Foundation Cigar Co.’s New Olmec Line Debuting at PCA 2022

At the 2022 PCA Convention & Trade Show, Foundation Cigar Co. will be releasing a brand new line called Olmec that the company describes as a tribute to Mexico and its ancient Mesoamerican people, which inhabited the San Andrés Valley in Veracruz, where cigar tobacco is grown.

In an announcement made initially through Cigar Aficionado and since confirmed by a press release, the company revealed that the line will use a Mexican San Andrés wrapper and will be offered in two versions, a claro and a maduro, with the latter the stronger of the two. Both versions will feature Nicaraguan binders and fillers, are being produced by AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua, and will be offered in the same five sizes:

• Olmec Corona Gorda (5 1/2 x 48) — $12.50 (Box of 12, $150)
• Olmec Robusto (5 x 50) — $13.50 (Box of 12, $162)
• Olmec Toro (6 x 52) — $14.50 (Box of 12, $174)
• Olmec Grande (6 x 60) — $15.50 (Box of 12, $186)
• Olmec Double Corona (7 x 52) — $16 (Box of 12, $192)

In a press release, the company said that the filler tobaccos undergo three years of aging after the fermentation process, while the wrappers are fermented slowly at low temperatures to preserve the leaves’ oils that contain their flavor.

The cigars are expected to arrive in stores in the late summer of early fall.

An email to Nicholas Melillo seeking images and details about Olmec, as well as confirmation about the accuracy of the report, has thus far gone unanswered. It is expected that a formal announcement will be made in the coming days.

Update (July 1, 2022) — Foundation Cigar Co. issued a press release and images, which have been added to the story.