The Tabernacle Cigar, by Foundation Cigars AKA Nick Melillo

There are so many reasons this cigar has to be talked about. This is one of those legendary blends by an absolute legend in the Industry. Originally, Mr. Nick Melillo worked for Drew Estate as the main tobacco purchaser for the company. As his talent became more refined, his knowledge of the tobacco craft increased. Later, he left Drew and started up his own company he aptly named Foundation Cigars. After the success of his initial launch with the Nicaraguan puro El Gueguense, he continued to blend other cigars using various tobaccos. One thing led to another and he later created the Tabernacle Cigar, a dark, oily Maduro using Connecticut Broadleaf.

It is not a wonder some call Nick Melillo the king of broadleaf. Some of you might have heard of the rather famous Liga Privada No. 9? Released through Drew Estate? This is a broadleaf stick and guess who blended it? That’s right, Mr. Melillo was there in the beginning. There are many comparisons between the Tabernacle Broadleaf and the Liga Privada No. 9. Are they the same cigar? I will never say, ‘Yes! If you want to smoke the No. 9, then smoke a tab. The No. 9 is a, well, a No. 9. And for that matter, the Tabernacle Broadleaf is a blend of its own. However, they do share some similarities! They were both blended by the same creator for one. For another, they both use high primings of Connecticut Broadleaf as their wrapper. The binder, however, is different. The Tabernacle by Foundation uses a San Andres from Mexico while the No. 9 a Brazilian Mata Fina. That being said, I found it no small coincidence that the fillers on these cigars are identical! Honduras and Nicaragua are found in both, showing a ‘theme’ in Melillo’s blending. Obviously, the combination of Broadleaf and these filler tobaccos like to play nice with each other.

That being said, the Tabernacle Broadleaf Foundation delivers a medium-plus smoke with a host of complexities. Flavor notes range from light pepper, earth, raisins, ripe fruits, espresso, and dark chocolate, sprinkled with hints of lingering sweetness. No, I will not say Foundation Cigars’ Tabernacle is the Liga Privada No. 9. It’s not. However, I will say, if you find yourself enjoying that cigar, try the Tabernacle. You won’t be disappointed.

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