When Nick Melillo left Drew Estate in 2014, the cigar world speculated on his next move. A year later, he launched Foundation Cigar Co., debuting with El Güegüense, a Nicaraguan puro that earned a Cigar Aficionado Top 25 spot in its first year. More than great tobacco, Melillo’s storytelling and deep industry ties fueled buzz. From Connecticut Broadleaf to infused Jamaican blends, Foundation grew fast, securing a Top 3 ranking by 2018. In just a few years, it became a boutique powerhouse.
Origins and Founding (2014–2015)
Nicholas “Nick” Melillo’s Background: Before Foundation Cigar Co existed, Nick Melillo had already made a name in the premium cigar world. He spent over a decade (2003–2014) at Drew Estate in Nicaragua, where he was Executive VP of International Operations and a master blender behind renowned cigars like Liga Privada No.9, T52, and Nica Rustica . His deep experience in tobacco purchasing, fermentation, and blending gave him significant credibility and a following among cigar enthusiasts. In May 2014, Melillo announced his departure from Drew Estate to pursue new opportunities, hinting at plans to create his own blends and brands . This news stirred speculation in online cigar forums and media, as fans wondered what the man nicknamed “Nick R Agua” (a play on Nicaragua) would do next.
Founding of Foundation Cigar Co.: After a year of planning and consulting work, Nick Melillo officially founded Foundation Cigar Company in June 2015, headquartered in his home state of Connecticut . Working initially out of a modest cabin office, Melillo poured his 12+ years of Nicaraguan experience into crafting a debut brand. He considered various brand concepts and drew on his passion for history and culture during the development phase . By July 2015, Foundation Cigar Co. was formally on the books and ready to launch its first cigars.
Debut at IPCPR 2015: Foundation made its public debut at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) trade show in New Orleans in July 2015 . The inaugural blend was named El Güegüense (pronounced el wah-WEN-say), meaning “The Wise Man” – a nod to a famous Nicaraguan folkloric dance and play. This 100% Nicaraguan puro was Melillo’s tribute to Nicaragua’s culture and tobacco heritage . He chose to produce it at TABSA (Tobacos Valle de Jalapa) in Estelí, a factory known for Aganorsa tobacco, ensuring top-tier Nicaraguan leaf and quality control . From the start, Melillo’s strategy was to infuse his products with authentic stories: each box of El Güegüense included a drawing of the folkloric character, and Melillo even displayed 16 hand-carved masks of El Güegüense at the trade show booth to immerse visitors in the cigar’s cultural inspiration . This creative presentation, combined with Melillo’s reputation, immediately set Foundation apart and created buzz on the convention floor.
Creating Buzz and Early Hype (2015)
Industry Anticipation: The launch of Foundation Cigar Co. was one of the most anticipated events of the 2015 IPCPR show. Both Nick Melillo and Steve Saka (another famed blender who had recently left Drew Estate to start his own company) were debuting new brands, and industry observers noted that expectations were sky-high for these cigar veterans . Melillo’s first line had the pedigree of his Drew Estate successes behind it, leading retailers and aficionados to line up to see if it would live up to the hype. As one media outlet put it, Melillo’s and Saka’s new cigars had “such a high bar…that it’s going to be hard for them to meet expectations” – a testament to the buzz surrounding Foundation’s inception.
Initial Release and Reception: El Güegüense made its retail debut in September 2015 as Foundation’s first cigar shipment went out . The blend featured Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 wrapper and binder with vintage 2011–2012 Nicaraguan fillers, all extensively aged in cedar . Early reviews from cigar blogs and enthusiasts were glowing, validating Melillo’s efforts. One reviewer described El Güegüense as “one of the most enjoyable cigars I’ve smoked in ages,” praising its bold yet balanced flavors and declaring it a “winner” . He marveled that this was Foundation’s first release, remarking that Melillo “hit one out of the park…Obviously, Melillo is a journeyman blender… I can only imagine what is ahead of him.” Such positive commentary spread through online cigar communities, from forums to Reddit, fueling consumer curiosity. In addition to taste, the cigar’s unique name and story sparked discussion; many asked how to pronounce “El Güegüense” and learned about its folkloric meaning, which further engaged the community . The brand’s deep Nicaraguan theme and Melillo’s personal narrative (an American blender who spent years in Estelí) resonated with aficionados looking for authenticity.
Quality and Story as Differentiators: Foundation’s early buzz was not driven by big-budget advertising, but by storytelling, personal reputation, and grassroots word-of-mouth. Melillo leveraged social media (posting as @nickragua on Instagram) and appeared on podcasts and interviews to share his passion for Nicaragua and tobacco. Each cigar in the Foundation portfolio had a meaning: El Güegüense was more than a cigar – it was a homage to the country that had become his second home . This narrative approach helped Foundation stand out in a crowded market. Retailers also noticed the packaging – the vibrant artwork and cultural symbols on El Güegüense’s boxes and bands were eye-catching and distinctive . By the end of 2015, Melillo’s new venture had successfully captured the attention of the cigar industry through a mix of personal branding and genuine enthusiasm that translated into a high-quality product.
Early Expansion and Strategy (2016)
Broadening the Portfolio: Building on a strong debut, Foundation Cigar Co. rapidly expanded its lineup in 2016. Melillo’s game plan was to offer cigars across different segments of the market – from ultra-premium connoisseur blends to everyday affordable smokes, and even an infused cigar line – thereby widening the brand’s appeal. In summer 2016, at the IPCPR trade show in Las Vegas, Foundation introduced three new lines :
- The Tabernacle: A super-premium cigar showcasing Melillo’s beloved Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Blended at AJ Fernandez’s factory in Estelí, The Tabernacle was Nick’s way of returning to his blending roots with rich Broadleaf tobaccos . “I want to show my love for Connecticut Broadleaf,” Melillo said, noting he was born in New Haven, CT – a state with its own cigar heritage . By partnering with AJ Fernandez (who gave Melillo access to some of his finest tobacco reserves), Nick crafted a blend combining Connecticut Broadleaf, Mexican San Andrés binder, and Nicaraguan/Honduran fillers . The Tabernacle’s presentation also stood out: the box and band featured an image of Haile Selassie, the 225th Emperor of Ethiopia, tying into the cigar’s biblical name (a reference to the Ark of the Covenant) and reflecting Melillo’s interest in history . This unique theme distinguished it on store shelves. The Tabernacle immediately garnered critical buzz upon release – media noted that it “received some buzz from the critics when it debuted in 2016,” validating it as a hit with those who had eagerly awaited Nick’s next Broadleaf creation .
- Charter Oak: A value-priced line created as an homage to Melillo’s home state of Connecticut and his family’s cigar traditions. Charter Oak cigars used Connecticut-grown wrappers (offered in both a golden Connecticut Shade and a dark Broadleaf variety) over Nicaraguan fillers, delivering rich flavor at an affordable $4–$6 price point . The name comes from the historic “Charter Oak” tree of Connecticut, a symbol of independence (and also a personal tribute – Melillo’s grandfather smoked local broadleaf cigars, inspiring Nick to craft an “everyday smoke” that didn’t break the bank) . By releasing a budget-friendly cigar without sacrificing quality, Foundation gained traction with a broad base of consumers. Even though Charter Oak was a wallet-friendly line, it still incorporated storytelling – the branding invoked Connecticut history from Native American tobacco cultivation to Revolutionary-era legends . This strategy of blending heritage with value helped Charter Oak stand out among other budget cigars.
- The Upsetters: Perhaps Foundation’s most unconventional move, The Upsetters is a line of infused cigars that combine Jamaican tobaccos with Nicaraguan tobaccos, drawing on Jamaica’s “roots” culture and herbal infusion techniques. Melillo, a longtime fan of Jamaican cigar heritage, created The Upsetters to offer a modern twist on Caribbean-infused cigars . By venturing into the infused/flavored cigar market (dominated by brands like ACID from his old company), Melillo showed he wasn’t afraid to diversify. The Upsetters cigar names and branding paid tribute to Jamaican reggae icons and Rastafarian culture, immediately piquing curiosity. Recognizing that this genre targets a different segment, Foundation partnered with Miami Cigar & Co. to handle distribution for The Upsetters, leveraging an established network to reach more retailers . Melillo also brought in Rick Ardito, a former Drew Estate colleague and industry veteran, as Executive Brand Manager for The Upsetters in mid-2016 . Ardito had been a key player in Drew Estate’s early growth (he was a partner and VP of Public Relations there) and was known for his flair in marketing. His mandate was clear: inject excitement and “ensure everyone is having fun” while promoting this “highly unique product” . These moves – a distribution partnership and a seasoned brand evangelist – were deliberate strategies to generate buzz and sales for Foundation’s most offbeat line. Media at the time described The Upsetters’ launch as “highly anticipated” , indicating that even a newcomer like Foundation could command attention when backed by strong personalities and fresh ideas.
By the end of 2016, Foundation Cigar Company had evolved from a one-blend startup into a multi-faceted brand with a robust portfolio. Melillo’s decision to tackle several market segments early on was risky, but it paid off by dramatically expanding Foundation’s footprint in humidors. Retailers could now carry a range of Foundation products – a connoisseur’s Nicaraguan puro (El Güegüense), a top-shelf Broadleaf (Tabernacle), an affordable Connecticut (Charter Oak), and a flavorful infusion (Upsetters) – each appealing to different customers yet all carrying Nick’s reputation for quality. This breadth made the brand more visible and harder to ignore in a competitive industry. Notably, the buzz from 2015 rolled straight into 2016, as publications and blogs kept highlighting Foundation’s rapid emergence. For example, at IPCPR 2016 the Foundation booth was bustling; one report noted that while the new Tabernacle drew the “bulk of interest,” smokers also were excited to see that Melillo even had a sub-$6 broadleaf offering (Charter Oak) on display . In short, Foundation succeeded in staying in the industry conversation through continuous, strategic new releases.
Breakthrough Moments and Industry Recognition (2016–2018)
Cigar Aficionado Top 25 (2016): The key catalyst that truly propelled Foundation Cigars into the spotlight was the critical acclaim for its first release. In late 2016, El Güegüense earned a spot on Cigar Aficionado magazine’s prestigious “Top 25 Cigars of 2016” list . It received an impressive 92-point rating from the magazine and was ranked among the year’s best cigars . (Cigar Aficionado ultimately placed it at No. 25 for 2016.) The magazine’s review praised the blend’s complexity, calling it “an interesting, tasty melange of Nicaraguan tobacco” . This was a monumental achievement for a debut brand in its first full year. The Top 25 accolade instantly elevated Foundation’s profile: cigar retailers who might have been on the fence now rushed to stock El Güegüense due to increased customer demand, and consumers who hadn’t heard of Foundation were curious to try the cigar that impressed the industry’s biggest publication. In many ways, this was the validation Melillo needed to cement Foundation as a serious player. Being anointed by Cigar Aficionado so early provided a huge publicity boost and opened doors to new accounts worldwide. Melillo himself acknowledged the honor, expressing gratitude that a project so personal to him and tied to Nicaraguan culture was being recognized at the highest levels .
Critical Praise and Commentary: Around the same time, other industry voices were lauding Foundation’s cigars. Niche publications and online reviewers continued to spread the word. For instance, Cigar Dojo highlighted The Tabernacle as one of the noteworthy broadleaf cigars of 2016, and noted Melillo “blended The Tabernacle at AJ Fernandez’s factory” to combine his Connecticut roots with Nicaraguan tobacco craft . The blend’s story and execution impressed many, reinforcing that Foundation’s success was not a one-hit wonder. Likewise, Charter Oak found its niche as a top “bang for the buck” cigar – it didn’t grab glossy magazine headlines, but it quietly became a popular recommendation for budget-conscious smokers. In fact, by the end of 2018, the Charter Oak Connecticut Shade Rothschild would earn a spot on Cigar Aficionado’s “Best Buy Cigars of 2018” list, underlining Foundation’s strength in multiple categories .
Building Momentum – New Releases and Innovations: In 2017, riding the wave of success, Foundation continued to release new products and special editions that kept enthusiasts talking. In July 2017, Melillo introduced The Wise Man Maduro – a maduro-wrapped line extension of El Güegüense – at IPCPR. This cigar took the original “Wise Man” concept and gave it a new twist with a dark Mexican San Andrés wrapper, offering a different flavor profile while maintaining the core Nicaraguan fillers . “We are overwhelmed with how El Güegüense has been received… I wanted to create a line extension with a whole different level of complexity,” Melillo said of this release . The Wise Man Maduro began appearing in stores by September 2017 and quickly gained a following, especially among those who love rich maduro cigars. It was another savvy move: rather than launching an unrelated brand, Melillo capitalized on the strong name recognition of his first hit by introducing an English-friendly name (“The Wise Man”) and a Maduro version, which also helped consumers who might have struggled with the El Güegüense pronunciation connect with the product. This strategy kept the El Güegüense brand in the limelight for a second year.
Top 3 Cigar of the Year (2018): Foundation’s biggest accolade came at the end of 2018. Cigar Aficionado awarded The Wise Man Maduro Robusto a stellar 95 rating and ranked it the No. 3 Cigar of the Year for 2018 . Achieving a Top-3 placement just three years into the company’s existence was extraordinary. It confirmed that Foundation’s early success was no fluke – Melillo could consistently produce top-tier blends. The Wise Man Maduro’s combination of a Mexican San Andrés wrapper with Nicaraguan binder/filler was celebrated for its depth and balance. For Nick, this was a full-circle moment: the man who had helped create Drew Estate’s award-winning blends was now earning equal acclaim under his own banner. The same year, Foundation’s Charter Oak also got its nod (as mentioned, making CA’s Best Buy list), showing the brand’s range from luxury to budget. These accolades served as inflection points: after 2018, Foundation Cigars was firmly on the map for any cigar shop or aficionado who follows ratings. Many in the industry cite the 2016 Top 25 inclusion as the spark and the 2018 Top 3 award as the explosion of Foundation’s popularity. Indeed, by 2019, demand for Foundation’s products had grown so much that the company had to scale up production and logistics, all while maintaining quality.
Industry and Community Reactions: Throughout this period, the cigar industry took notice in various ways. Retailers and distributors reacted positively – for example, Foundation secured wider distribution channels (in 2017 it partnered with certain large online retailers and expanded in European markets) on the strength of its reputation. Cigar media continued to feature Melillo in interviews and podcasts, discussing his blends and the cultural inspirations behind them. Notably, Foundation’s cigars also started appearing in the personal humidors of notable cigar lovers. A pivotal pop-culture moment came when popular podcaster and comedian Joe Rogan became an avid fan of Foundation Cigars. By 2020, Rogan was frequently seen lighting up Foundation’s “The Tabernacle” on his video podcast, even giving the brand on-air shout-outs to his millions of listeners: “My man Nick really knows cigars,” Rogan said in one episode . This kind of unsolicited endorsement from a celebrity aficionado further boosted Foundation’s cachet. While this happened slightly beyond the initial “early growth” years, it was the result of the foundation laid (no pun intended) in 2015–2018. In fact, Melillo recounts how he proactively sent a box of cigars and a custom ashtray to Rogan in 2020, which led to those products appearing on the Joe Rogan Experience show by late 2020 . Such stories illustrate how robust the buzz around Foundation had become: from cigar blogs and forums in 2015 to mainstream podcast mentions by 2020, the brand’s reputation was soaring. Industry reviewers by this time often included Foundation in the same breath as legacy companies when talking about top boutique brands.
What Made Foundation Stand Out in a Competitive Market
In just a few years, Foundation Cigar Company managed to distinguish itself in an industry crowded with both heritage brands and new boutique startups. Several key factors contributed to its standout success:
- A Revered Founder with Credibility: Nick Melillo’s expertise and track record gave Foundation instant legitimacy. He wasn’t an unknown newcomer – he was already respected as the blender behind famous cigars, which meant retailers and seasoned smokers paid attention from day one. This “name recognition” served as a foundation (truly living up to the company’s name) upon which the brand was built, and it helped foster consumer trust in the new products . In essence, Melillo was the brand in the early days, and his personal passion became its selling point.
- Authentic Storytelling and Branding: Foundation differentiated itself through the rich stories and cultural references infused into each cigar line. Whether it was Nicaraguan folklore (El Güegüense), American history (Charter Oak), biblical and Ethiopian iconography (The Tabernacle), or Jamaican reggae culture (The Upsetters), every product had a unique identity and narrative. This approach created an emotional connection and curiosity – the cigars weren’t just blends of tobacco, they were tributes to traditions and places. Such depth is relatively rare in a market where many brands lean on simple themes. Melillo’s genuine love for these cultures shone through, lending an air of sincerity that smokers appreciated. The creativity (e.g., colorful masks, legendary figures on box art) made the brand memorable and instantly recognizable in humidor displays.
- Strategic Buzz and Community Engagement: From the outset, Foundation leveraged modern channels to generate buzz. Press releases and social media announcements were timed around major cigar events, ensuring that news of the next Foundation project spread quickly. Melillo also engaged directly with the cigar community – doing small events, shop visits, and engaging on social media with the nickname “Nickragua,” which helped humanize the brand. The company benefited enormously from positive online reviews and forum discussions. Early adopters raved about the cigars’ flavor and construction, effectively becoming brand ambassadors. In 2015–2016, numerous blog reviews (Blind Man’s Puff, Leaf Enthusiast, Katman, etc.) and YouTube videos sang the praises of El Güegüense and later releases, creating a viral word-of-mouth effect. This kind of organic hype is priceless in the cigar world, and Foundation nurtured it by maintaining quality and consistency – there were no let-downs for the enthusiasts to report. Even rumors or teasers (such as what blend Nick might launch next) were covered in cigar news sites, keeping Foundation in the conversation constantly.
- Quality and Consistency of Product: All the buzz would have faded quickly if the cigars themselves didn’t deliver. But Foundation’s blends consistently earned high ratings and positive feedback, validating the excitement. Achieving Top 25 and then Top 3 in Cigar Aficionado showed that an independent boutique brand could compete with legacy Cuban and Dominican brands on quality. The fact that multiple lines (not just one hit) succeeded – e.g., El Güegüense and Wise Man Maduro and Charter Oak all getting recognitions – proved Foundation’s excellence across the board. This consistency built consumer loyalty; once smokers tried a Foundation cigar and enjoyed it, they were inclined to try others in the portfolio. Additionally, Melillo’s choice to produce cigars at top factories like TABSA and AJ Fernandez’s ensured skilled craftsmanship. As noted by one review, Foundation’s cigars were “handcrafted in Nicaragua at the AJ Fernandez factory or TABSA, where other small-batch labels like Illusione and Warped are produced,” implicitly associating Foundation with the highest quality boutique production . Such associations helped the brand stand out as a mark of quality in the minds of retailers and aficionados.
- Diversification and Innovation: In a conservative industry, Foundation showed a knack for smart innovation. By covering different market segments early (premium, value, infused), it captured a wider audience and also demonstrated versatility. Few new companies would launch an infused line in their first year while also releasing a traditional top-shelf cigar – it was a bold move that set Foundation apart as dynamic and not one-dimensional. Moreover, the blends themselves were innovative takes: a Nicaraguan puro when many others were sourcing broadly, a Broadleaf/Mexican hybrid blend, usage of Jamaican tobacco which had virtually vanished from the market, etc. These made Foundation’s offerings unique smoking experiences. Customers could sense that creativity. As a result, even in a competitive market, a cigar shop owner could justify bringing in Foundation cigars because they weren’t duplicative of other brands on the shelf – they brought new flavors and stories to the mix.
In summary, Foundation Cigar Company’s early growth (2015–2018) was driven by a convergence of Melillo’s personal reputation, a well-crafted multi-pronged strategy to generate excitement, and most importantly, cigars that lived up to the hype. The company carefully navigated its launch and expansion by balancing respect for tradition with fresh ideas. Industry veterans welcomed Foundation as an exciting newcomer, and cigar enthusiasts embraced it as a brand that delivered boutique authenticity and top-tier taste. Through key inflection points – a successful trade show debut, critical acclaim in 2016, strategic line extensions, and a major award in 2018 – Foundation steadily established itself as a fixture in the premium cigar landscape.
Timeline of Key Events and Inflection Points (2014–2018)
- May 2014 – A New Journey Begins: Nick Melillo leaves Drew Estate after 11 years, where he was instrumental in creating famous blends . He forms a consulting firm (Melillo International) and hints at developing his own cigar projects, sparking rumors in the cigar community about his next move.
- June 2015 – Foundation Cigar Co. is Established: Melillo officially founds Foundation Cigar Company in Connecticut , laying the groundwork for his independent cigar line. He spends the spring and early summer finalizing blends and branding for the debut release.
- July 2015 – First Public Appearance (IPCPR Trade Show): Foundation Cigar Co. debuts at IPCPR 2015 in New Orleans with El Güegüense (The Wise Man). Melillo unveils the Nicaraguan puro in five sizes, complete with culturally rich branding. The trade show booth features Nicaraguan folk masks and art, quickly becoming a talking point . Retailers and media flock to try Melillo’s cigar, as his and Steve Saka’s new ventures are the buzz of the show . The immediate positive reception sets a high bar for the young company.
- September 2015 – El Güegüense Ships to Retail: After a short post-trade show ramp-up, Foundation ships the first boxes of El Güegüense to retailers . Initial batches sell through as curious consumers purchase the “wise man” cigar. Early reviews hit blogs within weeks, praising its elegant full flavor and construction. Enthusiast sites like The Katman strongly endorse it, suggesting Melillo “nailed it” on his first try . These endorsements fuel further demand through the fall.
- Late 2015 – Early 2016 – Growing Word of Mouth: Through the end of 2015 and into early 2016, Foundation’s El Güegüense continues to gain steam. It earns a 92 rating in Cigar Aficionado magazine, positioning it for year-end accolades . Meanwhile, Melillo hints at new projects coming soon, keeping consumers intrigued. Online communities discuss the unique name and share tasting notes, effectively marketing the brand peer-to-peer.
- Mid-2016 – Portfolio Expansion: 2016 is a breakout year defined by rapid expansion. In May, Foundation announces The Upsetters (infused cigar line), and in July at IPCPR 2016, they officially launch three new lines: The Upsetters, The Tabernacle, and Charter Oak . Each targets a different niche:
- The Upsetters – Launch announced May 9, 2016, and showcased in July. By July 2016, a distribution deal with Miami Cigar Co. is in place to handle the line . The unique concept (Jamaican tobacco & Caribbean herbal infusion) and names like “Django” and “Skipper” catch attention. To support the rollout, industry veteran Rick Ardito joins Foundation on July 8, 2016, as Brand Manager for The Upsetters, generating headlines about the “highly anticipated” release . The Upsetters begin shipping later in 2016, marking Foundation’s entry into flavored cigars.
- The Tabernacle – Announced July 13, 2016 . Aimed at the premium market, it uses CT Broadleaf and is blended at AJ Fernandez’s factory. The cigar’s biblical/Ethiopian theme and bold packaging make it one of the most talked-about cigars of IPCPR 2016. Critics name The Tabernacle among the top new releases of the show . It ships in late summer 2016.
- Charter Oak – Announced July 18, 2016 . A budget-friendly line in two wrapper varieties (Connecticut Shade and Broadleaf) priced around $5. Melillo emphasizes its homage to Connecticut history and his grandfather’s cigars . Charter Oak reaches stores by fall 2016, quickly becoming a go-to value cigar for many shops.
By covering these fronts almost simultaneously, Foundation demonstrates aggressive growth. Media coverage in mid-2016 is extensive, with press releases and cigar news sites highlighting Melillo’s multi-pronged expansion.
- Late 2016 – First Awards and Top 25 List: In December 2016, Cigar Aficionado publishes its Top 25 Cigars of the Year. El Güegüense Corona secures a spot on the list (ranked #25 of 2016) . This is a watershed moment – the young company’s debut blend is officially among the year’s best. The Top 25 accolade, announced in print and online, puts Foundation on a nationwide stage. Around the same time, Cigar Journal and other publications also list El Güegüense in their year-end favorites. The cigar world reacts with congratulations to Melillo and acknowledgement that Foundation is a rising star. This achievement significantly boosts sales and awareness heading into 2017.
- July 2017 – The Wise Man Maduro Debuts: At IPCPR 2017, Foundation introduces The Wise Man Maduro (the English-named maduro extension of El Güegüense) . It features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, giving a new expression to the award-winning blend. Melillo makes this move to capitalize on the brand equity of “The Wise Man” while offering something fresh. The Wise Man Maduro begins shipping by September 2017 . It quickly receives high ratings from cigar reviewers, many of whom note it maintains the excellence of the original with a darker profile. This release keeps Foundation in the spotlight for 2017 and caters to fans who love maduro cigars.
- Late 2017 – Foundation Grows Operations: As business scales up, Foundation invests in its infrastructure. In late 2017, the company expands its presence in Connecticut’s tobacco valley, moving into a 50-acre farm property in the Connecticut River Valley as a base of operations (having outgrown the small cabin) . This move underscores Melillo’s commitment to Connecticut tobacco and provides space for an office, aging room, and public lounge/tasting area. It also becomes part of the brand’s narrative, as Foundation begins highlighting its Connecticut roots more (e.g., hosting events on the farm).
- 2018 – Accolades and Collaborations: 2018 proves to be a banner year:
- In summer 2018, Foundation collaborates on special projects like Highclere Castle Cigar (a cigar made for the Highclere Castle estate in England), showcasing Melillo’s blending prowess in partnership ventures – though not a core Foundation-branded line, it broadens the company’s prestige and reach.
- December 2018 – Top 3 Cigar of the Year: Cigar Aficionado names The Wise Man Maduro Robusto the #3 Cigar of 2018 with a 95-point rating . This is Foundation’s highest honor to date. Simultaneously, CA includes Charter Oak on their Best Buy list for 2018 , a rare instance of one company appearing on two of the magazine’s annual lists (premium and value). These recognitions cap off the early growth phase on a high note. Industry reaction is overwhelmingly positive – many retailers report a rush of customers seeking Wise Man Maduro after the list is published. Foundation experiences a surge in orders and visibility worldwide. For Nick Melillo, now about three years into running his own label, this is a validating milestone and an inflection point where Foundation transitions from “up-and-comer” to an established top brand in the boutique class.
- 2019 and Beyond – Continuing Momentum: (While beyond the “early” years, a few notes illustrate how the groundwork paid off.) In 2019, Foundation releases new extensions like the Tabernacle Havana Seed CT and limited editions (e.g., the event-only Menelik becomes a regular release). The company’s momentum continues into the new decade. By 2020, Foundation cigars gain high-profile fans such as Joe Rogan, bringing mainstream attention to the brand . In 2021, Rogan’s on-air mentions and social media buzz contribute to sustained demand. Foundation also keeps innovating with releases like Olmec in 2022 (which later earns its own accolades). These later developments all trace back to the solid foundation built during 2015–2018, when the brand’s identity, reputation, and consumer base were established.
Each of these key events and decisions – from Melillo’s bold leap in 2015, to the calculated product launches in 2016, to the critical praise in 2016 and 2018 – formed a timeline of steady ascent. Foundation Cigar Company’s early growth was not a meteoric overnight sensation, but rather a well-planned trajectory that combined savvy marketing with top-notch cigar craftsmanship. By focusing on quality, culture, and community from inception, Foundation created a lasting impression that helped it stand out and thrive in a competitive industry .
Sources:
• Cigar Coop – “Nicholas Melillo Leaves Drew Estate…” (2014)
• The Cigar Authority – “Foundation Cigar Co. Release Charter Oak” (2016)
• Cigar Vixen – “El Güegüense Debut…Press Release” (2015)
• TheCigarStore.com – “El Gueguense Cigars” (retailer background)
• Blind Man’s Puff – “Foundation Announces Wise Man Maduro” (2017)
• Cigar Snob Magazine – “Nick Melillo: Renaissance Man” (2024)
• Holt’s Cigar Co. – “The Tabernacle Review (brand history)”
• StogiePress – “Rick Ardito joins Foundation (Upsetters)” (2016)
• Famous Smoke (Cigar Advisor) – “Master Blenders: Nick Melillo” (Interview, 2023)
