Highclere Castle is the highly recognizable backdrop for the award-winning television drama, Downton Abbey. Highclere Cigar Company is a partnership between Nicholas Melillo of Foundation Cigar Company and Highclere Castle meant to echo the style of cigars enjoyed in 19th century England. The castle’s history goes back to 1862 where the tradition has been to retire to the library after dinner for a cigar and spirits.
The blend for Highclere Castle Victorian starts with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, replacing the Connecticut shade of the original. Following that is a Mata Fina binder and Nicaraguan fillers including corojo and criollo from Esteli, Jalapa, and Ometepe. The sizes for the release are Churchill – 7 x 48, Toro 6 x 52, Corona 5 1/2 x 46, Robusto 5 x 50, and Petit Corona 5 x 42. All of the cigars come in boxes of 20.
“Nick is arguably one of the most well-respected cigar blenders in the industry,” said Highclere Cigar co-founder, Adam von Gootkin. “Partnering with him to craft this masterpiece cigar speaks to his obsession with quality while embracing the rich history of enjoying cigars at Highclere Castle. His access to rare tobaccos and high-quality, by-hand, production capabilities has led to this historic, award-winning line of cigars that we are incredibly proud to offer to connoisseurs.”
George Carnarvon, the current 8th Earl Carnarvon, owner of Highclere Castle and farmer of the 5,000-acre estate, says “Highclere House was transformed into the inspirational Victorian Castle, much loved today, during a time of confidence and exploration in the world. Cigars were smoked at home by leading statesmen, such the Prime Minister Lord Salisbury, a close friend of my great, great grandfather. In fact, Queen Victoria’s, husband, Prince Albert, helped improve Anglo-French relations by smoking cigars with Napoleon III. Good food, good wine and the best cigars have been part of our weekends, entertaining friends and guests from around the world.”