Nicholas Melillo Announces Foundation Cigar Co.

A little more than a year after he announced his departure from Drew Estate, Nicholas Melillo has announced intentions for a cigar of his own.

While Melillo had already announced a consulting company, Melillo International, his cigars will be under the Foundation Cigar Co. name, a company he is establishing near his home in Connecticut.

The first release will be due out at next month’s trade show, a cigar produced at the AGANORSA-affailated Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA) In Estelí, Nicaragua.

“I have known and been purchasing tobacco from Eduardo Fernandez and his team since 2003,” said Melillo in a press release.

“It’s great to work with guys who really know their tobacco. They have welcomed me in with open arms and have given me access to their special cuartos anejamiento or, ‘aging rooms.’ I have personally selected some very special vintage tobaccos which possess some amazing flavors and complex characteristics. The variety of Nicaraguan tobaccos they have in the warehouse is incredible and some of the blends I have worked up are, well, let’s just say we are all very excited about them. The tough part in working up a few nice blends is deciding which cigar you like the best.”

In a press release, Melillo indicated that he would split his time between Nicaragua and Connecticut.

“On one hand, as president of the company and maker of the cigars, I will be out on the road and meeting people, which is what I have looked forward to for some time. On the other hand, I have to be in Nicaragua on the floor of the factory, which has been my home and I have spent the majority of my time for the past twelve years.”