Blind Cigar Review: Foundation | The Wise Man (El Güegüense) Maduro Corona

Cigar Info

Foundation Cigar Company announced the The Wise Man (El Güegüense) Maduro in July of 2017 for IPCPR 2017 in Las Vegas, NV. The release is an extension to Foundation's El Güegüense brand released during IPCPR 2015, where the Nicaraguan puro enjoyed a successful launch and earned our Cigar of the Year.

The cigars are available in twenty-five count boxes in five traditional Cuban box press sizes and are being made at TABSA in Esteli, Nicaragua. The sizes include a 5 ½ x 50 Robusto, a 5 5/8 x 46 Corona Gorda, a 6 x 56 Toro Huaco, a 7 x 48 Churchill, and a 6 ¼ x 52 Torpedo. The cigars are priced in the range of $9-$13 USD. Foundation Cigar Company President and master blender, Nicholas Melillo, blended The Wise Man(El Güegüense) Maduro using Nicaraguan filler tobaccos from Condega, Esteli, and Jalapa and covered the cigar with a beautiful, oily, and dark San Andrés Mexican Maduro wrapper. This was done to create an independent and unique flavorful profile from the original El Güegüense.

Be sure to watch our interview with Nick at IPCPR:

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Corona
Length: 5 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 46
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: San Andres Mexico
Binder: Corojo 99 Jalapa
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA) 
Blender: Nick Melillo
Number of reviewers: 5 – Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd) Ryan H. (Ryan H.) Mickey T. (irratebass) Zane G. (Zane) John A. (John A.)
Price: $9.00
Age: 2 Months
Release Date: September 2017
Contributed by: Foundation Cigar Co.

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 94

“A very beautifully wrapped factory press very toothy wrapper about 5.5×42 tri capped moderate veins, but nothing that causes concern” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Aroma: 89

“On the nose I chocolate with floral mixed in with some earth. On the foot there is barnyard with cherries and some baker's spice.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

First Third

Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“This cigar hits with unique and bold flavor right away. It has some sweetness mixed with gentle spice. Something like nutmeg mixed with brown sugar. There are also elements of cocoa powder and a retrohale that is sweet, with just a little bite in the nostrils at the end.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)

“Cigar stops off with a blast of pepper on the lips and tongue. Retro also very heavy on the pepper. Few puffs in the cigar changed over to some sweet creamy cocoa.” –Zane G. (Zane)

Second Third

Flavor: 95
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Lots of roasted peanuts in the beginning of the second. Heavy cream elements this is turning into a nice smoking experience.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“The second third I am still picking up the sweet cocoa but mixed in with some gritty earthiness and a bit of toasted nuts. On the retro I am getting a light pepper with a bit of cinnamon.” –Zane G. (Zane)

Final Third

Flavor: 94
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Transitioning to the final third I am still getting that earthiness with a bit of bitter coffee. Not a ton of other flavors coming through the last third as the flavors mute a bit for me. Still enjoying the flavors I am getting. On the retro the pepper is almost non existent and I am only picking up a floral note.” –Zane G. (Zane)

“Earthiness intensifies along with notes of perfectly brewed dark coffee and beef jerky. Towards the end loads of leather, chocolate, coffee and roasted jalapeño fulfill my appetite until the very end. A delicious ending to a great cigar. ” –John A. (John A.)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 98

“This cigar had a perfect draw with lots of smoke output on the foot and my mouth.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Burn: 96

“No corrections were needed. Burned like a dream” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Construction: 94

“Although the wrapper looked rustic, that is to be expected from this variety (I am assuming it is San Andreas). But the cigar was cleanly rolled and had a nice box press to it. It was well made.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 96

“This was one of my favorite blind reviews ever. The flavors and complexity were simply amazing. I don't know if I've ever experienced combinations of flavors that reminded me of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Mexico all at once. Regardless of what this cigar turns out to be, I will be making a box purchase.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)

“I would look to buy more of these” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“This was a great cigar that was all over the place with transitions, it started out with floral mixed with chocolate, and this remained throughout the entire smoke, but cream kept battling for first place. I ended up grabbing my cigar tool so I could nub it since my fingers were starting to burn,” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“I was excited to smoke this cigar the moment I picked it up. Looks great, smells great, and overall performance was solid. For me I got some good flavor transitions but the cigar was not overly complex but it did keep my attention. I would for sure smoke again.” –Zane G. (Zane)

“The cigar for filled my appetite for a hearty smoke that would be great after any meal. It reminds me of one of my favorite cigars with a different wrapper and an amped up strength. I cannot wait to find out what it is so I can try the other sizes of this fabulous smoke.” –John A. (John A.)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 71

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Foundation | The Wise Man (El Güegüense) Maduro Corona

Overall Score – 95 – Excellent