The Tabernacle Knight Commander draws inspiration from a prestigious honor bestowed upon Nicholas Melillo, owner of Foundation Cigar Company, by the Ethiopian Crown Council. Melillo was deeply humbled to receive the title of Knight Commander of the Ethiopian Star of Honor, an esteemed order of knighthood originally established by Emperor Menelik II in 1889. This order was granted to both foreign and domestic civilian and military officials for their dedicated service to Ethiopia. With great reverence, The Tabernacle Knight Commander pays tribute to this noble accolade, embodying the values of dedication and commitment to Ethiopia’s rich cultural legacy.
Nicholas Melillo expressed his deep appreciation for the honor, stating: “Receiving the Ethiopian Star of Honor is an extraordinary privilege and the honor of a lifetime. The Knight Commander vitola is my tribute to this esteemed recognition, and I am proud that all proceeds will directly contribute to charitable efforts, making a meaningful impact in the lives of Ethiopians.”
What truly distinguishes The Tabernacle Knight Commander is its mission-driven purpose. Foundation Cigar Company has committed 100% of all net wholesale proceeds from this exceptional cigar to support The Royal Ethiopian Trust. Through this initiative, the brand is dedicated to funding meaningful philanthropic endeavors, including education and entrepreneurship programs, as well as efforts to preserve and restore Ethiopia’s most significant historical artifacts. This commitment ensures that each cigar sold contributes directly to sustaining Ethiopia’s rich heritage and empowering future generations.
– Foundation Cigars
Bought from – Atlantic Cigars
Information:
Wrapper: USA (Connecticut Broaleaf)
Binder: Mexico (San Andres)
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli & Jalapa)
Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A
Aging (if any):
Single (MSRP): $40
Box (MSRP): $480 (Box of 10)
Availability: Limited yearly release
Size:
6 ¾ x 52 perfecto
Band/Packaging:
Eye catching band and beautiful box with a nice latch to lock it. Two trays inside of 5 cigars each. The band is represents Ethiopia well.
Wrapper:
Brownie in color, toothy
Construction:
Well packed, great pre draw, nice looking perfecto
THE REVIEW
Cold draw:
Cedar, earth, baking spice, cocoa
First third:
Bready, cocoa, cedar, salty, earth, pepper, oak, leather
Retro:
Chocolate, leather, earth, slight pepper, oak
Second third:
Pepper, chocolate, leather, earth, coffee, oak, baking spice
Burn:
A bit wavy but no issues
Smoke:
Tons of thick smoke
Final third:
Earth, chocolate, baking spice, pepper
Retro:
Chocolate, oak, pepper, leather, earth
Duration:
2 hours
Conclusion:
I’ve always enjoyed the thought, branding, and packaging behind Foundation’s releases, and this one is top tier. While the price is certainly up there, the box is beautiful and captures the story behind this blend. The cigar itself is a chocolate bomb with notes of leather and earth, and undertones of baking spices, pepper, and oak. This one stayed pretty consistent throughout with minimal changes in flavor. While the chocolate is really nice, the mix of earth and leather isn’t generally my favorite. This one does a nice job to marry the trio. Certainly a tasty cigar and one I’d suggest a 5 pack of.
