ELLINGTON, CT – Foundation Cigar Company’s new Charter Oak Pegnataro-CT and Pasquale-CT cigars are on their way to retailers nationwide. Named for Foundation Cigar founder, Nicholas Melillo’s grandfathers, Pegnataro and Pasquale, these new Connecticut Shade and Connecticut Broadleaf blends, respectively, serve as a heartfelt tribute to their lasting influence and cherished memories. Moreover, it was his grandfathers’ passion for Connecticut-made cigars that kindled Nicholas’s own passion for the leaf.
“My love for handmade cigars exists because of my grandfathers,” said Nicholas. “One was an avid Connecticut Broadleaf smoker and the other loved Connecticut shade. These blends are also completely different than the Charter Oak core line. They are richer and more complex.”
In addition to the family connection, the Charter Oak Pegnataro and Pasquale releases also pay tribute to the opening of Foundation’s new office, a 300-acre farm in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley tobacco growing region.
The Charter Oak CT Broadleaf Pasquale cigar revolves around the renowned Connecticut Broadleaf seed resulting in a dark, rich-looking Maduro wrapper. Full-bodied, the blend issues deep, earthy undertones balanced by notes of sweetness and strength. Robust and flavorful, the Pasquale is geared to those seeking a bolder, more indulgent smoking experience.
By contrast, the Charter Oak CT Shade Pegnataro is rolled in a golden-brown Connecticut Shade wrapper. Medium in body, its milder profile showcases an impressive depth of flavor that issues delicate hints of cedar, almond, and a subtle sweetness with a harmonious balance. Pegnataro will appeal to those seeking a more nuanced smoke.
“The Charter Oak core line would have been their everyday cigar,” added Nicholas, “while these new blends would be for the weekend or a special occasion.”
Charter Oak CT Pegnataro and Pasquale cigars will retail at $13.00 MSRP per-cigar and $156.00 MSRP per 12-count boxes. Production will also be limited to quarterly releases of 500 boxes.
“These blends are deeply personal to me, as they honor the legacies of my grandfathers,” said Nicholas. “The CT Broadleaf and CT Shade wrappers represent their distinct personalities, allowing me to celebrate their individuality through exceptional cigars that bear their names.” CA
Executive Editor
Gary Korb has been writing and editing content for CigarAdvisor.com since its debut in 2008. An avid cigar smoker for over 30 years, he has worked on the marketing side of the premium cigar business as a Sr. Copywriter, blogger, and Executive Editor of Cigar Advisor. A graduate of the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, prior to his career in the cigar business, Gary worked in the music and video industry as a marketer and a publicist.
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