The Charter Oak Original is the latest addition to the Charter Oak range, bridging the gap between the mellow Connecticut Shade and the bold Connecticut Broadleaf. Wrapped in a rich Ecuador leaf and filled with Nicaraguan binder and filler, it offers a medium-bodied profile that stays true to Charter Oak’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
Expect a well-balanced smoke with notes of spice, hot chocolate, and wood, rounded off by a deep, satisfying finish. Offering exceptional value, it was named Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Best Value Cigar.
This month, the Foundation Charter Oak Original Rothschild Cigar is our cigar of the month for August. Read our review below and be sure to order it this month to enjoy the cigar at our discounted price!
About the Foundation Charter Oak Original Rothschild Cigar
Owner: Nicholas Melillo
Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium
Size: Rothschild (4 1/2″ x 50)
Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop
The Beginning
The cigar opens with an unexpected dose of black pepper, layered over woodiness and distinct notes of peanut and peanut butter. Despite its lighter body, the flavours are punchy and well-defined. Pepper is more vivid on the retrohale, yet clean and balanced. As the first third progresses, the smoke gains body while maintaining a smooth, measured delivery. Flavour and body rest at a medium to medium-plus, with strength just below medium. Construction is excellent.
The Middle
A touch of milky creaminess emerges, subtle and not overly sweet, blending seamlessly with returning peanut butter notes. Retrohales brighten with crisp white pepper, contrasting nicely against the richer core. As this section unfolds, peanut butter fades into dry peanuts and light, dry wood, with hints of white pepper and a floral sweetness on the aroma near the end. This becomes a standout feature, adding complexity and elegance. Flavour and body remain in the medium range, with strength catching up. Construction continues to be flawless.
The End
Flavour shifts in the final third vary slightly between samples. The floral note softens, making way for drier wood and pepper, focused on the front of the tongue. Creaminess reappears, aiding overall balance. Some occasional chalkiness and mild earth emerge, slightly disrupting harmony but never overwhelming. Flavour ends at medium-plus with natural variance, body stays medium to medium-plus, and strength remains a steady medium. Construction is exceptional throughout, with no issues.
Burn & Draw
Excellent construction throughout. It burns evenly with firm ash and a consistent pace. The draw has ideal resistance, enhancing smooth flavour delivery.
Overall
The Charter Oak Original offers an engaging and evolving smoke, marked by clean pepper, creamy peanut butter, dry wood, and floral nuance. While some transitions bring minor imbalance, the overall experience is smooth, flavourful, and well-crafted. A fine choice for those seeking medium-bodied complexity with top-tier construction.
Ross Rating: 8/10
What alcoholic drink would I pair the Foundation Charter Oak Original Rothschild with?
The Foundation Charter Oak Original Rothschild cigar pairs very well with Compass Box The Story of the Spaniard Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Compass Box (70cl / 43%). A 2018 addition to the Compass Box core range, this is a blend of Highland and Speyside whiskies, significant portions of which have been aged in sherry casks and – most notably – Spanish red wine casks. Predictably, this is a delectable dram full of dark fruit and berry flavours with a heavy dose of rich, woody spice.
What soft drink would I pair the Foundation Charter Oak Original Rothschild with?
It would pair excellently with Dr Pepper.
Would I smoke the Foundation Charter Oak Original Rothschild again?
Yes, I would smoke the Charter Oak Original again. Its evolving flavour profile, especially the unique peanut butter notes, creamy texture, and balanced pepper, makes for an engaging and enjoyable experience. While there were minor inconsistencies in the final third, the overall construction, smooth transitions, and medium strength make it a solid repeat choice, especially for those who enjoy a nuanced Habano blend with great value.
