Tag: Nicaragua

  • ToG Releases Foundation Ceremony by Rare Finds

    Foundation Rare Finds Ceremony — a Foundation Cigar Co. collaboration exclusive to The Tobacconist of Greenwich. Two years in development. Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper grown in the same River Valley soil that has produced the world’s finest wrapper leaf for centuries.

    The Connecticut River Valley has been growing tobacco longer than the United States has existed. Long before it became the cradle of world-renowned Broadleaf, its soil was tended by the indigenous peoples who understood tobacco as something more than agriculture — a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, a vessel for prayer, gratitude, diplomacy, and communal ritual.

    Ceremony returns to that origin.

    The Collaboration
    When The Tobacconist of Greenwich approached Nicholas Melillo about building something for the Rare Finds Collection, the conversation didn’t start with wrapper grades or ring gauges. It started with history. With the Connecticut River Valley itself. With the iconic Indian emblem that has graced The Tobacconist of Greenwich brand for over fifty years — a symbol that demanded a cigar worthy of what it represents.

    Two years later, Ceremony is that cigar.

    The Leaf
    The wrapper is Connecticut Broadleaf grown in the same fertile River Valley soil that has defined American tobacco cultivation since before the nation existed. This is the leaf that built the Broadleaf reputation — dark, oily, substantial, capable of carrying a cigar while contributing its own distinct character. The binder and filler are drawn from Nicaragua, creating a medium to full-bodied profile that is at once grounded and complex.

    Earthy. Layered. Deeply satisfying.

    The Presentation
    Ceremony arrives in what may be the most striking packaging in Rare Findshistory. A hand-crafted leather presentation box — embossed, laced, and centered with a medallion bearing The Tobacconist of Greenwich’s iconic emblem. The box is a collector’s object before you’ve touched the cigars inside. Every detail of the presentation reflects the reverence this project demanded.

    The Maker
    Nicholas Melillo founded Foundation Cigar Co. on a belief that great cigars begin with great tobacco, great land, and unrelenting respect for the craft. Lines like The Tabernacle, Olmec, and Charter Oak have earned Foundation its place among the most respected independent cigar companies in the world. With Ceremony, Melillo has created something that honors both the history of the leaf and the partnership that made it possible.

    Why This Cigar
    Ceremony is more than a cigar. It is an invitation to pause — to recognize tobacco not merely as a leaf, but as something that has carried meaning across cultures and centuries. The Connecticut River Valley gave American tobacco its foundation. Ceremony pays that debt.

    400 boxes. 14 cigars per box. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

    Now available exclusively at The Tobacconist of Greenwich — trusted purveyors of rare and exclusive cigars since 1974.

  • Today’s Cigar

    107 degrees today. A quick AJ Fernandez Last Call Chiquitas
  • Now Live – Rojas Cigars Quiet Morning Cigar Unboxing

    Apologies for the lack of updates to the website as all my energy goes to the YouTube page. Nevertheless, we have a new unboxing, and this time it’s one of my favorite brands – Rojas Cigars. This new cigar blend is Noel’s take on a morning cigar, with a Connecticut Shade wrapper. Let me know what you think in the comments!

  • Plasencia Cigars Announces El Año del Caballo

    EL AÑO DEL CABALLO – THE YEAR OF THE HORSE EDITION.

    Drawing on 160 years of family tobacco legacy, this limited release
    honors the symbolic elegance of the horse while redefining
    the art of premium cigar construction.

    The centerpiece of the Parejo Gordo (7x 58) vitola is its signature
    horse-braid cap, a rare artisanal flourish executed by a trio of expert
    craftsmen: a master buncher, braider, and roller.

    The process requires twice the time of a standard cigar and precision humidity control to maintain the cap’s structural integrity. Each braid is sealed with a dual pañuelo wrap, preserving the integrity of this heirloom-quality finish.

    The tasting journey evokes the horse’s dynamic spirit – beginning with a graceful touch of creamy cacao and soft florals, evolving into toasted woods and subtle spice, and finishing with a long resonance of roasted nuts and sun-dried raisins. Each draw embodies the balance of power and elegance that defines the Plasencia legacy.

  • Drew Estate Releases Nica Rustica Connecticut Shade

    Recently unveiled during Freestyle Live, Nica Rustica Shade is the next chapter in Drew Estate’s ongoing dedication to the town and people of our Nicaraguan home. Lovingly wrapped in a gorgeous, Ecuador Connecticut Shade wrapper, Nica Rustica Shade delivers a sophisticated and refined profile of buttery smooth flavor with hints of wood.

    Inspired by the mellow breeze in the Northern mountains and the peacefulness of a slow Nicaraguan morning, Nica Rustica Shade is a lush, relaxing comfort. Nica Rustica Shade invites you in with a smooth and balanced core of flavor, marked with layers of intricate complexity. Built from luxury but priced for anyone’s indulgence, Nica Rustica Shade serves as a new chapter in our dedication to the towns and people of our Nicaraguan hometown.

    Available in three sizes: Coronita (4 x 46), Robusto (5 1/2 x 54), and Toro (6 x 50.

  • Now Live – Drew Estate Undercrown 10 Flying Pig Cigar Unboxing (International Exclusive)

    In November 2024, Drew Estate announced an international release of their Undercrown 10 in a new size, the highly coveted flying pig. This chunky little guy found his forever home and I’m excited to share this unboxing with you. Undercrown 10 is one of my favorite blends with eye-catching presentation and a flavor profile not to be missed. Click the link above for the full unboxing on YouTube.

  • Now Live – Padrón Cigars 3000 Series Maduro Cigar Unboxing

    Now Live on the YouTube channel is my latest unboxing, Padrón Cigars 3000 Series Maduro. This and the smaller, 2000 series, have become some of my favorite cigars for 2024 and 2025. The 3000 is an unforgettable journey of a Nicaraguan puro, aged to perfection. The cigar is priced for the everyman, making this an affordable, regular rotation cigar. Enjoy.

  • Now Live – Rojas Street Tacos Cinco de Mayo 2025 LE Cigar Unboxing

    Happy Cinco de Mayo!

    Now live on YouTube is the 2025 Rojas Street Tacos Cinco de Mayo 2025 Limited Edition. Now in its second year, Rojas has released an updated blend to last year’s Street Tacos Cinco de Mayo Limited Edition. This year, Noel Rojas uses a larger vitola, a 6 x 54 toro with an Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper, a Mexican San Andres binder, and fillers from Nicaragua and Connecticut Broadleaf.

    Production is limited to 2,500 boxes of 20 for 50,000 total cigars.

    MSRP is $12.50 per cigar/$250 per box.

  • Jack Schwartz Importer Now Selling Rojas Custom Blends

    Chicago’s famed tobacconist, Jack Schwartz Importer is now selling Rojas Custom Blends from cigar maker Noel Rojas. The Jack Schwartz team narrowed down five of their favorite blends and are happy to announce they are now available for sale and shipping immediately.

    Amount the blends available:

    Sumatra Toro
    Barber Pole Toro (Ecuadorian Connecticut/Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro Wrapper)
    Habano Shaggy Foot Toro
    Maduro Toro
    Maduro Gordo

    All cigars are made with Nicaraguan tobacco grown by Noel Rojas.

    Cigars come with no packaging or bands, making it a great value with most cigars in the $8 range, available as singles or in bundles of 30.