"During the first half of the first third, I wasn’t sure this was the cigar for me. Into the second third the aforementioned flavors of creamy baking spice, salted butter, and slightly savory paprika, mixed in with black coffee periodically, made for some great flavors. Retrohale was very pleasing throughout. The burn was razor sharp and the entire experience and construction were flawless. Overall a very good experience. PS… And that ash!" -Randy B. (randobush)
"Another great cigar that was a pleasure to smoke. Notes of sweet and bitter tea, honey, and burnt toast. Nice strong ash that hangs on for an inch or two. A cigar I'd want to have in my humidor and to share with friends. A nice after breakfast smoke." -Sean F. (fullermaine)
"Overall, this was a good cigar, it started off better than it finished however. The flavors went from sweet tobacco and vanilla changing to a harsher sweet tobacco with the vanilla going away. The only other flavor transition I picked up was in the final third it gained a coffee and cedar taste. Had it not been for the issues of construction and the multiple relites it would have been much more enjoyable. I would definitely try this cigar again hoping for better performance as the flavors were decent." -Angel M. (Angel)
"Really enjoyed this cigar but that might had to do with it being a late night smoke. It is very strong in terms of strength and flavor and would pair very well with bourbon if your so inclined. If you like full bodied cigar this would be a winner." -Alan (Eulogy)
Foundation Cigars is adding a 6 x 52 Toro to the Menelik line. The new size will be shown off at the PCA trade show next month. Menelik has been around since 2016 and was originally a event-only cigar. In 2019, it became more widely available in boxes of 12 as a limited release. The original size was a 4 1/2 x 52 short robusto.
"I would love to smoke this cigar again with an improved draw. The flavor notes were very nice but I dare say I missed out on the full experience due to the tightness. There could’ve been a little more oomph to the notes but it still was a pretty cigar to look at and a decent smoking experience." -Diana (ArmyRN)
"I feel like this is a great stick if it wasn't for the construction problems. The opening light cedar and floral notes seemed to be leading into some nice buttery leather and nuttiness. Sadly, I only got hints of what could have been. The fact I kept having to put fire to this cigar lead to some strong pepper and smokiness and a super dried-out palate. I would certainly revisit this blend in hopes of a better result. " -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
"While not the most complex, the flavor profile is definitely something of interest for me. There's a potency in it that I enjoy and it sticks around the entire time. Between that and it being well constructed, I have no issues suggesting you at least check these out. Unless of course, you prefer things on the lighter or milder side. Then maybe not so much. " -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
"This cigar had many of the things I enjoy... great construction, draw, and burn with a wonderful medium-full bodied profile. The complexity of this cigar was fairly decent as well, ranging in flavors from leather, black pepper, cream, peanut butter, and malt made for a fantastic combination. All these fine attributes made for a smoke I'd pick up again, and so should you!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
"This was a very enjoyable smoke. The flavors stayed present through all parts of the smoke. The thick mouthfeel was nice. The strong coffee flavor was intense to the point it felt like I was pairing a coffee with this cigar. Other notes of earthy, cocoa and mild black pepper spice came through as well." -Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
