Cigar reviews
Foundation Cigar Charter Oak Especiales
Oct
There is a new Charter Oak in town, and this one isn’t like the others. This might seem a bit confusing, but I will explain it as best I can. Foundation Charter Oak has always been known as the budget friendly, great bang-for-your-buck cigar line. There are three kinds: Maduro, Habano, and Connecticut. However, this year, there is a new Charter Oak line known as Foundation Charter Oak Especiales, the Shade specifically called the Pegnataro and the Maduro Pasquale. Much like the originals, there is a US Connecticut and a Connecticut Broadleaf version. However, they don’t share the same price point as the first and they offer a different smoking experience. Owner and Blender Nick Melillo released the following in the press release:
“My love for handmade cigars exists only because of my grandfather’s. One was an avid CT Broadleaf smoker and the other loved CT shade. These blends are completely different than the core line of Charter Oak. They are richer and more complex. The Charter Oak core line would have been their everyday cigar and these new blends would be for the weekend or a special occasion. These blends are deeply personal to me, as they honor the legacies of my grandfathers. The CT Broadleaf and CT Shade wrappers represent their distinct personalities, allowing me to celebrate their individuality through exceptional cigars that bear their names.”
This new amped up release is only available in one size, a 6.5×48 box pressed Corona. Released in twelve count boxes, both blends are priced at $13. Quite a difference from the original lines, however, they also use high primings of tobacco. Underneath their wrapper leaves they use a binder from Nicaragua and fillers from both Jalapa and Esteli Nicaragua.
