My Weekend Cigar Review: Charter Oak Pasquale

Grandpa Pasquale Was An Early Premium Cigar Influencer

In November of 2023 Foundation Cigars released the Charter Oak Pegnataro and Charter Oak Pasquale cigars. Foundation Cigars founder, Nicholas Melillo named the cigars after his two grandfathers, Pegnataro and Pasquale. Why? Because it was his grandfathers’ passion for Connecticut-made cigars that kindled Nicholas’s passion for the leaf. Rolled in one size with an all-Nicaraguan core, Pegnataro has a Connecticut Shade wrapper, while Pasquale dons a Connecticut Broadleaf.

“My love for handmade cigars exists because of my grandfathers,” said Nicholas. “Pasquale was an avid Connecticut Broadleaf smoker and Pegnataro loved Connecticut Shade. These blends are also completely different than the main Charter Oak core line. They are richer and more complex.”

Made at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Estelí, the producer for most of Foundation’s cigars, both Charter Oak Pasquale and Pegnataro production are limited to quarterly releases of 500 boxes of 12 cigars.

Cigar Details:

Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez - Estelí, Nicaragua

Size: 5½” x 48 box-pressed Robusto

Strength: Medium-Full

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Presentation: Box of 12 cigars

Charter Oak Pasquale Cigar Review

Both of my Charter Oak Pasquale samples were well-made, firm to the touch, and perfectly box-pressed. The Broadleaf Maduro wrapper was toothy and even in color with a slightly rustic appearance. The wrapper offered a sweet aroma, while I found a tea-like fragrance at the cigar’s base. Finished with a Cuban-style pigtail cap, I tore it off and the draw was just right with an herbal-like flavor.

Once lit, the opening puffs were peppery, but the smoke was smooth and aromatic. By the first half inch, the cigar had a black pepper snap to it on the finish.

Well past the first inch, the cigar seemed to have settled-in and became even smoother, medium-bodied, and well-balanced with an earthy-woody character. Even the spice began to subside a bit.

By the midpoint some sweetness began to creep in. Still smooth as glass, the cigar began to transition to a more full-bodied smoke. Darker notes of earth, wood, leather, and some sweet tobacco ensued, but were balanced enough to give each other breathing room. The spicy finish had also disappeared.

In the final furlong my Pasquale was still smooth, burning well, and I found no major changes to the flavor profile. As for the body, it hung at just under full by a thread. And finally, with 1½-inches left, that was all she wrote for me.

Was the Charter Oak Pasquale Weekend Worthy?

Definitely. Whether you’re already a fan of Charter Oak cigars, or just a fan of prime Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper period, the Charter Oak Pasquale has your name on it. Known for the quality of their U.S.-grown Connecticut wrappers, the Pasquale is an opportunity to discover the wow factor of Charter Oak’s Broadleaf.

For me, the Pasquale was mostly earthy and spicy, as I’d expect from a mostly Nicaraguan blend, but there were also some nice little segues along the trip. Foundation asserts that Pasquale is “geared to those seeking a more indulgent smoking experience,” and I agree; experienced smokers will have more of a head for this blend.

Nick Melillo noted that Pasquale is the kind of cigar his grandfather would smoke on a weekend or a special occasion. So, if you want to get the most out of the Pasquale, smoke it on a weekend or whenever you have the time to savor it slowly. It works.

Please Note: Gary’s review was based on two samples and that your experience may vary. If you’ve already had an experience with this cigar please share your thoughts and connect with us on your favorite social platform! Facebook Instagram X