This weekend on The Cigar Authority podcast, we are welcoming to the show Nicholas Melillo also know as Nick. R. Agua. He’s the owner of Foundation Cigar Company and he originally hails from the state of Connecticut. In addition to smoking his new Havana Seed CT #142 we will discuss the history of tobacco in the state. In order to get ourselves in the mood we decided to fire up a Wiseman Maduro Corona Gorda for review.
Cigar: Wise Man Maduro
Wrapper: San Andres (Mexico)
Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 (Jalapa)
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 47
Size: Corona Gorda
The Look: Much like the original El Gueguense, these cigars come packaged in cedar boxes of 25 cigars. Inside the Maduro wrapper pops against the red band that adorns the cigar. The band of the cigar pays homage to a satirical masterpiece called “El Güegüense” or “The Wise Man.” It is Nicaragua’s signature work of drama, the ultimate expression of its unique history, language, dance, and culture. This soft box pressed cigar has no voids of tobacco and a well packed foot.
The Notes: Once we clip the cap of the WiseMan Maduro there are notes of mocha and pepper with a subtle sunflower seed component. The aroma off the wrapper and foot of the cigar reminds me of mocha with nuances of cedar. Once the cigar is cut and toasted, the first draw of the cigar is that warm chocolate.
As we progress into the first third a dark espresso note becomes the focal point with some dark chocolate and a subtle raisin like sweetness that lingers on the finish. The retrohale of the cigar in this particular size is loaded with white pepper notes and a touch of wood.
Moving on to the second third the strength of the Wise Man Maduro kicks up a few notches. The profile continues to serve up a lot espresso, but there is also some caramel notes, vanilla and chocolate.
The last third sees a leather component develop with the slightest hint of mocha however white pepper is the focal point of the cigar especially when the retrohale is added into the mix.
The Finish: The Wise Man Maduro is one of my favorite cigars from Foundation Cigar Company. It’s rich with notes that fall right into my wheel house. Its medium to full in terms of perceived strength and full in terms of flavor. It’s a cigar that in my mind is the signature cigar from Nicholas Melillo and definitely worthy of space in your humidor.
Score: 91
Price: $9.99 / $222.99
Wise Man Maduro
Wise Man Maduro Foot
Wise Man Maduro Burn
