20 count box

 Strength: Medium

Photo Credit: The Wise Man Lancero 

B. BLEND - The Wise Man Maduro Lancero

Wrapper: CT Broadleaf
Binder: Estelí & Jalapa
Filler: Estelí, Condega & Jalapa
20 count box

Strength: Medium

Photo Credit: The Wise Man Lancero 

4. The Tabernacle Ct Broadleaf | Unveil The Majesty

Blend: Wrapper: CT Broadleaf
Binder: San Andrés Mexican
Filler: Estelí / Jalapa / Jamastran
24 count box

Strength: Full

Photo Credit: The Tabernacle Ct Broadleaf 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | The Tabernacle CT Broadleaf Highlight Video

5. The Tabernacle Havana Seed Ct - No 142 |  Unveil The Majesty

Blend: Wrapper: Havana Seed CT No. 142
Binder: San Andrés Mexican
Filler: Estelí / Jalapa / Jamastran
24 count box

Strength: Medium

Photo Credit: The Tabernacle Havana Seed Ct - No 142 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | The Tabernacle Havana Seed Ct # 142 Promo

6. The Tabernacle David & Goliath | The Tabernacle – Unveil the Majesty

A. The Tabernacle - Ct Broadleaf (David & Goliath)
   
Blend: Wrapper: CT Broadleaf
Binder: San Andrés Mexican
Filler: Estelí / Jalapa / Jamastran
25 count box

Strength: Medium to Full

Photo Credit: The Tabernacle David & Goliath | The Tabernacle 

B. The Tabernacle - Havana Seed Ct No 142 (David & Goliath)

Blend: Wrapper: Havana Seed CT No. 142
Binder: San Andrés Mexican
Filler: Estelí / Jalapa / Jamastran
25 count box

Strength: Medium to Full

Photo Credit:  The Tabernacle David & Goliath | The Tabernacle

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | Tabernacle David & Goliath CT Havana Seed #142

7. Knight Commander | Crafted for Connoisseurs, Dedicated to a Cause

Blend: Capa: CT Broadleaf
Blinder: San Andrés Mexican
Filler: Esteli & Jalapa Nicaragua
12 count box

Strength: Full

Photo Credit: Knight Commander 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | The Knight Commander: Crafted for Connoisseurs, Dedicated to a Cause

8. Olmec | The Original Cigar Smokers

Blend: Capa: Mexico San Andrés
Capote: Jalapa, Nicaragua
Tripa: Estelí & Jalapa Nicaragua
12 count box

Strength: Full

Photo Credit: Olmec 

9. Aksum | A Journey Through Legend, Crafted in Every Cigar.

Blend: Capa: Sumatra Ecuador
Capote: Connecticut Broadleaf
Tripa: Estelí & Jalapa Nicaragua
10 count box

Strength: Medium to Full

Photo Credit: Aksum

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | Discover the New AKSUM Cigar Line | Foundation Cigars

10. Highclere Castle Edwardian | Inspired by Royalty, Crafted for You.

Blend: Capa: Connecticut Shade
Capote: Brazilian Mata Fina
Tripa: Nicaragua
20 count box

Strength: Mild to Medium

Photo Credit: Highclere Castle Edwardian 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | Foundation Cigars Highlights - Highclere Castle Edwardian

11. Highclere Castle Victorian | Inspired by Royalty, Crafted for You.

Blend: Capa: Habano Ecuador
Capote: Mata Fina
Tripa: Nicaragua
20 count box

Strength: Medium

Photo Credit: Highclere Castle Victorian 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | Foundation Cigars Highlight's - Highclere Castle Victorian

12. Highclere Castle Senetjer | Crafted from Legacy, Inspired by the Sacred.

Blend: Capa: Habano Ecuador 7th Priming
Blinder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Undisclosed
12 count box

Strength: Medium

Photo Credit: Highclere Castle Senetjer 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | 100 YR Anniversary of King Tut - Highclere Castle Senetjer

Photo Credit: Highclere Castle Senetjer 

13. Charter Oak CT Broadleaf | The Pride of the CT River Valley

Blend: Capa: Connecticut Broadleaf
Capote: Habano Nicaragua
Tripa: Nicaragua
20 count box

Strength: Medium To Full

Photo Credit: Charter Oak CT Broadleaf 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube |  Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Highlight - Nicholas Melillo

14. Charter Oak Habano | The Pride of the CT River Valley

Blend: Capa: Habano Ecuador
Capote: Nicaragua
Tripa: Nicaragua
20 count box

Strength: Medium  

Photo Credit: Charter Oak Habano

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube |  Charter Oak Habano Highlights

15. Charter Oak CT Shade | The Pride of the CT River Valley

Blend: Capa: Sumatra
Capote: Nicaragua
Tripa: Nicaragua
20 count box

Strength: Mild To Medium  

Photo Credit: Charter Oak CT Shade

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | Charter Oak CT Shade Highlight Video - Nicholas Melillo

16. Charter Oak Especiales | The Pride of the CT River Valley  

A. Blend Pegnataro: Capa: Connecticut shade

Blinder: Jalapa, Nicaragua
Filler: Esteli & Jalapa
12 count box

Strength Pegnataro: Medium 

Photo Credit: Charter Oak Especiales 

B. Blend Pasquale: Capa: CT Broadleaf

Blinder: Jalapa, Nicaragua
Filler: Esteli & Jalapa
12 count box

Strength Pasquale: Medium To Full

Photo Credit: Charter Oak Especiales 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | New Chapter Oak - CT Broadleaf Pasquale & CT Shade Pegnataro

17. The Upsetters | Dare To Be Different. Be an Upsetter.

Blend: The various wrappers: Ct Bradleaf, Ct Shade, Sumatra & Candela. 
Sizes provide differentiations levels of flavors intensity and aroma.
 
Strength: Mild To Medium  

Photo Credit:  The Upsetters 

Video | Foundation Cigars You Tube | Foundation Cigars Highlights - The Upsetters "Django"

18. Primer Fabrica 1810 | Event Only

Blend: Capa: CT Broadleaf
Capote: Mata Fina Brazil 
Tripa: Undisclosed
3 count box

Strength: Medium To Full

Photo Credit: Primer Fabrica 1810

Available Only at Foundation Events. 

19. 10-Year Anniversary | Now Shipping

Blend: Capa: CT Broadleaf & CT Havana Seed Hybrid
Capote: Mata Fina Brazil
Tripa: Esteli, Jalapa, & Condega Nicaragua
10 count box / 20 count box

Strength: Medium To Full

Photo Credit:  10-Year Anniversary

2. Anniversary Collaborations

1. El Güegüense 5-Year Aniversario — Foundation's own anniversary

Year: 2020
Partner: Foundation Cigar Company
Occasion: Foundation's 5th anniversary
Cigar: El Güegüense 5yr Aniversario Collector's Chest

Photo Credit: El Güegüense – 5yr Aniversario Collector’s Chest 

This was not an outside-company collaboration, but it is the first major anniversary cigar in Foundation's history. To mark five years since the September 2015 launch of El Güegüense, Nicholas Melillo created a limited-edition 4¾ × 60 Perfecto presented in a distinctive collector's chest. The blend used a Corojo 99 wrapper, San Andrés Mexican binder, and Nicaraguan fillers from Jalapa and Estelí. The chest itself was designed around the cultural imagery associated with El Güegüense.  El Güegüense

2. JR Cigar 50th Anniversary × Foundation — El Güegüense

Year: 2020
Partner: JR Cigar
Occasion: JR Cigar's 50th anniversary
Cigar: El Güegüense JR 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition

Photo Credit: JR Cigar’s 50th Anniversary Celebration 

This is one of the clearest examples of Foundation collaborating with another cigar company for an anniversary release.
Foundation and JR Cigar collaborated on a special version of El Güegüense, Foundation's original cigar. JR's 50th-anniversary edition was based on the specially modified blend Foundation had created for its own 5th anniversary.
Nicholas Melillo specifically explained that because El Güegüense was Foundation's first cigar, adapting the 5th-anniversary blend for JR Cigar's 50th anniversary was an appropriate way to celebrate JR's milestone.  Jr Cigars

3. Humidour Cigar Shoppe 25th Anniversary × Foundation

Year: 2022
Partner: The Humidour Cigar Shoppe
Occasion: Humidour's 25th anniversary
Cigar: Menelik Corona Gorda

Photo Credit: Foundation Announces Menelik Corona Gorda For Humidour Shoppe 25th Yr Anniversary 

This is perhaps the most direct example of a retailer + Foundation anniversary collaboration.
Foundation and The Humidour Cigar Shoppe collaborated on a limited Menelik Corona Gorda specifically to celebrate the shop's 25th anniversary. The blend was developed with Nicholas Melillo around Humidour owner Finnie Helmuth's preferred cigar size: the Corona Gorda. CigarsLover Magazine  Cigar Journal
The cigar measured approximately 5¾ × 46, used a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Corojo 99 binder and Nicaraguan long-fillers, and was limited to 350 boxes of 12. Cigar Journal

4. Highclere Castle Senetjer — 100th Anniversary of Tutankhamun Tomb Discovery

Year: 2022
Partners: Foundation Cigars × Highclere Castle / Herbert family
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb
Cigar: Highclere Castle Senetjer

Photo Credit: Highclere Castle’s Senetjer By Foundation Heads To Retailers 

This is a different kind of anniversary collaboration. It was not an anniversary of a cigar company or retailer; it commemorated a major historical anniversary.
Nicholas Melillo created Senetjer in collaboration with the Herbert family of Highclere Castle to mark the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. The excavation was led by Howard Carter with the support of George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, whose family still owns Highclere Castle. Cigar Aficionado
The cigar was produced by A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua and featured an Ecuador Habano wrapper and Brazilian Mata Fina binder. Its packaging was deliberately modeled after an ancient Egyptian box associated with the tomb, making the historical collaboration part of both the cigar and its presentation. Cigar Aficionado

The partnership continued beyond the original anniversary. In 2024, Foundation announced that Senetjer would become an annual November limited release, continuing the Foundation–Highclere relationship. Cigar Journal

5. Foundation 10-Year Aniversario — Foundation's own 10th anniversary

Year: 2025
Partner/manufacturer: Foundation Cigars / A.J. Fernandez
Occasion: Foundation's 10th anniversary
Cigar: Foundation 10-Year Aniversario

Photo Credit: 10 - Year  Anniversary Now Shipping | Foundation Cigars

This is again not an outside-brand anniversary collaboration, but it deserves inclusion because A.J. Fernandez was the manufacturing partner.
For its tenth anniversary, Foundation created a 7 × 58 Salomon using a hybrid Connecticut Broadleaf/Connecticut Havana Seed wrapper, Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and Nicaraguan fillers from Estelí, Jalapa and Condega. The cigar was manufactured by A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua. Foundation Cigars Cigar Aficionado

3. Foundation Cigars Social Platforms

4. Industry Interviews & Event Coverage

5. Cigar Reviews & Production Features

6. Latest News and Updates

 

Important Notice

"This article features names, historical events, external links and additional references about the important contribution of Foundation cigar family to the cigar industry today.
If any of the prominent figures mentioned in this article do not wish to be included, please contact via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be removed."

Edited by Marios Krokos
Industrial designer