Foundation Cigar Company has announced a new vitola of the Menelik for The Humidour Cigar Shoppe of Cockeysville, MD. The limited-edition Foundation Menelik Corona Gorda is a collaboration with the Humidour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the store.
Our Humidour family first met Nick when he started in the industry back in 2003. There was an instant connection between us as Nick shared his knowledge about the growing of tobacco and blending of cigars. We were beyond excited with the formation of Foundation Cigar Company and requested a shipment of Foundation Cigars as soon as they were available. We were honored when Nick agreed to work with us on our 25th-anniversary cigar. We created the blend with Nick based on our favorite cigar size to smoke, a Corona Gorda. What an unbelievable smoke he created!
Humidour owner Finnie Helmuth
I'm so honored to be a part of the Humidour's anniversary celebration. Twenty-five years is a true testament to the quality that is the Humidour, and I believe this cigar is a perfect complement to the occasion.
Master blender and Foundation owner Nicholas Melillo
The Menelik was previously an event-only cigar up until June of 2019, then became a regular production line. The new vitola is a 5 ¾ by 46 ring gauge corona gorda. The blend uses a Mexican San Andres wrapper, Corojo 99 binder, and Nicaraguan long-fillers. It is described as a medium to full-bodied smoke, with flavors of dark espresso and spice.
Menelik gets its name from Menelik I, the ancient Ethiopian ruler who is said to be the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Menelik was also known as Ebna la-Hakim, which is Arabic for Son of the Wise, which relates to Foundation's El Güegüense and The Wise Man Maduro releases.
The limited-edition Menelik Corona Gorda will have an MSRP of $15.00 per cigar and come in 12-count boxes. Production is limited to 350 boxes and can be found exclusively at The Humidour Cigar Shoppe, Cockeysville, MD or online at www.humidour.com.