The Menelik, since its heralded release as an event-only cigar in 2016, has been an elusive brand within the Foundation Cigars portfolio.
“I wanted to create a unique blend in limited quantities for those tobacconists that support all of our brands. It started as an event-only blend and has now become its own line.”
Nicholas Melillo, owner and master blender crafted the new Menelik Toro in a similar limited production. Menelik, the ancient emperor of Ethiopia, was said to be the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Menelik also translates into “Son of the Wise Man.”
This royal lineage extends to the presentation of this limited cigar. The Menelik Toro is dressed in a burnished gold foil band with traditional Ethiopian iconography that immediately stands out. The box interior contains artwork of Menelik looking poignantly into the distance, almost as if to protect the 12-count cigars within.
The Menelik Toro measures 6 x 52 and is the second size in the line. The Toro draws on similar cues from its Wise Man Maduro roots. One will notice that the familiar San Andres Wrapper provides strength and spice, a cornerstone of the varietal. The strength is tapered by the Corojo 99 binder and Nicaraguan fillers that complement the rich cocoa and earthiness.
The Menelik Toro will be available for pre-order purchase at this year’s PCA trade show in July and shipping to retailers throughout the country in late summer/early fall 2022.
Wrapper – San Andres Mexico
Binder – Nicaraguan Corojo 99 Jalapa
Fillers – Esteli, Condega, Jalapa, Nicaragua
Stick MSRP – $16.50 per cigar
Box MSRP – $198.00 per 12 count Box
