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Brand History:
Foundation Cigars, founded by Nicholas Melillo, is renowned for blending traditional cigar-making techniques with contemporary craftsmanship. The Charter Oak line pays homage to Connecticut, where the Charter Oak tree, a symbol of colonial independence, once stood. This brand represents a tribute to the history and heritage of the region.
Vitola Specifications:
- Name: Foundation Charter Oak Connecticut
- Vitola: Toro (6 x 52)
- Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan
Tasting Notes:
1st Third: The initial puffs greet the palate with a creamy and smooth profile. Delicate notes of cedar and almond offer a gentle introduction. The Connecticut wrapper provides a mild spice, complemented by a subtle sweetness resembling vanilla and a hint of white pepper. The draw is effortless, allowing for a generous smoke output. Chocolate and cedar notes continue as the retro hale is very smooth and creamy. Starts to transition into a savory chocolate oak and leather with a honey sweetness. Absolutely no hint of pepper through the retrohale or on the nose. Phenomenal retrohale for such a budget cigar. Mouthfeel is creamy and smooth with the burn being razor sharp for this sample. The aroma is quite muted as it is a bit breezy outside but the flavor profile to start is incredible. Definitely not what I was expecting from a $5 stick.
2nd Third: Moving into the second third, the flavors deepen in complexity. The creaminess continues, accompanied by a more prominent nuttiness and a subtle undertone of toasted bread. The cedar notes evolve into a woody character, enhancing the overall experience. The mild spice remains creeps up into the chocolate an a nice BBQ flavor. There is some sweetness left on the palate and flavor profile from the wrapper. The cigar transitions to more of a savory BBQ note with a touch of honey and a lot of chocolate and leather undertones. Aroma is toasty and sweet with some hay. At the end of the second third there is a beautiful malted chocolate note at the forefront of the prefile with hay, toast, and milk chocolate lingering on the back of the throat. Really impressed so far, this might have to be one of my go to daily smokes in my humidor.
Final Third: In the final third, the cigar maintains its creaminess and nutty ad chocolate core, while introducing a slight increase in spice. The woodiness becomes more pronounced, offering a satisfying earthy finish. The cigar starts to transition to a honey savory BBQ flavor. Tons of chocolate and nutty oak remain. The retrohale is buttery smooth . The sweetness lingers, balancing the profile until the last puff. The construction remains impeccable, ensuring a cool and even burn. The final third ends with a lovely milk chocolate and a leather note with a subtle spice in the background.
Food and Drink Pairings:
Food:
- Creamy goat cheese with crackers
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Mild white fish tacos
Drink:
- Classic gin and tonic
- Caramel iced coffee
- Aged rum with a splash of soda
Overall Score: 92/100
The Foundation Charter Oak Connecticut cigar impresses with its smooth, creamy profile and a well-balanced blend of flavors. The Connecticut Shade wrapper contributes to a mild spice and subtle sweetness that enhances the smoking experience. The construction and burn are exemplary, making this cigar a delightful choice for aficionados seeking a mellow yet flavorful smoke. Pairing it with creamy goat cheese and a classic gin and tonic elevates the overall enjoyment, emphasizing the gentle nuances of this exceptional cigar.
Check availability here and get $20 off for every order of $145 or more!