Foundation Begins Shipping Second Batch of Highclere Castle Senetjer

In early July, Foundation Cigar Co. and Highclere Castle announced that the Highclere Castle Senetjer was becoming an annual release, with 500 boxes slated to be released each November. Today, the companies announced that those cigars are on their way to stores.

The Senetjer is a 6 3/4 x 52 perfecto that debuted in 2022 as a limited edition item from the two companies, with 2,800 boxes of 12 cigars produced as the cigar was announced as a limited edition. Now, an additional 500 boxes are being produced, which the two companies say will be an annual tradition.

The line is made at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A., with a blend that features an Ecuadorian habano wrapper over a Brazilian mata fina binder and an undisclosed filler blend.

This second batch will still be priced at $33 per cigar, the same price as the 2022 release.

“There was such an outcry and love for Senetjer that we all thought an annual November release was appropriate,” said Nicholas Melillo, owner of Foundation Cigar Co., in a press release.

Senetjer was released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhman’s tomb in November 1922 by archaeologists Howard Carter and George Herbert, who funded the operation.

Herbert was the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and his home was Highclere Castle, which was filled with artifacts from the expeditions he funded. Highclere Castle has more recently gained fame as the setting of the television show “Downtown Abbey.” Foundation Cigar Co. and George Herbert, the 8th Earth of Caravorn and the great-grandson of the aforementioned George Herbert, have an agreement that includes the production of Highclere Castle cigars.

The Senetjer line takes its name from the ancient Egyptian word for incense, which has been translated as “of the gods” and “that which makes holy.”

“I have been in love with the culture and history of Egypt since I was a little boy. It is a great honor to work on this project with Lord Carnarvon and Adam von Gootkin. This product is truly something unique and special.” said Melillo.

The cigar box is designed to be a replica of a storage box found in the tomb, other than the addition of Highclere Castle being translated in ancient hieroglyphics and inscribed on the facing of the box. The packaging for the Senetjer was designed in collaboration with archaeologists Colleen and John Darnell, and went on to place fifth in halfwheel’s 2022 Packaging Awards.