This week, Two Guys Smoke Shop received a couple new products from Nick Melillo’s Foundation Cigar Company. One of those items is one that I’ve been waiting patiently for since I heard it was coming out. The Charter Oak is a value priced cigar that comes in two different wrappers: a silky smooth Connecticut Shade and a dark and thick Connecticut Broadleaf maduro. Today, I’ll be taking a look at the latter since our friend Barry reviewed the Connecticut version earlier this week.
What am I Smoking?
Cigar: Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Lonsdale
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaragua (Jalapa, Esteli)
Length: 6.25 Inches
Ring Gauge: 46
Power: 6 / 10
Packaging & Design
These cigars come packaged in wooden boxes of 20 cigars. On the lid, there is an image of a giant oak tree that is a landmark in Nick’s home state of Connecticut. On the front side is the size designation burned into the wood. The only difference between the Connecticut and the Maduro boxes are a seal on the upper left hand corner, as pictured below.
The Look
The cigar itself looks great. It appears to be rolled with care, and the wrapper is flawless. The closed foot is a nice touch and offers some resistance on the prelight draw after cutting. Notes of wood and cocoa powder are the primary notes here.
The Smoke
After lighting, the cigar opens up after the closed foot burns away. It starts off at a solid medium body and shows notes of leather and bakers chocolate. The finish is long and lasts into the next draw.
The second third builds into a medium-plus bodied smoke and shows off subtle complexities of leather and earth. There’s not a lot of pepper to speak of, but it is certainly a smooth blend. The burn line is straight as can be, and the draw has a great amount of resistance as well.
Rounding home base, and the cigar is remaining fairly consistent since the second third. A bit of added heat makes the tasting notes more prominent than before and the finish is long and flavorful. I’m very impressed with the construction of the Charter Oak CT Broadleaf, it’s remained steady throughout the entire experience.
Final Thoughts
Nick is been working overtime to get great cigars out to the market ever since he started Foundation Cigar Company. And the Charter Oak is a great smoke, especially for the price it’s offered at. For all right around $5, you can enjoy a few of these without breaking the bank. They are all constructed with care and use tobaccos that marry well together. This one gets a solid thumbs up from me.
Rating: 91
Price: $5.49 / $95.99 (Box of 20)
Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Maduro Lonsdale
Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Maduro Lonsdale Details
