Foundation The Wise Man Corojo Lancero
The Wise Man Corojo Lancero marks a significant evolution for Foundation Cigar Company, presenting Nicholas Melillo’s acclaimed Nicaraguan puro blend in the elegant 7 x 40 format that held special meaning for his grandfather. Produced at the storied My Father Cigars factory in EstelÃ, this lancero represents the pinnacle of Foundation’s partnership with the Garcia family, whose Cuban-inspired rolling techniques elevate every aspect of construction and combustion.
Key Features
- Corojo 99 wrapper showcases concentrated flavor in the traditional lancero format
- Dual binders from Estelà and Jalapa create sophisticated complexity layers
- 100% Nicaraguan puro composition delivers authentic regional character
- My Father Cigars production ensures exceptional construction standards
- Full-bodied profile balances spice, cedar, and natural sweetness throughout
- Twenty-count boxes preserve freshness while offering collectors proper presentation
- Limited production maintains exclusivity for discerning enthusiasts
Detailed Description
The transformation of The Wise Man portfolio into lancero format represents Nicholas Melillo’s vision for concentrated flavor delivery, where the narrow ring gauge amplifies the Corojo 99 wrapper’s influence on the overall profile. This strategic collaboration with My Father Cigars brings together Foundation’s innovative blending philosophy with the Garcia family’s decades of manufacturing excellence, resulting in a cigar that redefines expectations for modern Nicaraguan puros.
Upon lighting, the Corojo wrapper immediately announces its presence with vibrant spice notes complemented by aged cedar and natural tobacco sweetness. The combination of Estelà and Jalapa tobaccos in both binder and filler positions creates remarkable depth, with each region’s terroir contributing distinct characteristics. Estelà provides the backbone of strength and earthiness, while Jalapa adds refined sweetness and aromatic complexity that prevents the full-bodied profile from becoming overwhelming.
The lancero’s concentrated format intensifies the interplay between wrapper and filler, allowing experienced smokers to detect subtle transitions as the burn line progresses. Notes of leather emerge alongside the initial spice, while undertones of toasted nuts and dark roasted coffee beans develop through the middle sections. The retrohale reveals white pepper and oak, with a creamy texture that softens the robust character without diminishing its impact.
Named in tribute to Menelik I, the legendary son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, The Wise Man series embodies the intersection of historical reverence and contemporary craftsmanship. Each cigar represents Foundation’s commitment to honoring tobacco heritage while pushing creative boundaries, with the lancero format serving as the ultimate expression of this philosophy.
Specifications
| Brand | Foundation Cigar Company |
| Line | The Wise Man Corojo |
| Size | 7″ x 40 (Lancero) |
| Factory | My Father Cigars, Estelà |
| Master Blender | Nicholas Melillo |
| Box Count | 20 |
| Production | Limited Release |
| Debut | 2025 PCA Trade Show |
Summary
- Box Count: 20
- Region: Nicaragua
- Strength: Full
- Binder: Nicaragua (Estelà and Jalapa)
- Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo 99
- Filler: Nicaragua (Estelà and Jalapa)
What makes the lancero format special for The Wise Man blend?
The 7 x 40 ring gauge amplifies the Corojo 99 wrapper’s influence, creating a more concentrated flavor experience where the wrapper-to-filler ratio enhances spice and sweetness notes while maintaining the blend’s signature complexity.
How does production at My Father Cigars affect quality?
The Garcia family’s Cuban-heritage rolling techniques ensure perfect draw resistance and burn consistency, while their extensive aging facilities in Estelà allow proper maturation of the Nicaraguan tobaccos before rolling.
Is this suitable for someone new to lanceros?
The full-bodied strength and concentrated flavors make this better suited for experienced smokers familiar with both lancero formats and robust Nicaraguan profiles. Beginners might prefer starting with wider gauge Wise Man offerings.
What distinguishes The Wise Man Corojo from the Maduro version?
The Corojo 99 wrapper delivers brighter spice notes with cedar and natural sweetness, while the Maduro features Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that emphasizes cocoa, espresso, and deeper earth tones.
How long should I expect the smoking experience to last?
The 7-inch length combined with the narrow ring gauge typically provides 75-90 minutes of smoking time, though the concentrated format may encourage a slower pace to fully appreciate the evolving flavors.
Are these lanceros produced year-round?
Production occurs in limited batches with selective distribution to maintain quality standards and exclusivity. Availability varies based on tobacco inventory and production schedules at My Father Cigars.
What pairing recommendations work best with this blend?
The full-bodied profile pairs exceptionally well with aged rum, bourbon, or strong espresso. The natural sweetness also complements dark chocolate or roasted nuts between draws.
How should I store these lanceros for optimal aging?
Maintain 65-67% humidity to prevent wrapper damage on the delicate lancero format. The Nicaraguan tobaccos will continue developing complexity with proper storage over 6-12 months.












Robusto (verified owner) –
I wasn’t expecting much smoking this cigar. I’ve tried the other sizes previously and this one was actually enjoyable. Would I buy it again? Maybe but for the price there’s better options out there. Would I smoke it again? Yes! Tasting notes of light wood, light pepper, nuts, subtle sweetness on the pallet.
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Ysofockup (verified owner) –
Lots of great crorojo spice with an undertone of dry earth and light pepper. Occasional hints of graham crackers and dried cherries. Deducted a point due to some burn issues. Namely several re-lights were needed and the draw was sometimes a bit tight with thin smoke (although this was helped by massaging the cigar).
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hroark10 (verified owner) –
I’m a fan of corojo and this lancero was excellent. Lots of toast, oak and a leathery finish. In the medium to full category and a great smoke in the afternoon.
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