The Tabernacle
Price range: $13.94 through $325.75
The Tabernacle by Foundation Cigar Co. — full-bodied Connecticut Broadleaf wrapped powerhouse from Nicholas Melillo. Rich and complex with dark chocolate, leather, earth, and cedar notes.
Volume Discounts
- Buy 2+ and save 5%
- Buy 3+ and save 10%
Premium cigars curated by Oxford Cigar Company. Ships from Orlando, FL.
If you purchase this product you will earn The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle by Foundation Cigars is considered one of the most respected full-bodied maduros of the last decade, expertly blending refinement and strength for connoisseurs who demand depth of flavor. Created by Nicholas Melillo, this line is crafted at AJ Fernandez’s renowned Tabacalera Fernandez factory in Nicaragua. The heart of The Tabernacle is its rich, dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, layered over a robust Mexican San Andres binder and a select blend of premium Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers. Together, these tobaccos offer a multidimensional experience that balances power with remarkable nuance and construction excellence.
Key Features & Benefits
- Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper delivers deep chocolatey richness and natural sweetness
- San Andres Mexican binder adds earthy backbone and structure
- Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers round out the profile with balanced complexity
- Full-bodied cigar, designed for smokers who crave flavor intensity and texture
- Profile marked by dark chocolate, earthy spice, roasted nut, and wave of creamy undertones
- Meticulous construction at Tabacalera Fernandez ensures consistency and excellent draw
- Available in multiple sizes: Corona (5 1/4 x 46), Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 52), Double Corona (7 x 54), and more
Detailed Description
From the first draw, The Tabernacle delivers a mix of dark chocolate, baking spice, and rich earth, all layered under a dense and oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The retrohale transforms with peppery warmth and savory espresso. As the smoke evolves, toasted nut, sweet cream, and chewy molasses nuances emerge, keeping the experience compelling from start to finish. Construction remains a standout, with the cigar burning evenly and producing dense, satisfying smoke clouds—hallmarks of expert blending and skilled rollers at AJ Fernandez’s operation.
Melillo’s blend showcases his Connecticut roots and mastery of maduro tobaccos, using prime Broadleaf for both aromatic depth and visual allure. The fusion with choice Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers injects additional power and complexity, while the Mexican San Andres binder provides balance and earthy structure. Each cigar spends time aging for a mature, harmonious profile, resulting in a cigar beloved by fans of richly flavored, full-strength smokes.
Specs Table
| Brand | Foundation Cigars |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Nicaragua |
| Wrapper Origin | Connecticut |
| Wrapper Leaf | Broadleaf (Maduro) |
| Binder | San Andres, Mexico |
| Filler | Nicaragua, Honduras |
| Body | Full Bodied |
| Box Count | 24 |
| Flavor Notes | Chocolate, spice, earth, nuts, cream |
| Available Sizes | Corona, Robusto, Toro, Double Corona |
Summary
- Box Count: 24
- Region: Nicaragua
- Strength: Full Bodied
- Binder: San Andres (Mexico)
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf (Maduro)
- Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras
What makes The Tabernacle by Foundation unique?
Its use of a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper with a San Andres binder and Nicaraguan/Honduran fillers gives it deep chocolate, spice, and earthy richness that stands out among full-bodied cigars.
Is The Tabernacle a strong cigar?
Yes, it’s a true full-bodied blend, built for aficionados seeking a bold yet refined smoking experience.
What are the key flavors?
You’ll find dark chocolate, earthy spice, roasted nuts, and waves of creamy sweetness throughout the smoke.
Who produces The Tabernacle?
The Tabernacle is a project by Nicholas Melillo, handcrafted at AJ Fernandez’s Tabacalera Fernandez factory in Nicaragua.
What wrapper does it feature?
The cigar features a lush Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper renowned for its intense flavor and aroma.
How many cigars come in a box?
Standard boxes include 24 cigars, depending on the size selected.
What vitolas are available?
You can choose from Corona, Robusto, Toro, Double Corona, and other formats to suit your preference.
Who is this cigar best suited for?
The Tabernacle is ideal for experienced smokers who appreciate strength, complexity, and the rewards of well-aged maduro tobacco.
| Sizes | Box – Corona 5 1/4 x 46, 5 Pack – Corona 5 1/4 x 46, Box – Double Corona 7 x 54, 5 Pack – Double Corona 7 x 54, Box – Lancero 7 x 40, 5 Pack – Lancero 7 x 40, Box – Robusto 5 x 50, 5 Pack – Robusto 5 x 50, Box – Toro 6 x 52, 5 Pack – Toro 6 x 52, Box – Torpedo 4 1/2 x 52, 5 Pack – Torpedo 4 1/2 x 52, Single – Double Corona 7 x 54, Single – Corona 5 1/4 x 46, Single – Robusto 5 x 50, Single – Lancero 7 x 40, Single – Toro 6 x 52, Single – Torpedo 4 1/2 x 52 |
|---|
Share your thoughts!
Let us know what you think...
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review. Log in now
Stephan Sandoval (verified owner) –
This cigar is NOT for a newbie. I’ve been smoking for 24 years now and this one knocked off my feet–very strong. Make sure to smoke after a heavy meal because you’re going to need it. A little scotch, smoking by the fire–it’s a good day!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
nacan (verified owner) –
This Tabernacle was my first one, and for sure i got where I expected, the reputation it´s well deserved for sure. Cant wait for testing the other types.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
whesssp7497 (verified owner) –
I originally bought my first Tabernacle a year ago at my B&M and had serious issues with it. I decided to just try again and chalk it up to a hand made product. I’m so glad I did. Every order and every batch that I’ve gotten has gotten more consistent and enjoyable. This are becoming my regular go to for broadleaf cigars. I got these on the last sale from Oxford and the cigars came in perfect condition and were smoking great right off the truck. I wish I bought more when the sale was going.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Alterlvian (verified owner) –
I share this one with Friends and Family. Even with many other popular cigars that I shared, this one always gets the attention. This is an easy Cigar to enjoy! Perfect.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Anonymous (verified owner) –
I’ve smoked this stick a few times. Certain vitolas pop for me more and in this it was the corona. I got those rich chocolate, cedar, coffee and leather notes. The dark rich color of the wrapper is very attractive. I tend to gravitate towards small ring gauge stuff and the corona was super delicious. The lancero is awesome as well albeit harder to find. I’ll definitely keep more of these on hand as they age extremely well.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
albertoamezquitajr (verified owner) –
I don’t usually smoke Maduros however, the Lancero is amazing. I’ve had it in different vitolas and keep going back to the Lancero. There’s so much flavor, but it’s never overpowering or feels too strong. This is a great one.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Eddy (verified owner) –
This is not my go to cigar. I am generally not a fan of maduros because I find them too full bodied for my liking. However I gave it 4 star for the quality of it. It is very complex, very full. The logo is such well designed that it makes for an interesting story too.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Alexander S (verified owner) –
This Connecticut Broadleaf is very good. You certainly get the bitter sweetness of the wrapper. In terms of Broadleaf wrapper, the Dunbarton Mi Querida is better. Between the Havana Seed No 143 and the original Tabernacle, the No 142 is more flavorful.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
mitchdlot (verified owner) –
The Tabernacle is full bodied and bold. Construction is of excellent quality and overall the experience from the flavours and burn are great. It’s a little too bold for my palate hence why 4 stars but that is merely a personal preference and not a knock on the cigar itself.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
davelagerstedt (verified owner) –
This is your classic Connecticut Broadleaf cigar in a very complex package. You get a great balance of sweetness, dark fruit leather, cocoa and a slight bit of pepper. The cigar transitions through these flavors very gracefully, with the retro giving a great pepper taste that doesn’t burn your nostrils. Highly recommend this cigar to anyone who loves broadleaf
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
john9142008 (verified owner) –
If you like CT broadleaf cigars, the Tabernacle is a must. Bold maduro flavors that compete with cigars that cost significantly more. A box worthy smoke.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
contrerast3 (verified owner) –
One of my favorite sticks for sure. CT broadleaf done right. Very approachable with sweet, dark fruit flavor notes and inoffensive pepper notes. Smokes above its price point in my opinion.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Daniel O’Connell (verified owner) –
I’ll be honest and state that I can’t definitively say whether this or the Liga Privada No. 9 is better, though I will say that visually, the Tabernacle has a nicer-looking wrapper most of the time. It is a ‘typical’ broadlleaf cigar insofar as flavours, but they’re very well balanced, and the pepper notes do not get overly intense – if you’re new to broadleaf cigars, this is actually a good one to try, especially in the more accessible corona size as it won’t overwhelm you with strength like a larger format will.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Eric Norwood (verified owner) –
Packs a full flavor punch. Really great construction and quality for the price. A top shelf CT Broadleaf smoke
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Thiago A Ferreira (verified owner) –
Charuto espetacular! Gosta de algo mais forte? Vai nesse que vai curtir, mas alimente bem antes, pois vai sentir uma leve pancada, mas com bastante sabor
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
alex (verified owner) –
Always a great smoke! Lucas is incredibly helpful.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
alex (verified owner) –
Always a Great Smoke! Lucas is incredible helpful!!!!!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Jason Grace (verified owner) –
Is there a more regal cigar? The dark brown oily wrapper. The beautiful band. The great burn line. The delicious CT broadleaf smoke. An amazing cigar every time.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
joshuaallensewell (verified owner) –
Amazing smoke. It’s full of flavor, burns and draws perfectly. The value is unreal. It’s hard to put this cigar down.
As always, Oxford customer service and shipping was top notch!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
david.rhoads (verified owner) –
This is one of my favorite smokes. Strong with excellent flavor, great construction and smooth draw. For the price not much can touch it as far as value is concerned. This cigar begs to be nubbed, flavor down to the last little bit.
Highly recommended!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
kevinbuckner (verified owner) –
What a cigar! Double Corona burned perfectly all the way through. The flavor profile slightly changed but always held a slight sweetness underneath. Overall a very enjoyable cigar.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
robertschris1122 (verified owner) –
By far one of the best CT broadleaf cigars on the market! Is this a liga killer?? For the price, I’d say absolutely!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
alex (verified owner) –
the Tabernacle… What a great cigar, highly recommend! Lucas provides me with personal and honest customer service every time… Than you Lucas!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal