Foundation Cigars Create Your Own Sampler

Foundation Cigars Create Your Own Sampler

The Foundation Cigars Create Your Own Sampler unlocks Nicholas Melillo’s extraordinary portfolio, where each blend represents a journey through tobacco history, culture, and spirituality. Since founding Foundation Cigar Company in 2015 after years perfecting his craft at Drew Estate, Melillo has established himself as one of the industry’s most thoughtful blenders, creating cigars that honor tradition while embracing innovation. This customizable sampler allows connoisseurs to explore his diverse collections, from the biblical majesty of The Tabernacle to the historical reverence of El Güegüense, each telling its own compelling story through meticulously sourced tobacco.

Key Features

• Complete customization across Foundation’s award-winning portfolio including 10+ distinct lines
• Access to Cigar Aficionado Top 25 rated blends like El Güegüense and The Tabernacle
• Mix Connecticut Broadleaf, San Andrés, and Ecuadorian wrapper profiles
• Tobaccos sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, and Connecticut River Valley
• Production at premier facilities including AJ Fernandez and TABSA
• Additional sampler discount pricing beyond standard Oxford Premiere member rates
• Personalized selection suitable for gifting or personal exploration

Nicholas Melillo’s approach to blending transcends conventional cigar making, treating each release as a cultural artifact worthy of reverence. The El Güegüense, Foundation’s debut release, earned immediate acclaim as one of Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2016, showcasing Melillo’s mastery with a Nicaraguan puro that pays homage to traditional folk dance. The Tabernacle brings biblical grandeur through Connecticut Broadleaf perfection, featuring tobacco from AJ Fernandez’s blessed La Soledad farm. Charter Oak honors Melillo’s Connecticut heritage with accessible excellence, while The Wise Man explores Ethiopian wisdom traditions through Mexican San Andrés complexity.

Each selection within the sampler reveals Melillo’s meticulous attention to provenance and production. The Olmec pays tribute to ancient Mexican civilizations with its San Andrés wrapper, while Highclere Castle celebrates British aristocracy through collaboration with the Carnarvon family. The Upsetters channels Jamaican musical rebellion, and newer releases continue expanding the narrative scope. Production occurs at Nicaragua’s finest facilities, including AJ Fernandez’s Tabacalera in Estelí and TABSA in Jalapa, where traditional techniques meet modern quality control. Every cigar features artwork by Estelí-based artist Alex Garcia, transforming bands and boxes into miniature galleries celebrating each blend’s cultural inspiration.

The sampler format particularly benefits from Foundation’s diverse strength and flavor profiles, allowing smokers to journey from Charter Oak’s approachable medium body through The Tabernacle’s full-bodied intensity. Connecticut Broadleaf enthusiasts can compare expressions across multiple lines, while those seeking lighter profiles can explore Connecticut-wrapped options. The ability to select specific vitolas ensures optimal smoking experiences, whether preferring concentrated corona formats or expansive toro presentations. Customer reviews consistently praise the sampler’s value proposition, with Oxford’s additional discount stacking on member pricing to create exceptional purchasing opportunities.

Specifications

Summary

• Box Count: Customizable sampler quantity
• Region: Nicaragua (primary production)
• Strength: Mild-Medium to Full
• Binder: Varies by blend
• Wrapper: Multiple options including CT Broadleaf, San Andrés, Ecuador CT
• Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras (varies by blend)

What makes Foundation different from other boutique brands?

Nicholas Melillo infuses each blend with deep cultural, historical, and religious significance, creating cigars that tell stories beyond tobacco. His background at Drew Estate combined with personal travels and academic interests in theology and anthropology results in releases that function as both premium smokes and cultural artifacts.

Which Foundation blends should anchor my first sampler?

Start with El Güegüense for the award-winning Nicaraguan puro that launched Foundation, add The Tabernacle for Connecticut Broadleaf excellence, include Charter Oak for value-driven quality, and explore The Wise Man for San Andrés complexity. These four provide comprehensive introduction to Melillo’s blending philosophy.

How does the sampler pricing benefit Oxford members?

Oxford’s sampler pricing provides additional savings beyond standard Premiere member discounts. For example, The Tabernacle Corona lists at $10.33 MSRP, drops to $8.26 with Premiere membership, but costs only $6.69 through the sampler, creating exceptional value for exploring multiple blends.

What distinguishes The Tabernacle from other CT Broadleaf cigars?

The Tabernacle features tobacco from AJ Fernandez’s La Soledad farm, where Melillo lived in 2003, creating personal connection to the soil. The biblical packaging featuring Haile Selassie and references to King Solomon’s temple elevates this beyond typical maduro offerings into spiritual territory.

Which size formats work best for sampling Foundation’s range?

Corona and robusto vitolas provide ideal 45-60 minute sessions for exploring multiple blends without palate fatigue. The consistent ring gauges allow better comparison between different wrapper and filler combinations while maintaining reasonable smoking times for comparative tasting.

Is Charter Oak worth including despite its budget positioning?

Absolutely. Charter Oak demonstrates Melillo’s ability to deliver quality at accessible prices, featuring well-made Nicaraguan long-fillers in both Connecticut and Broadleaf wrapper options. Named for Connecticut’s historic tree, it provides excellent daily smoke options while maintaining Foundation’s quality standards.

How many cigars should I include in my sampler?

Consider 5-7 selections for meaningful exploration without overwhelming variety. Include 2-3 different wrapper types, 2-3 strength levels, and at least one from each major collection. This approach provides comprehensive understanding of Foundation’s range while discovering personal preferences.

What role does Connecticut heritage play in Foundation’s identity?

Melillo chose Windsor, Connecticut for Foundation’s headquarters, situating the company in the heart of broadleaf country. This connection to America’s premium wrapper region influences multiple blends, from Charter Oak’s direct homage to The Tabernacle’s Connecticut Broadleaf excellence, grounding the brand in American tobacco tradition.