Cigar Review: Foundation Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Toro

Master Blender Nick Melillo has been around tobacco all his life, a charmed existence indeed, culminating in the remarkable Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Toro cigar. Gifted with an innate taste for good longleaf, Melillo wasn’t long out of school before finding himself at Drew Estate, where he would rise to VP.

The desire to create his own brands necessitated a gracious departure, and soon, the Foundation Cigar Company was started in the same lush tobacco-growing region of Connecticut where Melillo grew up, which also happens to be the source of the magnificent Broadleaf wrapper that so gracefully covers the rich Nicaraguan filler at the core of each vitola.

Our Cigar of the Month for August is the Foundation Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Toro Cigar. Read our review below, or shop now to enjoy this cigar for yourself with our August discount.

About Foundation Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Toro Cigar 

Owner: Foundation
Factory: Tabacos Valle de Jalapa (TABSA)
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli, Jalapa)
Strength: Medium – Full
Size: Toro (6 x 52)

Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop

The Beginning

From the very start, it’s nice and nutty. The nuts remain dominant as cocoa notes begin to emerge as the first third comes to a close. The retrohale serves pumped-up notes of spice that last for a long time.

The Middle

In the middle of the cigar, the nuts and spice notes remain, as a coffee note becomes dominant by the halfway point. As the second third comes to a close, the mix of the flavours above works very well together.

The End

Towards the end sees the cigar come together, with subtle notes of dark cocoa, nuts and coffee. None of them stands out alone, but take turns appearing as some pepper tones develop on the retrohale of the cigar and the long finish continues.

Burn & Draw

Couldn’t ask much more from the burn as it was ever so sharp the entire way. The ash held on in about three-quarter-inch increments. The draw had just the right amount of resistance that I prefer.

Overall

A Connecticut broadleaf providing rich dankness and all the right spices, I just found my go to broadleaf cigar. I want people to give this cigar a try. Nick has created another great blend to add to the already incredible lineup at Foundation. Very impressive!

Ross Rating: 9/10

What alcoholic drink would I pair the Foundation Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Toro Cigar with?

A fruity mandarin-infused mezcal from Dangerous Don, Mandarina is double distilled and steeped with freshly-peeled fruit for a day before a third and final distillation. The palate offers notes of sweet agave, green grass, soft smoke and tangy mandarin that linger in the finish.

What soft drink would I pair the Foundation Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Toro Cigar with?

Sprite is all you need.

Would I smoke the Foundation Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Toro Cigar again?

Foundation cigars really deliver all things Nicaraguan and very well. This Toro ticks all the boxes, you can tell it was blended with this size in mind. For a sub-£20 Toro, this is incredible.