Foundation Cigars — Compare Prices from 17+ Retailers

Foundation Cigar Company was founded in 2017 by Nicholas Melillo, a former tobacco agronomist who spent years working for General Cigar and Quesada Cigars before striking out on his own. Melillo's deep knowledge of tobacco agronomy — he literally studied the plants in the field — gives Foundation an edge that few boutique brands can match. The Tabernacle earned a spot on Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 list in its debut year, and the portfolio has continued to grow with critically acclaimed releases. CigarFinder compares Foundation prices across 17+ trusted retailers.

About Foundation Cigars

Nicholas Melillo is not your typical cigar brand owner — he is a trained tobacco agronomist who spent years studying leaf in the fields of the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Connecticut before ever blending a cigar. This scientific understanding of tobacco, combined with a passionate palate, gives Foundation cigars a depth that reflects true expertise.

Foundation's cigars are produced at the Aganorsa Leaf factory (TABSA) in Estelí, Nicaragua — one of the most respected boutique factories in the country. The Tabernacle is the flagship — a rich, full-bodied Connecticut Broadleaf-wrapped Nicaraguan blend that earned a spot on Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 in 2017. The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No. 142 uses a rare Havana seed Connecticut wrapper for a different expression.

The Wise Man Maduro is a bold San Andres-wrapped powerhouse. Highclere Castle is a refined, mild-to-medium cigar inspired by the real Highclere Castle (of Downton Abbey fame), produced in collaboration with the Carnarvon family. Olmec features a dark Mexican San Andres wrapper with ancient Mesoamerican-inspired branding. Charter Oak is the everyday value line delivering premium quality under $5.