Foundation Olmec Maduro
Nicholas Melillo’s Foundation Cigar Company pays tribute to one of Mesoamerica’s earliest civilizations with the Olmec Maduro, a cigar that celebrates the ancient tobacco heritage of Mexico’s San Andrés region. Produced at AJ Fernandez’s Nicaraguan factory, this full-bodied offering represents Melillo’s expertise in working with Mexican San Andrés Negro wrapper leaf, one of his most frequently used varietals alongside Connecticut Broadleaf. The wrapper comes from the same volcanic soil that once nurtured the Olmec civilization in what is now Veracruz, Tabasco, and San Andrés Tuxtla.
Key Features
- Genuine San Andrés Negro wrapper from Mexico’s historic tobacco-growing regions
- Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos from Estelà and Jalapa valleys
- Filler tobaccos undergo three years of bale aging after fermentation
- Full-bodied profile with notes of cacao, dark espresso, and spice
- Available in five classic vitolas from Corona Gorda to Double Corona
- Multiple 90+ point ratings from Cigar Aficionado
- Expertly fermented wrapper at low temperatures to preserve natural oils
The Olmec Maduro showcases meticulous attention to the aging process, with Nicaraguan fillers spending three years in bales following their initial fermentation. This extended aging period allows the tobaccos from Estelà and Jalapa to develop exceptional complexity and refinement. The San Andrés Negro wrapper, taken from higher primings on the plant, undergoes longer fermentation than its Claro counterpart, resulting in the characteristic darkness and oil content that maduro enthusiasts seek.
Upon lighting, the Olmec Maduro delivers immediate notes of dark chocolate and espresso, supported by oak and earth with measured black pepper spice. The profile evolves through each third while maintaining excellent balance between strength and flavor. Reviewers consistently note the cigar’s creamy chocolate character, distinct coffee notes that remain separate rather than blending into mocha, and an underlying sweetness that prevents the full-bodied profile from becoming aggressive.
Construction quality meets the high standards expected from AJ Fernandez’s factory, with each vitola delivering a perfect draw, stable ash, and consistent burn. The wrapper’s careful fermentation at low temperatures preserves the natural oils, contributing to both the visual appeal and smooth smoking characteristics. The medium to full body maintains an edge over the medium strength throughout the experience, making this approachable for experienced enthusiasts while still satisfying those seeking robust flavors.
Specifications
| Wrapper | San Andrés Negro (Mexico) |
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Estelà and Jalapa) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Medium-Full to Full |
| Factory | Tabacalera AJ Fernandez, Nicaragua |
| Vitolas Available | Corona Gorda (5½ x 48), Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 52), Grande (6 x 60), Double Corona (7 x 54) |
| Packaging | 12-count boxes |
| Filler Aging | 3 years in bales post-fermentation |
Summary
- Box Count: 12
- Region: Nicaragua (Production), Mexico (Wrapper Origin)
- Strength: Medium to Full
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Wrapper: San Andrés Negro
- Filler: Nicaraguan (Estelà and Jalapa)
What makes the Foundation Olmec Maduro different from the Olmec Claro?
While both use San Andrés wrapper tobacco, the Maduro comes from higher primings on the plant and undergoes longer fermentation, resulting in a darker, oilier wrapper. The Maduro delivers fuller body with pronounced notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and earth, while the Claro offers a lighter profile with more nuanced sweetness and cedar notes.
How long should I age Foundation Olmec Maduro cigars before smoking?
The Olmec Maduro smokes exceptionally well fresh from the box thanks to the three-year aging process the filler tobaccos undergo before rolling. While additional rest can further marry the flavors, these cigars are ready to enjoy immediately upon purchase.
Which vitola offers the best experience for the Olmec Maduro blend?
The Toro (6 x 52) provides an ideal balance of smoking time and flavor development, allowing the blend to showcase its transitions through all three phases. The Corona Gorda offers a more concentrated flavor experience, while the Double Corona extends the smoking time for those who want to savor the profile longer.
Is the Foundation Olmec Maduro suitable for newer cigar smokers?
Despite its full-bodied profile, the Olmec Maduro maintains approachability through its balanced sweetness and creamy texture. Newer smokers comfortable with medium-bodied cigars can enjoy this blend, particularly when paired with coffee or after a substantial meal.
What distinguishes the San Andrés Negro wrapper used on the Olmec Maduro?
The San Andrés Negro wrapper comes from one of the world’s oldest tobacco seed varieties, grown in volcanic soil that provides unique mineral content. The low-temperature fermentation process preserves natural oils while developing the characteristic dark color and rich flavor profile.
How does the Olmec Maduro compare to other Foundation Cigar lines?
The Olmec Maduro sits in the fuller-bodied range of Foundation’s portfolio, offering more intensity than El Güegüense but with different flavor characteristics than The Tabernacle. It showcases Nicholas Melillo’s mastery of Mexican wrapper tobaccos while maintaining the refined construction standards found across all Foundation releases.
What flavor transitions occur throughout the Olmec Maduro smoking experience?
The cigar opens with dominant dark chocolate and coffee notes accompanied by black pepper. The second third sees oak and earth notes building while maintaining the chocolate sweetness. The final third intensifies with additional leather notes and occasional hints of dark fruit sweetness, though the core cocoa and espresso flavors remain present throughout.
Where are Foundation Olmec Maduro cigars manufactured?
The Olmec Maduro line is produced at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A., one of the most respected factories in EstelÃ. This partnership ensures consistent construction quality while allowing Nicholas Melillo to work closely with AJ Fernandez on blend refinement and production standards.








wyatt4493600 (verified owner) –
Now here’s a cigar… smooth, confident, and never out of control. Rich cocoa and coffee up front, pepper shows up right when it needs to. Sorta like Patrick Mahomes.
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acoma87 (verified owner) –
At this point I’m buying one every time I order a cigar. Lights up perfectly, draws easy, and burns straight the whole way with a nice firm ash. Flavor was spot on: tons of dark chocolate and strong coffee right away, some earthy richness, a little black pepper kick, nice sweetness. Super smooth, never harsh, just rich and satisfying.
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Robusto (verified owner) –
Olmec Maduro Toro: Wood, spice, espresso, dark chocolate, subtle notes of dark fruit on the finish. Curious to see what age would do on this cigar. Overall a good smoke!
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nacan (verified owner) –
This is a masterpiece for sure. Had to buy a five pack after trying it for the first time, now I have to smoke at least one per week!
I don´t describe cigars, but this one is a great, strong perfumed trip to excellency, good work F. Cigars!
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whesssp7497 (verified owner) –
I bought the Toros on the last sale and I was ecstatic to get this great blend for such a great price. The blend is solid through the whole stick with just shifting the front notes enough to keep you enamored with the cigar. This was one of my first San Andreas cigars and really inspired me to keep looking for great cigars with this wrapper. The cigars came in great condition and were really good off the truck which is a rarity ordering online. Great service from Oxford as usual.
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mitchdlot (verified owner) –
The Olmec in Claro and Maduro are exceptional. It is, to me, one of the best on the market. Full of complex flavours, sweetness and earthiness with some dark fruit and pepper. Nothing is overwhelming and it comes together as one cohesive profile. Wonderful smoke.
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davydakid (verified owner) –
This is such a tasty stick. It’s bold, smooth, and full of rich flavor. I prefer my daily smokes to be a little cheaper but this may need to be an exception. Can’t wait to try the claro next and see how it compares.
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Lou Cross (verified owner) –
The Olmec Maduro cigar is a true delight for aficionados seeking a bold and flavorful smoking experience. From the first draw to the last, this cigar captivates the senses with its peppery kick and rich, complex profile. Potent notes of black coffee, oak, and dark chocolate dance on the palate, complemented by a creamy texture that enhances the overall indulgence. One of the standout features of the Olmec Maduro is its impeccable construction, offering a perfect draw that strikes the ideal balance between resistance and airflow. The stable ash adds to the smoking pleasure, allowing enthusiasts to savor every moment without worry. As the journey unfolds, layers of cedar and pepper emerge, creating an aromatic symphony that lingers in the air. It’s evident that the Olmec Maduro offers expert craftsmanship, complexity, and the art of fine tobacco blending.
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Jonathan Durden (verified owner) –
I enjoy MS wrappers as a whole. This was a good smoke that I feel will benefit from some down time. Little muddled and gritty almost. Great construction and surprisingly long burn time. So far, I prefer the Claro version.
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contrerast3 (verified owner) –
Unpopular opinion maybe but I preferred the Maduro over the Claro. The Maduro was so damn tasty! Chocolate, sweetness and a hint of pepper. Just hit my flavor profile and the Claro didn’t.
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Justin White (verified owner) –
Strong and satisfying!
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davelagerstedt (verified owner) –
Earth and pepper, it’s good but Claro was better imo
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Alexander S (verified owner) –
Foundation Olmec Maduro Toro, This is a flavorful smoke with deep notes of earth and pepper. The downside was that the first inch, nothing was really happening for me. The middle was starting to warm up and the final third is when I started to really enjoy it.
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kurt.pullman (verified owner) –
Love an MSA wrapper and this new one from Foundation doesn’t disappoint! I do like the Claro better, but both are good!
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