Nick Melillo gave Foundation Aksum a new name in 2024, but the blend itself stayed the same, carrying over from the line once known as Metapa and drawing its inspiration from the ancient Kingdom of Aksum and the legend of the Ark of the Covenant. Handmade in Nicaragua, Aksum pairs Ecuador Sumatra wrappers in both Claro and Maduro over a Connecticut Broadleaf binder and Nicaraguan fillers from Estelí and Jalapa. The result is a refined, box-pressed smoke with enough richness to satisfy seasoned palates while staying balanced and polished from first light to the finish.
Claro leans medium with notes of coffee, roasted nuts, leather, sweet tobacco, and a light peppery edge, while Maduro pushes deeper with a fuller feel and darker character. Either way, Aksum carries that classic Foundation touch: old-world inspiration, sharp presentation, and flavor that feels thoughtful instead of showy. If your humidor has room for a cigar with heritage, body, and real boutique character, Aksum is an easy pick.
